Blue Jays award winners

TORONTO , Sept. 21 /CNW/ - The TORONTO BLUE JAYS are proud to recognize the achievements of MATT BRIGGS, JIM D'ALOIA, CHARLIE WILSON and ALBERTO QUINTANA with awards for excellence in Amateur Scouting, Professional Scouting, Player Development, and Community Service, respectively.

BRIGGS, 31, has been selected as the 2009 recipient of the AL LAMACCHIA AWARD given annually to a scout that exemplifies the work ethic and perseverance best demonstrated by the longtime Blue Jays executive for whom the award was named. BRIGGS joined the organization in 2004 and is currently responsible for scouting North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia . The Morganton, North Carolina native has signed catcher J.P. Arencibia (2007, 1st round) and infielder Brad Emaus (2007, 11th round) among others and most recently was responsible for signing the Blue Jays 2009 first round selection, right handed pitcher Chad Jenkins out of Kennesaw State University.

D'ALOIA has been named the Blue Jays 2009 PRO SCOUT OF THE YEAR. Since joining the Blue Jays in 2006, he has demonstrated diligence, insight and excellence in professional scouting making him more than deserving of this honour. D'ALOIA is responsible for monitoring all four of the Blue Jays full season minor league affiliates as well as keeping a keen eye on the National League East Division. The Lakewood, New Jersey resident first broke into professional baseball after being selected in the 22nd round of the 1980 June free agent draft by the New York Yankees.

WILSON is being recognized as this year's recipient of the BOBBY MATTICK AWARD for excellence in Player Development. The Toronto , Ontario native has spent the last six seasons in Dunedin, Florida as Manager, Minor League Operations. He first joined the club in 1993 as an intern in the Public Relations Department. Upon graduation from Bishop's University he joined the Baseball Operations Department on a full-time basis. WILSON continually demonstrates a tremendous level of dedication to his work and the organization. His ability to manage seven minor league clubs while continually building relationships is a tribute to his excellent organizational skills and engaging personality.

QUINTANA has been named this year's winner of the COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD. This past season Alberto impacted the Manchester, New Hampshire community and beyond. Highlights of his efforts included the American Red Cross Blood Drive, public speaking and participation in charitable Fantasy Camps. QUINTANA was active away from the ballpark as he traveled over three hours to Lebanon , New Hampshire to enrich the lives of kids at the Children's Hospital at Dartmouth.

For further information: Toronto Blue Jays Communications Department, Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone], www.bluejays.com