New York Yankees catcher Elston Howard becomes the first black player to win the American League MVP Award

On November 7, 1963 — New York Yankees catcher Elston Howard becomes the first black player to win the American League MVP Award. Howard beats out Al Kaline of the Detroit Tigers by 248 votes to 148 in the balloting.

Howard had 28 HR, 85 RBI, & .287 BA. Howard becomes the first black player in American League history to win the MVP Award. Howard Joins Roger Maris (1960-61) and Mickey Mantle (1962), the New York catcher becomes the third consecutive Yankee to win the MVP.

On November 12, 2012 — Mike Trout (.326, 30, 83), the BBWAA’s unanimous selection as the Rookie of the Year, surpasses Lou Whitaker (1978 Tigers) by three months and five days to become the youngest American League player to be honored with the award. The 21 year-old Angel center fielder joins Evan Longoria (2008 Rays), Nomar Garciaparra (1997 Red Sox), Derek Jeter (1996 Yankees), Tim Salmon (1993 Angels), Sandy Alomar Jr. (1990 Indians), Mark McGwire (1987 A’s), and Carlton Fisk (1972 Red Sox) as the only other unanimous AL winners.

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