Miscellaneous Awards & Honors

World Series Babe Ruth Award

The New York Chapter of the Baseball Writer's Association of America (BBWAA) established a World Series MVP Award in memory of Babe Ruth in 1949, the year after the Bambino's death. The award is voted on during a local chapter meeting some time after the Series has concluded.

World Series Sport Magazine Award

In 1955 Sport magazine introduced its World Series MVP version, presented in cooperation with the Chevrolet Motor Company. The winner of the Sport award was originally chosen by the magazine's editors, but the voting process eventually went to a committee of sports reports and officials. The award is now sanctioned by Major League Baseball, and has eclipsed the Babe Ruty Award in prestige and public recognition. The Sport award is voted on during the final game of the Series and is presented immediately following its conclusion.

The Roberto Clemente Award

In 1971 the Commissioner's Office created a new annual award honoring the player who best exemplified baseball on and off the field. Consideration was given to a player's sportsmanship, community involvement, and contribution to his team and baseball. On March 12, 1973 the award was named for Roberto Clemente, the Pittsburgh star who had died 10 weeks earlier during a mercy mission. The Clemente Award is selected by a panel of baseball executives and media personnel.

The Lou Gehrig Memorial Award

Established in 1955 by Gehrig's college fraternity and administered by the fraternity's national headquarters in Oxford, Ohio. It is presented annually to the major league baseball player who both on and off the field best exemplifies the character of Lou Gehrig, a Columbia University 1925 graduate and a member of Phi Delta Theta. The award is announced each spring.

The Fred Hutchinson Memorial Award

The Hutch Award is presented annually to a major leaguer who best exemplifies the character, dedication and competitive spirit of the late Red's manager. Fred Hutchinson, who died Nov. 12, 1964 at age 45, had been a well-respected major league pitcher and manager for most of a quarter-century. Consideration is given to players who overcome major physical adversity, and show dedication to their team, community, and family. Voting for the prestigious Hutch Award is done by a panel of baseball writers and broadcasters.

The Sid Mercer Memorial Award

Sid Mercer, a talented and beloved sportswriter in St. Louis and New York, suggested and arranged for an Outstanding Player of the Year award to be presented each January at the New York BBWAA chapter's awards dinner. The Sid Mercer award honors outstanding achievement and high contribution to major league baseball.

The MLB Players Association Players Choice Award

Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), starting in 1992, awards the Outstanding Player, Outstanding Rookie, and Comeback Player of the year for each league. The Players Choice Awards are unique because the electorate consists of the players themselves. Voting each September is by secret ballot.

The Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year Award

The editors of Sports Illustrated have honored a Sportsman of the Year since 1954, the year the magazine started. Although the award can be presented to a player in any sport, baseball players have been honored throughout the years.

Player of the Month Award

Major League Baseball honors one player from each league (N.L. 1958 to present, A.L. 1974 to present) as voted on by baseball writers and broadcasters.

Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year Award

The Award is presented each year by Baseball America since 1981 to honor the best performing prospect, ignoring older players who succeed in the minors as a result of many more years of experience.

The USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award

The Golden Spikes Award is presented each year since 1978 to the baseball player who exhibits exceptional athletic ability AND exemplary sportsmanship. For the previous twenty-four years, USA Baseball has honored the top amateur baseball player in the country with this award. The Golden Spikes Award is sponsored by the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), underscoring the commitment of Major League Baseball players to the grassroots development of baseball programs, particularly for youth, around the world.

The Rotary Smith Award

Beginning in 1988, the Rotary Smith Award honors College Baseball's Player of the Year, as voted on by college baseball publicists, former winners and the coaches of those former winners. The special award is given annually by the Rotary Club of Houston, pays tribute to R.E. "Bob" Smith - the force behind the Houston Colt .45s / Astros and still finds time to help several charities.

College World Series Most Outstanding Player

The Most Outstanding Player Award is announced at the completion of the College World Series Championship Game. Media representatives attending the men's College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska vote on the Most Outstanding Player beginning in the fifth inning and closing by the eighth inning.

MVP Award Trivia

Catcher & Pitcher Placing 1st & 2nd in MVP Voting
Year	Lg	Winner	Runner-up
1933 1938 1951 1968 1999	NL NL AL AL AL	Gabby Hartnett, CHI Ernie Lombardi, CIN Yogi Berra, NY Denny McLain, DET Ivan Rodriguez, TEX	Dizzy Dean, STL Bill Lee, CHI Ned Garver, STL Bill Freehan, DET Pedro Martinez, BOS

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