Nov. 13 (UPI) — For the first time in Major League Baseball history, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way star Shohei Ohtani and New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge have won back-to-back Most Valuable Player awards.
Ohtani, a large reason the Dodgers reached and won the World Series, took the National League award for the third consecutive year, and the fourth time in five seasons. He also pitched in the World Series.
“The biggest thing,” Ohtani said through a translator, “is obviously being able to win the World Series. That’s first and foremost. You know, it’s icing on the cake to be able to get an individual award, being crowned MVP, but I just really appreciate the support from all my teammates, everybody around me and my supporting staff.”
Judge, who hit 53 home runs for the Yankees, took the American League title, topping Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, who had 65, a record for that position not known for prolific offense.
“I always would joke around with my parents in the backyard or when I was playing Little League that one day I would get a chance to play in the Major Leagues,” Judge said after receiving the award. “I never thought it’d be something like this. It’s just truly incredible. Always chase your dreams.”
It’s Judge’s second consecutive AL MVP award and third in the last four seasons. He received 17 votes from the Baseball Writer’s Association to Raleigh’s 13.
Raleigh is regarded as one of the best catchers in the game, and has the numbers to back it up. He has the eighth-highest defensive rating of any player at any position.
Raleigh became only the seventh player in MLB history to hit 60 home runs in a season.
The Yankees and Mariners reached the post-season but were eliminated.