Outfielder Frank Robinson of the Cincinnati Redlegs is unanimously voted the National League Rookie of the Year. In the American League, Chicago White Sox shortstop Luis Aparicio is voted Rookie of the Year with 22 points, beating out Baltimore’s Tito Francona and Rocky Colavito of the Indians.
The Sporting News select Cardinal outfielder Bill Virdon and Indian fireballer Herb Score as the Rookie of the Year of their respective leagues. The Cardinals flychaser, easily identified by his eyeglasses, receives 57 of the 92 writers’ votes to get NL nod, while the Tribe’s 22 year-old right-hander, who compiled a 16-10 record while establishing a freshman record for strikeouts with 245, garners 71 of 103 ballots cast for the Junior Circuit honors.
1953 – Detroit Tigers shortstop Harvey Kuenn, who hit .308 for the season, is voted American League Rookie of the Year.
Philadelphia Athletics pitcher Harry Byrd, who won 15 games and posted and a 3.31 ERA, is selected American League Rookie of the Year by BBWAA voters. Byrd will be the last Athletics player to win the Award until Jose Canseco in 1986.
1951 – The Baseball Writers Association of America name Gil McDougald of the New York Yankees as American league Rookie of the Year. The Chicago White Sox object to McDougald’s accolade, offering the statistical accomplishments of their superlative rookie, Minnie Miñoso.
The Baseball Writers Association of America announces that slugging first baseman Walt Dropo of the Boston Red Sox is the Rookie of the Year in the American League. Dropo led the league with 144 RBI.
1940 – Chicago writers name Cleveland Indians shortstop Lou Boudreau as the outstanding rookie in the major leagues. Boudreau will be honored at the annual January banquet. The Rookie of the Year Award won’t be created until 1947, however.
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