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Cubs Honor 2011 Minor League Community Service Award Winners

September 20, 2011 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Iowa Cubs News Release


CHICAGO - The Chicago Cubs today announced their first class of minor league community service winners, a new set of organizational awards to be presented annually to a player from each of Chicago's four full-season minor league affiliates who demonstrates strong community spirit and leadership.

Right-handed pitcher Jay Jackson (Triple-A Iowa), infielder Nate Samson (Double-A Tennessee), infielder Justin Bour (Single-A Daytona) and left-handed pitcher Austin Kirk (Single-A Peoria) represent the inaugural class of winners.

All four players will be honored tonight during an on-field ceremony prior to the Cubs contest at Wrigley Field against the Milwaukee Brewers.

In nominating Jay Jackson for the award, the Iowa Cubs state that "Jay is becoming known as much for 'pitching in' around the community as he is for pitching. During the 2011 season, Jay helped with youth baseball camps, Miracle League games, spent time with groups from the Make-A-Wish foundation and Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and visited with residents at an assisted living center."

Jackson, 23, went 8-14 with a 5.34 ERA (87 ER/146.2 IP) in 26 starts with Iowa this season. He was originally selected by the Cubs in the ninth round of the 2008 Draft.

In nominating Nate Samson for the award, the Tennessee Smokies state that "Nate has attended every Smokies Player appearance this season in the community, including visits to our partner in education schools, Chilhowee Intermediate and Sevierville Primary, visits to East Tennessee Children's Hospital and to Young Williams Animal Center." The Smokies also speak to Nate's great repoire with fans and his willingness to sign autographs and availability to interact after nearly every game.

Samson, 24, hit .236 (65-for-276) with 17 doubles, five home runs and 31 RBI in 113 games with Tennessee this year. He was originally selected by the Cubs in the 34th round of the 2006 Draft.

In nominating Justin Bour for the award, the Daytona Cubs state that Justin brought his energy as an instructor for the Cubs baseball camps. He truly took a vested interest in teaching the kids and interacting with them, leading to many great comments from parents about 'hanging with the big home run hitter.'" Justin was also an eager participant with fans during special days at and away from the ballpark.

Bour, 23, batted .277 (139-for-502) with 30 doubles, 23 home runs and 85 RBI in 133 games with Daytona this season. He was originally selected by the Cubs in the 25th round of the 2009 Draft.

In nominating Austin Kirk for the award, the Peoria Chiefs state that Austin "related well in the community when it came to kids. He was the first to sign up for appearances with little league teams. Kirk was also ready and able to sign autographs for anyone at any time. He was involved with the Kids Club party, and does well when speaking in front of kids."

Kirk, 21, went 5-12 with a 4.29 ERA (72 ER/151.0 IP) in 29 appearances (28 starts) with Peoria this season, including a no-hitter on July 4 vs. Clinton. He was originally selected by the Cubs in the third round of the 2009 Draft.


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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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