Bryce Harper, Josh Donaldson win MVP awards

Although Donaldson didn’t win unanimously, he was named first or second on each of the 30 ballots cast, gaining 23 first-place votes to Trout’s seven.

Donaldson tallied 23 first-place votes and notched 385 points for a narrow 81-point victory over the Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (304 points).

Donaldson, a first-time victor, is the second former Tiger to win an MVP award.

Donaldson ended the American League Championship Series for his Toronto Blue Jays by grounding out in Kansas City with the tying run at third in Game 6.

Donaldson sported a.297/.371/.939 slash line with 41 home runs and 123 RBIs. “What a remarkable achievement for Bryce, to become the first Nationals or Expos player ever to earn the Most Valuable Player award”, Nationals president of baseball operations and general manager Mike Rizzo said in a statement.

Harper led the majors in on-base percentage (.460), slugging (.649) and WAR (9.9). Paul Goldschmidt, bolstered by 18 second-place votes, finished second with 234 points, and Joey Votto finished third with 175 points, though he received just one second-place and six third-place votes. It’s flattering to be recognized, not as much for me but for all the people who are part of this team, my teammates, coaches, trainers, clubhouse staff, scouts and player development, our fans and so many more.

The following three highlights are by no means the only or biggest or best plays of Donaldson’s seasons. Hall of Famer Frank Thomas won back-to-back AL MVP awards in 1993 and 1994 with the Chicago White Sox.

“I’m definitely very excited to be part of the Nationals organization”, Harper responded.

I first watched Bryce Harper play baseball in 2010 in Las Vegas as a 17-year old catcher for the College of Southern Nevada where around 200 people were watching him take batting practice. Remember, Harper was voted as the most overrated player by his peers coming into the season.

In June of 2012, I saw Harper again, this time as a 19-year old rookie playing for the Washington Nationals. “I definitely think that helped”. 991 while batting. 299 with 41 homers and 90 RBI.

Donaldson, who was also voted the top major leaguer and the AL’s outstanding player at the Players Choice Awards, is starting to get the mainstream recognition that’s been overdue for the grinder who plied his trade on the West Coast. He scored 122 runs, which led the majors.

In one of the season’s more celebrated plays, Donaldson launched himself into the stands down the third base line at Tropicana Field to make an incredible catch of a foul ball during a game against the Tampa Bay Rays. He finished the season with 42 homers, 99 RBI and a. 330 average with 38 doubles.