Chicago second baseman Ryne Sandberg (.314, 19, 84) is overwhelmingly selected as the National League’s Most Valuable Player when he receives 22 of the 24 first-place votes in the BBWAA balloting to be Ryno becomes the first Cub to capture the award since the writers honored Ernie Banks in 1959.

Chicago second baseman Ryne Sandberg (.314, 19, 84) is overwhelmingly selected as the National League’s Most Valuable Player when he receives 22 of the 24 first-place votes in the BBWAA balloting to be Ryno becomes the first Cub to capture the award since the writers honored Ernie Banks in 1959.

Chicago second baseman Ryne Sandberg (.314, 19, 84) is overwhelmingly selected as the National League’s Most Valuable Player when he receives 22 of the 24 first-place votes in the BBWAA balloting to be Ryno becomes the first Cub to capture the award since the writers honored Ernie Banks in 1959.

Two players share the Most Valuable Player Award for the first time in history

Two players share the Most Valuable Player Award for the first time in history

1979 – For the first time in major league history, two players share the Most Valuable Player Award. The National League co-winners are Willie Stargell, the spiritual leader of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who hit .281 with 32 home runs, and St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Keith Hernandez, who led the NL in runs (116), doubles (48) and batting average (.344).

Pirates outfielder Dave Parker wins the National League Most Valuable Player Award

Pirates outfielder Dave Parker wins the National League Most Valuable Player Award

1978 – Pirates outfielder Dave Parker wins the National League Most Valuable Player Award, 320-194, over Dodgers first baseman Steve Garvey. Parker had 30 home runs with 117 RBI and league-leading figures in batting average (.334), slugging percentage (.585), and total bases (340).

Joe Morgan outpoints Cincinnati Reds teammate George Foster to win his second straight National League MVP Award. Morgan hit .320 with 27 home runs, 111 RBI, 113 runs, 60 stolen bases, and led the NL in slugging percentage (.576) and OPS (1.020). Foster finished with 29 home runs and led the league in RBI (121).

Joe Morgan outpoints Cincinnati Reds teammate George Foster to win his second straight National League MVP Award. Morgan hit .320 with 27 home runs, 111 RBI, 113 runs, 60 stolen bases, and led the NL in slugging percentage (.576) and OPS (1.020). Foster finished with 29 home runs and led the league in RBI (121).

Joe Morgan outpoints Cincinnati Reds teammate George Foster to win his second straight National League MVP Award. Morgan hit .320 with 27 home runs, 111 RBI, 113 runs, 60 stolen bases, and led the NL in slugging percentage (.576) and OPS (1.020). Foster finished with 29 home runs and led the league in RBI (121).