Blue Jays honour employees for scouting, development

BALTIMORE -- The Blue Jays recognized a number of employees Wednesday afternoon with their annual awards for excellence in amateur scouting, professional scouting, player development and community service.

Ryan Fox was selected as the 2013 recipient of the Al LaMacchia Award, which is given annually to the amateur scout who best exemplifies the work ethic and perseverance demonstrated by the longtime Blue Jays executive for whom the award is named.

Fox has served as an amateur scout in the Blue Jays' system for the past four years. He previously worked for the Nationals, and during his career has been responsible for signing the likes of Sean West, Drew Storen, Derek Norris, Ross Detwiler and Jeff Kobernus.

David May picked up the pro scout of the year award and has been with the Blue Jays organzation since 2010. He previously worked for Atlanta, Arizona and Seattle, and is the son of former Major Leaguer Dave May Sr.

Mike Mordecai was recognized as this year's recipient of the Bobby Mattick Award for excellence in player development. The former Major Leaguer is best known to Blue Jays fans for his work in aiding the transition of Brett Lawrie to third base. Mordecai has worked closely with a lot of the club's Minor League infielders to help craft their overall defensive game.

The final award went to Kevin Nolan, who was named the winner of the community service award. The 25-year-old was a shortstop with Double-A New Hampshire and received the honor because of his efforts in the community. His work included visits to the Boys & Girls Club and the Children's Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock, and appearing at a local sporting-goods store in Nashua, N.H., for the spring registrations for Nashua Little League.