When the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy opened in 2014, the franchise that bears its name hoped the brand new facility would help make a positive difference in the lives of underprivileged children in Southeast Washington.

Ten years later, the academy has made a difference for more than 6,000 local kids and has established itself as one of the premier youth facilities run by any professional sports organization. So much so that Major League Baseball is now bestowing a significant honor on it to commemorate its 10th anniversary.

MLB announced today the Nationals have won the 2024 Allan H. Selig Award for Philanthropic Excellence, one of the sport’s highest honors, for its decade of service through the youth academy.

The Selig Award, named for former commissioner Bud Selig, was created in 2010 to recognize the charitable and philanthropic efforts of major league clubs. The Nationals become the 12th franchise to win the honor.

“The Nationals Youth Baseball Academy is a terrific example of how our clubs are making a difference in the lives of young people with opportunities on and off the field,” commissioner Robert Manfred said. “I congratulate the Lerner family, the Washington Nationals organization, Nationals Philanthropies and the entire staff at the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy for this well-earned recognition. We are proud to celebrate their efforts, and we look forward to their continued impact throughout the Greater D.C. region.”

Ownership of the Baltimore Orioles has officially changed hands.

Major League Baseball owners voted unanimously today, as expected, on David Rubenstein’s purchase of the team two months after the wheels were set in motion. And about 24 hours before the Orioles begin their pursuit of a second consecutive playoff berth.

Camden Yards will be packed on Thursday for Opening Day. Rubenstein will be watching as the control person.

“On behalf of Major League Baseball, I thank the Angelos family for their many years of service to the game and the communities of Baltimore,” commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement.” Peter Angelos loved Baseball, loved Baltimore and was an important part of MLB for more than three decades.

“I congratulate David Rubenstein on receiving approval from the Major League Clubs as the new control person of the Orioles.  As a Baltimore native and a lifelong fan of the team, David is uniquely suited to lead the Orioles moving forward.  We welcome David and his partners as the new stewards of the franchise.” 

Amid the excitement of the Orioles making the playoffs for the first time in seven years came the sad news that Baltimore had lost one of its legends.

Hall of Fame third baseman Brooks Robinson passed away today at the age of 86. And nothing else seemed important.

A statement from the team and Robinson’s family read:

“We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of Brooks Robinson. An integral part of our Orioles Family since 1955, he will continue to leave a lasting impact on our club, our community, and the sport of baseball.”

Nicknamed “The Human Vacuum Cleaner,” Robinson won 16 consecutive Gold Glove Awards in a 23-year major league career spent entirely with the Orioles. He also made 18 All-Star teams – chosen Most Valuable Player in 1966 – was named MVP in the American League in 1964 and was selected MVP of the 1970 World Series, when everyone learned of his defensive prowess.

SAN DIEGO - A grand tradition of the Winter Meetings is the enormous media scrum that sets up for agent Scott Boras in the lobby area. Occasionally informative and often entertaining.

The Orioles’ unexpected rise to contender status in 2022 and executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias’ vow to seek ways to improve the major league roster have put them back on his radar.

“Baltimore, they’re birds of prey,” Boras said. “They’ve feathered up.”

Don’t overthink it. Whatever “feathered up” means, it’s vintage Boras.

“They have an amazing young core,” Boras added, before listing clients Gunnar Henderson and DL Hall. “There are a number of young players that they’re stocked with, and I think they’re trying to supplement this young nucleus. They really feel like they’re ready to compete.”