Former Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz reacts on third base after Mookie Betts drives in 2 runs with a double in the 8th inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium in New York City on September 28, 2016. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI |
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David Ortiz added another trophy to his collection Wednesday as the retired Boston Red Sox designated hitter was named the winner of the 2016 Hank Aaron Award as the best the hitter in the American League.
Ortiz was presented with the award before Game 2 of the World Series between the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians. The award is decided by fans and a panel of Hall of Famers that includes Roberto Alomar, Johnny Bench, Craig Biggio, Ken Griffey Jr., Eddie Murray and Robin Yount.
Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant received the award for being the National League's top hitter.
"I congratulate David Ortiz and Kris Bryant on earning the 2016 Hank Aaron Awards," commissioner Rob Manfred said. "David created an extraordinary legacy with the Red Sox. Fans will never forget his consistent excellence at the plate and his performances on the game's greatest stages."
Ortiz concluded a 20-year career in Boston's Game 3 loss to Cleveland on Oct. 10. In his final season, he batted .315 with 38 home runs and 127 RBIs.
The 10-time AL All-Star played in all 76 of Boston's postseason games since 2003. Ortiz also retired as Boston's all-time postseason leader in homers (17), doubles (19), extra-base hits (38), hits (80), runs (51), RBIs (57) and walks (59). The three-time World Series champion was named MVP of the 2004 AL Championship Series and the 2013 Fall Classic.
A favorite to win the NL MVP, Bryant batted .292 with 39 home runs, 102 RBIs and led the NL with 121 runs. The 24-year-old became the fourth Cub in team history to total at least 120 runs, 35 doubles, 39 home runs and 100 RBIs in a single season.
Bryant also joined Andy Pafko (1945) and Hall of Famers Ernie Banks (1955) and Ron Santo (1964) as the fourth Cub in the past 100 years to reach 100 RBIs in his age 24 season or younger.
Shortly after being honored, Bryant singled and scored Chicago's first World Series since 1945 on Anthony Rizzo's double.
