CHICAGO -- Jerome Walton, the fleet center fielder who helped carry the Chicago Cubs to a startling division title, Wednesday was named National League Rookie of the Year by the Baseball Writers' Association of America.
He captured 22 of 24 first-place votes for 116 points to beat Cubs right fielder Dwight Smith by 48 points. The last time teammates finished 1-2 in NL Rookie of the Year voting was in 1957 when pitcher Jack Sanford of Philadelphia finished ahead of first baseman Ed Bouchee.
'After the season was over, I sat back at home and thought I had a good chance to become Rookie of the Year,' said Walton, who roomed with Smith while the team was on the road. 'I'm glad he's the runnerup. I'm glad I won, though.'
Walton, who jumped from Double A to the big leagues, enjoyed a 30-game hitting streak this year, the longest in baseball, longest in modern-day Cub history and second-best ever by a rookie. His speed and defensive poise helped make the Cubs a sensation after they finished fourth in 1988.
'When I was in Double A last year, I didn't think I'd have a chance to make the club this year,' said Walton, nicknamed 'the Juice,' the first Cub to capture Rookie of the Year honors since second baseman Ken Hubbs in 1962. 'It means a lot. I didn't expect to be here.'
The 24-year-old from Newnan, Ga., who grew up idolizing Atlanta Braves outfielder Dale Murphy, hit .293 in 116 games, with five home runs, 46 RBI and 24 stolen bases. He posed a threat at the top of the order with 30 infield hits and 18 bunt hits. In the 113 games he started during the regular season, he opened games by reaching base 40 times and scored a first-inning run 21 times.
His first major-league hit was on Opening Day April 4 -- an RBI triple off Philadelphia's Floyd Youmans. After spending a month on the disabled list due to a hamstring tear, Walton returned to string together his 30-game hitting streak from July 21-Aug. 21.
Smith, who with Walton gave the Cubs one of the youngest and best outfields in baseball, earned the other two first-place votes and finished with 68 points. Walton was the only player named on all 24 ballots. Two votes come from each of the league's 12 cities. Votes were tabulated on a 5-3-1 basis.
Walton is the second Cub to claim a postseason honor this year, with Don Zimmer being named NL Manager of the Year. Besides Walton and Hubbs, the only other Cub to recieve Rookie of the Year honors was Billy Williams (1961).
Others receiving support in the voting were: Gregg Jefferies of the Mets (18 points), Derek Lilliquist of Atlanta (6), Andy Benes of San Diego (3), Charlie Hayes of Philadelphia (3) and Greg Harris of San Diego (2).
