BALTIMORE (WJZ)– There’s a sense of pride for all Orioles fans as the team’s beloved manager is recognized by a major national publication.

Kai Jackson has more on this big honor for Buck Showalter.

Fans say it’s a well-deserved honor for a very respected manager.

The Baltimore Orioles and their fans were on the ride of a lifetime this year. The Orioles made it into the playoffs after 15 long years and still got a hero’s welcome home after it was all over. It’s a season fans will remember.

“I think they had a great season. You know, they are viewed as kind of underdogs. They’re not going to the World Series every year—not that they are this year—but they still had a good run,” said Tracy Kania.

Now comes a major league honor for the skipper that navigated the team’s season. Sporting News has named Buck Showalter the American League Manager of the Year for 2012.

“That’s awesome! I did not know that. I’m hearing that for the first time, so wow, congratulations to him,” said Andrew Lepine.

Orioles fans think Showalter deserves the Manager of the Year award. Yet, in a sign of humility, Showalter told Sporting News he gives the credit to his players and the coaching staff.

Showalter has managed the Birds since 2010. In that time, he’s insisted his players work hard and pay attention to details, a managerial style from a skipper of few words who demonstrates that actions speak the loudest.

“We’re going to try to win every game we can and trying to put ourselves in position,” Showalter said.

Buck and Angela Showalter have two children who are now adults.