As reported last Thursday, Matt Kemp of the Los Angeles Dodgers was named winner of the 2011 National League Hank Aaron Award as the top offensive performer in the league. Kemp was presented his award by MLB Commissioner Bud Selig on Monday night before Game 5 of the World Series in Arlington, Texas. Jose Bautista won the award for the American League.
"It is a real privilege to have my name on the award that recognizes the most outstanding offensive performer in each League," said Hank Aaron. "I want to congratulate Jose and Matt on their fantastic seasons and express my gratitude to the Hall of Famers and fans who helped select this year's winners."
Kemp is the first Dodger to win the Hank Aaron Award, which was established in 1999, and is determined by a panel of Hall of Famers, including Aaron, as well as fan voting.
"I congratulate Jose Bautista and Matt Kemp on being this year's recipients of the 2011 Hank Aaron Award, named for one of the true pillars of our game," Bud Selig said. "Matt enjoyed an extraordinary year, vying for the National League Triple Crown in the season's final days and stealing 40 bases on the year. The best is yet to come for both of these young men. I look forward to watching Jose and Matt continue to emulate Hank's example in the years ahead."
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