Walker, Wilson win top organizational awards

The Orioles have chosen first baseman Christian Walker as the organization's minor league Player of the Year and right-hander Tyler Wilson as the Pitcher of the Year for 2014.

Walker receives an award named after Brooks Robinson, while Wilson takes home an award that honors Jim Palmer. The Orioles will introduce them to fans at Camden Yards during tonight's game against the Reds.

An award named after Brooks Robinson and the Reds are in town? Sound about right to me.

Director of player development Brian Graham and director of minor league operations Kent Qualls will hand out the awards during an on-field ceremony.

Walker, a fourth-round pick in the 2012 draft out of South Carolina, batted a combined .288/.357/.489 with 25 doubles and two triples, and led the organization with 26 home runs and 96 RBIs, spead over 139 games at Double-A Bowie and Triple-A Norfolk. He also drew notice for his improved defense at first.

Wilson, a 10th round selection in 2011 out of Virginia, went 14-8 with a 3.67 ERA in 28 starts at Bowie and Norfolk. Ten of his wins came with the Baysox.

Wilson allowed 162 hits, walked 43 and struck out 157 over 166 2/3 innings this season.

Walker and Wilson were placed on the taxi squad in Sarasota.

Pitcher Mark Blackmar, traded to the White Sox over the weekend for outfielder Alejandro De Aza, has been named this year's recipient of the Elrod Hendricks Minor League Community Service Award.

Blackmar, the Orioles' 16th-round pick in 2011 out of Templey, displayed "outstanding dedication to the community while spending his season with the Frederick Keys," according to the Orioles' press release. He made numerous appearances in the Frederick community on behalf of the Keys, including helping with a camp at the stadium, telling stories to children at multiple library appearances and mingling with fans at the annual Celtic festival."

The Single-A Delmarva coaching staff of manager Ryan Minor, pitching coach Alan Mills, hitting coach Paco Figueroa and coach Shawn McGill has been named the winner of the Cal Ripken Sr. Player Development Award, presented to minor league staff members who exemplify the qualities of the late Oriole who is regarded as the architect of "The Oriole Way."

The Shorebirds staff earned the award due to multiple player development successes, including producing seven league All-Stars, coaching South Atlantic League batting champion Chance Sisco, overseeing a pitching staff that led all of the minor leagues in ERA in the month of May, and the progress and promotions of players such as Steven Brault, Drew Dosch, Hunter Harvey, Mitch Horacek, Trey Mancini, Jimmy Yacabonis and Mike Yastrzemski.

Midwest Supervisor Jim Richardson will receive the Jim Russo Scout of the Year Award, named in honor of the man who spent 33 years in various scouting capacities with the Orioles beginning with their move from St. Louis in 1954.

Richardson has been an Orioles scout for 10 drafts, having started with the organization in 2004. His draft signings as an area scout or supervisor include current Orioles Zach Britton and Kevin Gausman and minor leaguers Parker Bridwell, Buck Britton, Dylan and Bobby Bundy, Tanner Scott and Ashur Tolliver.