With his performance in the ALCS and the ALDS, Texas Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton is on top of the world. You could also say that for the rest of the team who are on the verge of making even more history. They are just one win away from their first ever World Series appearance.
But before Wednesday's game, Hamilton was named 2010 Sporting News Major League Player of the Year. Major league players, managers and general managers from all 30 teams receive ballots. In all, 326 players, 25 managers and 24 general managers voted in the poll.
Players also voted for player of the year, comeback players of the year and rookies of the year. Rangers designated hitter Vladimir Guerrero was selected as the 2010 American League Comeback Player of the Year in voting. Hamilton and Guerrero were also named to the 2010 Sporting News A.L. All-Star Team.
Hamilton knocked St. Louis Cardinal first-baseman Albert Pujols off the top of the list. He won the award in 2008 and 2009. "What a great story Josh was this season,” said Pujols. “He was a guy I always knew had the talent. There aren’t many guys who can steal 30 to 40 bags, get you 40 home runs, hit .350 and have a plus, plus arm. Those guys are tough to find, but he is one of them."
