April 13, 1971 – Thurman Munson addresses the crowd after receiving his “Rookie of the Year” award.

April 13, 1971 – Thurman Munson addresses the crowd after receiving his “Rookie of the Year” award.

April 13, 1971 – Thurman Munson addresses the crowd after receiving his “Rookie of the Year” award. the rookie catcher earned 23 of the 24 first-place ballot votes, topping Cleveland Indians outfielder Roy Foster. Munson posted a slash line of .302/.386/.415 while erasing 52% of would be base stealers.

Jackie Jensen is selected as the American League Most Valuable Player

Jackie Jensen (.286, 35, 122), breaking New York’s four-year stronghold on the award, is selected as the American League Most Valuable Player. The outcome is unexpected as the Red Sox fleet outfielder played on a non-contender, unlike runner-up Bob Turley, who pitched for the World Champion Yankees.

Outfielder Frank Robinson of the Cincinnati Reds is unanimously voted the National League Rookie of the Year
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Outfielder Frank Robinson of the Cincinnati Reds is unanimously voted the National League Rookie of the Year

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.

Wally Moon  becomes the first Cardinal player to be selected by the BBWAA as the National League’s Rookie of the Year
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Wally Moon becomes the first Cardinal player to be selected by the BBWAA as the National League’s Rookie of the Year

Wally Moon (.304, 12, 106) becomes the first Cardinal player to be selected by the BBWAA as the National League’s Rookie of the Year. The 24 year-old center fielder, who replaced Enos Slaughter in the St. Louis outfield, gets 17 of the 24 writers’ votes, with runners-up including future Hall of Famers Ernie Banks (4) and Hank Aaron (1).

The Baseball Writers Association of America name Gil McDougald and Willie Mays Rookie of the year
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The Baseball Writers Association of America name Gil McDougald and Willie Mays Rookie of the year

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.