Pitcher Dontrelle Willis became the first member of the Florida Marlins to win a BBWAA award in the franchise’s 11 seasons as he was named the National League winner of the Jackie Robinson Rookie
of the Year Award.
Willis, 21, was listed first on 17 of the 32 ballots cast by two writers from each league city, second on nine and third on six to finish with 118 points, based on a 5-3-1 tabulation system. The lefthander, who won nine of his first 10 decisions and finished the regular season with a 14-6 record and a 3.30 ERA, was the only player named to every ballot.
Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Scott Podsednik (.314, 9 HR, 58 RBI, 100 R, 43 SB) received eight first-place votes and was the runnerup with 81 points. The other seven first-place votes went to Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Webb (10-9, 2.84 ERA), who placed third with 73 points. In all, nine players gained mention on the ballot.
The vote:
2003 NL Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year
| Player | Club | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DONTRELLE WILLIS | Florida | 17 | 9 | 6 | 118 |
| SCOTT PODSEDNIK | Milwaukee | 8 | 10 | 11 | 81 |
| BRANDON WEBB | Arizona | 7 | 10 | 8 | 73 |
| MARLON BYRD | Philadelphia | 1 | 3 | 6 | |
| MIGUEL CABRERA | Florida | 1 | 3 | ||
| BRAD LIDGE | Houston | 1 | 3 | ||
| JERIOME ROBERTSON | Houston | 2 | 2 | ||
| JOSE REYES | NY Mets | 1 | 1 | ||
| TY WIGGINTON | NY Mets | 1 | 1 |