Lough, Dyson Win Royals Awards
Published on December 15, 2009 under Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release
KANSAS CITY, MO- Northwest Arkansas Naturals outfielders Jarrod Dyson and David Lough were named Tuesday as Kansas City Royals' organizational award recipients for their on-field achievements during the 2009 season.
The two Naturals are amongst 13 organizational honorees slated to be recognized at the 2010 Royals Awards Night, presented by James B. Nutter, scheduled for Thursday, January 14th at the Overland Park Convention Center in Overland Park, KS.
The speedy Dyson has been named as the Willie Wilson Base Runner of the Year - recognizing the organization's top base runner. Dyson, the 25-year old from McComb, MS, stole a combined 46 bases in 56 attempts between the Naturals and Class-A Burlington in 2009. The Royals' 50th-round selection from the 2006 Draft swiped two more bases and hit .310 for the Surprise Rafters in the Arizona Fall League and was added to KC's Major League 40-man roster in November.
Lough was named as recipient of the George Brett Hitter of the Year - recognizing the organization's top hitter. The 23-year old outfielder had a breakout season in 2009, combining for a .325 average with 28 doubles, four triples, 14 home runs, 61 RBI and 19 stolen bases between the Naturals and Advanced Class-A Wilmington. The Clinton, OH resident was the club's 11th-round selection in 2007.
Two other notable players who won awards may see time with the Naturals sometime during the 2010 season. Wilmington first baseman Clint Robinson is the winner of the organization's Mike Sweeney Award - recognizing a player who best represents the Kansas City Royals' organization on and off the field. The 24-year old Dothan, AL resident, the Royals' 25th-round pick in 2007, batted .298 with 13 homers for the Blue Rocks. Off the field, Robinson logged over 36 hours to Wilmington schools and camps as well as the local Children's Hospital. According to the Blue Rocks community relations staff, Robinson made himself available for each and every community appearance. Robinson is a likely to begin his 2010 campaign in a Naturals uniform.
Wilmington left-hander Mike Montgomery will receive the Paul Splittorff Pitcher of the Year - recognizing the organization's top pitcher. The Royals sandwich selection (36th overall) in 2008, the 20-year old posted a 2-3 record with a sparkling 2.17 ERA in 12 starts for Class-A Burlington last season before his promotion to the Blue Rocks. The 6-foot-5 lefty continued his success for the Blue Rocks, compiling a 4-1 mark with a 2.25 ERA in nine starts. Montgomery may not begin the 2010 season in Double-A but is a reasonable bet to join the Naturals' rotation at some point during the upcoming season.
Information on how to purchase tickets for the awards event and further details for all 13 award winners is available at www.royals.com. The Naturals offer our heartfelt congratulations to all of the organization's award recipients.
The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark, located in Springdale. The 2010 season begins on Thursday, April 8th. Visit our website, nwanaturals.com, for information on season tickets and ticket plans.
Texas League Stories from December 15, 2009
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- Lough, Dyson Win Royals Awards - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
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.
