Rookie of the Year is an award presented yearly by Major League Baseball to a rookie player who has exemplified outstanding performance on the field It is considered one of the most prestigious awards a rookie can receive, as it helps to introduce them to the world of baseball and helps to build their reputation.
The choice of a Rookie of the Year is determined by a panel of sports media and baseball writers who assess how each rookie contributed to their team’s success during the season. In order to qualify for the award, the player must have more than 130 at-bats and not have been eligible to play before the current season.
Below are five of the most renowned players who have taken home the Rookie of the Year award in the major leagues:
1. Mike Trout: In 2012, Mike Trout became the tenth Angel to win the award. He had an outstanding season, finishing with a batting average of .326 and mashing 30 home runs and 83 runs batted in (RBI). He also showcased his speed and base stealing skills, ending the year with 49 stolen bases.
2. Ichiro Suzuki: Ichiro Suzuki was the first ever Seattle Mariner to become Rookie of the Year when he won the award in 2001. He hit .350 that year, along with 8 home runs and 69 runs batted in. His standout performance in the field, along with his incredible base stealing prowess (56 stolen bases) made him an easy choice for the award.
3. Jackie Robinson: Jackie Robinson was the first African-American to ever win the Rookie of the Year award, doing so in 1947. He had a .297 batting average, 12 home runs and 48 runs batted in, leading the Dodgers to the World Series that year. He was an inspirational figure in baseball, and his award was a sign of the greater progress being made in the game.
4. Fred Lynn: In 1975, Fred Lynn became the first rookie to ever win both the Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player Award. He was a standout on both sides of the ball, posting a .331 batting average with 21 home runs and 105 runs batted in.
5. Carlton Fisk: In 1972, Carlton Fisk broke through with a Rookie of the Year award for the Boston Red Sox. He had a .293 batting average with 22 home runs and 61 runs batted in. His defensive play behind the plate was also outstanding, as he threw out more than 44% of all attempted base stealers.
These five players have made their mark in baseball history with their amazing performances on the field. With every passing year, new rookies strive to live up to the standard set by these players and win the Rookie of the Year award.