Buster Posey becomes the sixth catcher to win the National League Rookie of the Year Award

Buster Posey becomes the sixth catcher to win the National League Rookie of the Year Award

Buster Posey becomes the sixth catcher, joining Johnny Bench (1968), Earl Williams (1971), Benito Santiago (1987), Mike Piazza (1993), and Geovany Soto (2008) to win the National League Rookie of the Year Award. The 23 year-old Giants backstop, who started the season in Triple-A, batted .305 along with 18 home runs and 67 RBIs, playing in 108 games with the eventual World Champions.

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Oakland Athletics reliever Huston Street and Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard are named the American League and National League rookies of the year

Oakland Athletics reliever Huston Street and Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard are rewarded for their efforts by being named the American League and National League rookies of the year, respectively. Street became Oakland’s closer when incumbent Octavio Dotel went down in May with an elbow injury that required surgery. Street saved 23 games in 27 chances to go along with a 5-1 record and a 1.72 ERA. Only Mariano Rivera’s 1.38 ERA for the Yankees was better among AL relievers. Street had 72 strikeouts in 78 1/3 innings pitched, and opposing hitters batted only .194 against him. Howard became the Phillies’ everyday first baseman in early July when slugger Jim Thome was sidelined for the season with an elbow injury. Howard, who led all major league rookies with 22 home runs, also posted a .288 average and 63 RBI in 312 at bats. He had 11 homers and 27 RBI in September and October as the Phillies battled the Houston Astros for the NL wild card until getting eliminated on the last day of the season.

Jason Bay becomes the first Pittsburgh Pirates and Canadian, to win the National League Rookie of the Year Award

Jason Bay, who hit .282 with 26 home runs and 82 RBI, becomes the first Pittsburgh Pirates player, as well as the first Canadian, to win the National League Rookie of the Year Award.

Dontrelle Willis (14-6, 3.30), the only player in either league to be listed on every ballot, wins the National League Rookie of the Year award

Dontrelle Willis (14-6, 3.30), the only player in either league to be listed on every ballot, wins the National League Rookie of the Year award

Dontrelle Willis (14-6, 3.30), the only player in either league to be listed on every ballot, wins the National League Rookie of the Year award. The 21 year-old Marlins starter is named first on 17 of the 32 ballots cast by the writers, with Brewer outfielder Scott Podsednik (8) and Diamondback right-hander Brandon Webb (7) receiving the other first-place votes.

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Kerry Wood, who posted a 13-6 record, wins the National League Rookie of the Year Award. Wood held batters to a NL best .196 average and finished third in the league in strikeouts with 233 in just 166 2/3 innings pitched.

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Kerry Wood, who posted a 13-6 record, wins the National League Rookie of the Year Award. Wood held batters to a NL best .196 average and finished third in the league in strikeouts with 233 in just 166 2/3 innings pitched.

1998 – Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Kerry Wood, who posted a 13-6 record, wins the National League Rookie of the Year Award. Wood held batters to a NL best .196 average and finished third in the league in strikeouts with 233 in just 166 2/3 innings pitched.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Hideo Nomo is named National League Rookie of the Year

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Hideo Nomo is named National League Rookie of the Year

1995 – Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Hideo Nomo is named National League Rookie of the Year, becoming the first Japanese player ever to win a Major League Baseball award. Nomo posted a 13-6 record with 236 strikeouts and a 2.54 ERA in 191.1 innings.

Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Eric Karros is named 1992 National League Rookie of the Year

Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Eric Karros is named 1992 National League Rookie of the Year

Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Eric Karros is named National League Rookie of the Year. Karros hit .257 with 20 home runs, becoming the first Dodgers rookie to reach 20 homers since Frank Howard in 1960.

Chicago Cubs outfielder Jerome Walton wins the 1989 National League Rookie of the Year Award

1989 – Chicago Cubs outfielder Jerome Walton wins the 1989 National League Rookie of the Year Award, collecting 22 of 24 first-place votes to defeat teammate Dwight Smith. They are the first NL’ers to finish 1-2 in the voting since Philadelphia Phillies rookies Jack Sanford and Ed Bouchee in 1957. Walton also becomes the first Cubs player to win rookie honors since Billy Williams, in 1961.

Chris Sabo, who hit .271 with 11 home runs and 46 stolen bases as the Cincinnati Reds third baseman, wins the National League Rookie of the Year Award

Chris Sabo, who hit .271 with 11 home runs and 46 stolen bases as the Cincinnati Reds third baseman, wins the National League Rookie of the Year Award

1988 – Chris Sabo, who hit .271 with 11 home runs and 46 stolen bases as the Cincinnati Reds third baseman, wins the National League Rookie of the Year Award. Chicago Cubs first baseman Mark Grace is the runner-up.