Former Jayhawk Price Named a Finalist for Tampa Bay Rays' Award

Jan. 5, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. –

Former Kansas second baseman Robby Price has been named a finalist for the Erik Walker Community Champions Award by the Tampa Bay Rays organization. The award is presented annually to one Rays minor league player who exemplifies teamwork, sportsmanship and community involvement.

The award is named after former Rays’ minor league pitcher Erik Walker, who died tragically in 2006 in a canoeing accident. Nominees embodies the qualities of Walker, recognized as a great teammate and a caring person who enriched the lives of people in need and inspired others to do the same.

The Rays recognize each finalist by donating $500 in each player’s name to the charity of their choice. Price’s donation will go to the Brock Wilkerson Memorial Cancer Research Fund.

“I’m truly humbled to have been named a finalist for the Walker Award,” Price said. “Having lost my grandfather to cancer, I am pleased to designate this small gift to fight the disease.”

A 13th-round draft pick by the Rays in 2010, Price hit .294 with 17 doubles, two homers, 23 RBIs and 36 runs scored for Tampa Bay’s New York-Penn League affiliate – the Hudson Valley Renegades (Class A) – during his first professional season. Price also stole 13 bases in 14 attempts and led the league with a .437 on-base percentage.

The Kansas team locker room in the McCarthy Family Clubhouse is named in the memory of Brock Wilkerson, a former KU student who died of cancer.

“It was an honor to walk into that facility every day,” Price said. “I am thrilled to be able to say ‘thank you’ and give this award to the Brock Wilkerson Foundation.”

For more information on the Brock Wilkerson Memorial Cancer Research Fund, please visit the website: http://brocktrot.org/index.htm .