Oakland Athletics first baseman Mark McGwire wins the 1987 American League Rookie of the Year Award

On November 3, 1987 — Oakland Athletics first baseman Mark McGwire, who hit 49 home runs with 118 RBI, wins the 1987 American League Rookie of the Year Award. McGwire is the second player to win that league’s award unanimously. Carlton Fisk of the Boston Red Sox was the first to do it in 1972. McGwire set a rookie record with 49 homers and was the first rookie to lead the majors in homers since Al Rosen in 1950.

McGwire, “The thing that really got. me,” McGwire said, “was when I was told it was unanimous and that Carlton Fisk was the only other one to do that That was pretty nice.” McGwire’s selection marked the first time since 1958-59 that players. from the same team won the AL award in consecutive seasons. Oakland’s Jose Canseco was the 1986 recipient. Washington’s Albie Pearson and Bob Allison were the last to be selected in consecutive seasons. McGwire earned 140 points to 64 .for the runnerup, third baseman, Kevin Seitzer of the Kansas City.

McGwire gave up a chance to go for his 50th homer in the final game of the season to be with his wife, Kathy, as she gave birth to their first child. “I saw my son Matthew born, and I consider Itnat my 50th home run,” ” McGwire said. McGwire, who turned 24 the last week of the season, was determined aU year to keep his achievements in perspective. Home runs, he said,’ were secondary to winning. “What I dealt with this year was tremendous, all the press attention,” McGwire said. “In a way, I’m glad because if it ever happens again, I’ll know how to deal with it “How cart I improve on what I did this season? All I can say is that I’ll try to do what I’m capable of doing and be an everyday ballplayer.”

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