BALTIMORE, Md. – Former Lynn University assistant coach and catcher Donovan O'Dowd was named the winner of the 2024 Jim Russo Scout of the Year Award, the Baltimore Orioles announced today.
 
O'Dowd was a member of the Lynn Fighting Knights for over a decade before going pro. He played two seasons as one of the conference's premiere defensive backstops, and was a career .309 hitter, for Lynn from 2004-05. He then served as the top assistant for head coach Rudy Garbalosa, working with catchers, aiding with in-game strategies, coaching third base, and serving as the recruiting coordinator. O'Dowd helped guide Lynn to its 2009 National Championship.

 
He joined the Orioles in 2019 and, according to the club, "took the initiative to learn and implement the organizations scouting philosophy into his process, bearing down on defense and using video to supplement his reports. In addition to his evaluation skills, O'Dowd became a bridge between the front office and the scouts in the field, speaking up and sharing his opinion in a respectful and critical manner."
 
O'Dowd's recent signees include two of the Orioles top three draft picks in 2024, as well as two undrafted free agents who are thriving this year. He will accept the award tonight during Minor League Awards Night.