Adam Jones on his community service award and some O's topics

As one of four players in the majors last season to win both a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Award, Adam Jones keeps pretty good company on the field. But after receiving an award last night, he is keeping good company now off the field as well. Jones received the Babe Ruth Museum's Community Service Award at the Sports Legends Museum at Camden Yards. It was the headline of another "Babe's Birthday Bash," a celebration of the legendary Hall of Famer who was born in Baltimore 119 years ago yesterday. The award was created to honor Ruth's memory by recognizing an active or former professional athlete or individual with ties to the Maryland sports community, who has demonstrated a strong devotion to Baltimore and the state of Maryland by giving back to the community. Previous recipients include O.J. Brigance and his wife Chanda, Matt Stover, Edwin Mulitalo, Brian Roberts, Melvin Mora, Nick and Christina Markakis and the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation. "Adam may not understand just how important he is to our community. What he gives back to the youth of Baltimore. You know, Babe Ruth loved kids and Adam has that affinity for kids just like Babe did," said Mike Gibbons, the executive director of the Babe Ruth Birthplace Foundation. Jones was clearly flattered to be honored for his community service. "It is not about receiving awards, but it is about helping the youth and creating opportunities," he said during a press conference. "Luckily I'm in a position to do that. Professionally, this is my long-term home and it just made sense to do the right thing in the community. "It's a comfortable place to play. The fans have, over the last six years, made it very comfortable. I like the constructive criticism that comes with playing on the East Coast. It's a little different from the West Coast. It toughens you up and makes you have a thick skin and I appreciate it." Last year, Jones and the Orioles Charitable Foundation, donated $75,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of Baltimore to help provide a new Learning and Technology Center. Jones also donated baseball equipment to 30 teams as part of the Orioles' RBI program, a youth outreach program focused on reviving baseball in inner cities and increasing the self-esteem of disadvantaged children, encouraging them to stay in school and off the streets. Other community organizations Jones supports include the Cool Kids Campaign Foundation, Jackie Robinson Foundation, and OriolesREACH. Additionally, in 2012, Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake presented Jones with a Key to the City for his extensive work with Baltimore City youth and children from the Y of Central Maryland. What part of that work is Jones most proud of? "It is just the impact. Not about being proud of anything. Knowing I am giving them an opportunity," he said. "I've put in the infrastructure and now it's up to you to show your determination. That is the whole thing I get out of it. I just want to create the opportunity. "I never thought I'd be in the situation I'm in right now and it's humbling that your name is recognized among a lot of people that are doing good things in the community and not just being recognized as a baseball player. "Coming from where I came from, I didn't come from the best everything, but I made the best out of it. I want to create the opportunities where someone from the inner city could be the next me or anyone that is giving back."

Our Community Service Award presented to @Orioles All-Star @SimplyAJ10 at @MDSportsMuseum #BabesBash pic.twitter.com/7R2nE22EWd

— Babe Ruth Birthplace (@BabeRuthMuseum) February 6, 2014

Jones also spoke on a few Orioles on-field topics. Are the O's good enough right now to be a contender? "I always see us as a strong contender. The last few years have proved that we know how to play the game. Our core is getting a little bit older and smarter. And we're still trying to add some pieces to this puzzle. I'm excited." Is he concerned the O's haven't added much talent this offseason? "I'm not stressed out about it. That's his job. (Dan Duquette's) sitting on the phone calling agents. I'm sitting at home working out. I'd reach out to anybody if need be. I know (A.J.) Burnett lives close to me. I'll go to his house and take him some steaks if need be. If they needed me to help, I'll help." What about any fans disappointed in the offseason. What do you say to them? "I think they were disappointed last offseason, too, that we didn't add much, right? Still had a pretty good year. Even the year before, did we really add a lot, between 2011 and 2012? So, I mean, I think we are just getting better as a core. Now we just have to figure out the small pieces to make this engine run."