Toronto Blue Jays slugger Jose Bautista and Toronto native Joey Votto of the Cincinnati Reds were each honoured with the Hank Aaron Award on Sunday as baseball's most outstanding offensive performers.
The award is voted on by fans and a panel of Hall of Fame players including Hank Aaron, Tony Gwynn, Harmon Killebrew, Willie McCovey, Paul Molitor, Billy Williams and Robin Yount.
"I congratulate Jose and Joey for their wonderful seasons which led to winning this prestigious award," said baseball commissioner Bud Selig in a statement. "I'm also glad to see the stature of this award increase with the inclusion of the special panel of Hall of Famers."
Bautista had a breakout year with the Jays, setting a new franchise record for home runs in a single season with 54. He also bat .260 and drove in 124 RBIs, leading the majors in homers and was third in RBI.
"It's a great honour to sit here and to be put among the list of recipients of this award," said Bautista.
Votto led the Reds to the NL Central crown with 37 home runs. The 27-year-old batted .324 with 113 RBIs, and his .424 on-base percentage was the highest in the majors. Votto also led the National League with a .600 slugging percentage.
"I was voted into the all-star game by the fans, and this is another fan award, so that means a tremendous amount to me," said Votto.
Past winners of include: Derek Jeter and Albert Pujols (2009); Aramis Ramirez and Kevin Youkilis (2008); Alex Rodriguez and Prince Fielder (2007); Jeter and Ryan Howard (2006); David Ortiz and Andruw Jones (2005); Manny Ramirez and Barry Bonds (2004); Rodriguez and Pujols (2003); Rodriguez and Bonds (2001-02); Carlos Delgado and Todd Helton (2000) and Manny Ramirez and Sammy Sosa (1999).
With files from the Associated Press
