Jeter, Pujols Win Second Aaron Award

Jeter, Pujols Win Second Aaron Award

By Pat Dean for Sport Shorts on CMN

November 04, 2009 – (Cable Muse Network) --New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter and St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols were rewarded with Major League Baseball’s Hank Aaron Award for outstanding offense.

The 10 time A.L. All-Star Jeter hit .334 with 107 runs scored, 18 home runs, 66 runs batted in and stole 30 bases. The Yankee captain also set a franchise record in hits passing Lou Gehrig (2,721) and broke Luis Aparicio’s record for hits by a shortstop (2,673).

The reigning N.L. MVP Pujols batted .327 with a career-high 47 home runs, 135 runs batted in, 124 runs scored and five grand slams.

The award marked the second time that both of the future Hall of Fame players earned the honor. Pujols previously won for the N.L. in 2003 and Jeter for the A.L. in 2005. Aaron praised Jeter and Pujols for winning the prestigious award shortly after an announcement was made.

It is truly an honor that my name is in the award that for the past ten years has recognized the most outstanding offensive performer in each League," said Hank Aaron. "Derek and Albert will surely join me one day in the Hall of Fame, and their tremendous seasons this year remind me of my own playing days and the wonderful and diverse talent in the game today."

The Hank Aaron Award was introduced in 1999 to honor the 25th Anniversary of Aaron breaking Babe Ruth's all-time home run record, and, at that time, was the first major award introduced by Major League Baseball in more than 25 years. Past recipients include the likes of Barry Bonds and Jeter’s teammate Alex Rodriguez.

Jeter is currently in the middle of the World Series seeking his fifth championship in which his team is leading three games to two against the defending World Champion Philadelphia Phillies. Pujols’ Cardinals were eliminated in the N.L. Divisional Series by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

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