Articles by Jeff Fletcher

Mike Trout wins AL Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year unanimously

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim center fielder Mike Trout was a unanimous choice as the American League winner of the Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Award, the BBWAA announced on MLB Network today. Trout, 21, was listed first on all 28 ballots submitted by two writers in each league…


Bryce Harper narrowly wins NL Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Award

Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper won the National League Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Award in a close election over Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Wade Miley, the BBWAA announced on MLB Network today. Harper (.270, 22 home runs, 59 RBI) placed first on 16 ballots cast by two writers representing…


Longtime Reds shortstop Barry Larkin elected to Hall of Fame

Barry Larkin, a 12-time All-Star, nine-time Silver Slugger and three-time Gold Glove winning shortstop, was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America in balloting verified by Ernst & Young. Larkin, 47, will be inducted into the Hall July 22 at the Clark…


Bob Elliott, giant of Canadian sports journalism, wins Spink

Bob Elliott, who has been a positive influence on an entire country for the past 30 years as a writer, columnist and ambassador for baseball and Canada, was elected the 2012 winner of the J.G. Taylor Spink Award in balloting by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. He will be…


Ryan Braun slugs his way to 2011 NL MVP

Milwaukee left fielder Ryan Braun, whose slugging and clutch hitting helped the Brewers win the National League Central title, was named the league’s Most Valuable Player in balloting by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. Braun, who turned 28 last Thursday, was listed first on 20 ballots and second on…


Justin Verlander completes rare double, winning MVP to go with Cy Young

Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander, the unanimous choice for the American League Cy Young Award this year, added the AL Most Valuable Player Award trophy to his collection as well in balloting by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. Verlander, 28, became the first starting pitcher in 25 years to…


Clayton Kershaw Rides Pitching Triple Crown to Cy Young

Los Angeles Dodgers lefthander Clayton Kershaw, a Triple Crown of pitching winner with league-best totals of victories (21), earned-run average (2.28) and strikeouts (248), won the National League Cy Young Award in balloting by the BBWAA. Kershaw, at 23 the youngest Cy Young Award winner since 20-year-old Dwight Gooden of…


Rays Skipper Joe Maddon wins Manager of the Year again

Joe Maddon, who guided Tampa Bay from a nine-game deficit in the wild-card standings on Sept. 3 to the Rays’ third playoff appearance in four seasons, was named the American League Manager of the Year for the second time in his career. Maddon, 57, was listed first on 26 of…


Kirk Gibson wins NL Manager of the Year

Kirk Gibson, who directed the Arizona Diamondbacks in a worst-to-first season as winners of the National League West title, was voted NL Manager of the Year in balloting by the BBWAA. Gibson, 54, placed first on 28 ballots and second on the other four of the 32 ballots, submitted by…


Justin Verlander wins AL Cy Young unanimously

Detroit Tigers righthander Justin Verlander, who won the Triple Crown of pitching by leading the American League in victories (24), earned run average (2.40) and strikeouts (250), was a unanimous choice for the league’s Cy Young Award. Verlander, 28, was named first on all 28 ballots cast by two writers…