Introduction
Hey readers! Are you a die-hard MLB fan always eager to know who’s been tearing it up on the field? Look no further than the MLB Player of the Month award, recognizing the league’s most outstanding performers over a given month. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve deep into everything you need to know about this prestigious honor, from its history to the criteria for selection.
The History of the MLB Player of the Month Award
The MLB Player of the Month award has been handed out since 1958, initially awarded only to the most outstanding player in each league but expanded later to honor both a pitcher and position player in each league. The award has been sponsored by various companies over the years, most recently by Chevrolet.
How MLB Players of the Month Are Chosen
The MLB Player of the Month is selected by a panel of experts consisting of former players, managers, and media members. The panel evaluates players based on their overall performance during the month, considering stats such as batting average, home runs, RBIs, and ERA.
Pitchers
To be eligible for the Pitcher of the Month award, a pitcher must meet the following criteria:
- Minimum 20 innings pitched
- Minimum 3 starts
- Minimum 1 win
Position Players
To be eligible for the Position Player of the Month award, a player must meet the following criteria:
- Minimum 50 plate appearances
- Minimum 25% of games played at one position
Notable MLB Players of the Month
Over the years, some of the most iconic MLB players have been honored with the Player of the Month award, including:
- Babe Ruth (July 1921)
- Lou Gehrig (July 1934)
- Hank Aaron (April 1959)
- Willie Mays (June 1961)
- Mike Trout (July 2012)
- Shohei Ohtani (May 2021)
The Impact of the MLB Player of the Month Award
The MLB Player of the Month award brings recognition to the league’s top performers. It is a coveted honor that can boost a player’s morale, enhance their reputation, and even impact their contract negotiations. The award also generates excitement among fans, who eagerly anticipate the announcement of each month’s winners.
MLB Player of the Month Awards: A Detailed Breakdown
| Month | American League Pitcher | American League Position Player | National League Pitcher | National League Position Player |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Gerrit Cole | Aaron Judge | Jacob deGrom | Ronald Acuña Jr. |
| February | Shane Bieber | Yordan Alvarez | Walker Buehler | Mookie Betts |
| March | Lucas Giolito | Rafael Devers | Corbin Burnes | Freddie Freeman |
| April | Justin Verlander | Mike Trout | Sandy Alcantara | Bryce Harper |
| May | Joe Ryan | Shohei Ohtani | Tony Gonsolin | Nolan Arenado |
| June | Nestor Cortes | Jose Ramirez | Spencer Strider | Manny Machado |
| July | Luis Severino | Bo Bichette | Alek Manoah | Paul Goldschmidt |
| August | Gerrit Cole | Giancarlo Stanton | Sandy Alcantara | Nolan Arenado |
| September | Triston McKenzie | Andres Gimenez | Corbin Burnes | Ronald Acuña Jr. |
| October | Shane Bieber | Aaron Judge | Sandy Alcantara | Paul Goldschmidt |
Conclusion
The MLB Player of the Month award is a prestigious honor that celebrates the league’s top performers. The award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players who receive it, and it is a source of excitement for fans worldwide. So next time you see the MLB Player of the Month announcement, take a moment to appreciate the extraordinary talent and skill of these incredible athletes.
And don’t forget to check out our other articles for more in-depth coverage of all things MLB!
FAQ about MLB Player of the Month
What is the MLB Player of the Month Award?
The MLB Player of the Month Award recognizes the best-performing players in each league for a given calendar month.
Who is eligible for the Player of the Month Award?
Players from all 30 Major League Baseball teams are eligible for the award.
How are the winners determined?
Winners are selected by a panel of former MLB players and media members based on their performance in on-field statistics, intangibles, and contributions to their team’s success.
What criteria is considered?
Criteria considered by the panel include batting average, On-Base Percentage (OBP), Slugging Percentage (SLG), home runs, runs batted in (RBI), stolen bases, wins, earned run average (ERA), strikeouts, and other relevant metrics.
How often is the award given?
The Player of the Month Award is given out 12 times per season, one for each calendar month.
What are the benefits of winning the award?
In addition to recognition and prestige, winners of the Player of the Month Award receive a commemorative trophy and a donation from MLB to a charity of their choice.
Who are some notable past winners?
Past winners of the MLB Player of the Month Award include Mike Trout, Clayton Kershaw, Mookie Betts, Christian Yelich, and Bryce Harper.
How can I nominate a player for the award?
Players cannot be nominated for the award; they are chosen by the panel of experts.
Where can I find more information about the Player of the Month Award?
More information about the MLB Player of the Month Award can be found on the official MLB website.
Who has won the most Player of the Month Awards?
Mike Trout has won the most Player of the Month Awards, with eight total.
