Los Angeles Dodgers’ Matt Kemp accepts Hank Aaron Award – MLB News
Matt Kemp accepted the Hank Aaron Award trophy on Monday, October 24 to become entitled to one of the rarely distinctive titles of Major League Baseball. Along with Jose Bautista of the Toronto Blue Jays, the award for Matt Kemp was an overwhelming moment.
"This is my first big, big award. For me, it's a great honor, because Mr. Hank Aaron was someone who paved the way for guys like me, and he's been great for baseball on and off the field," Kemp said. "He's a true hero to a lot of people around the world.
To follow in his footsteps and to receive this award is great."
There were a lot of reasons for his becoming the recipient of the award. While he had a tough competition to fight, he prevailed due largely to his extraordinary performance. Kemp put in consistent performances for the Los Angeles Dodgers during the MLB
regular season. Other contenders were far more challenging than anyone could think.
Among others, Jose Reyes and Ryan Braun were the names that Matt Kemp was faced with. However, Kemp had remained the 2011 National League All-Star finisher as well, so his name naturally popped up for receiving the award at the end.
The slugging percentage of Matt Kemp was .586, where he remained second in the National League, stood first in multi-hit games (57 in row) and having stood second in National League with a total of 195 hits to his credit.
His extra-base hits was second in the National League with 76, on-base percentage was fourth with .399, stolen bases were 40 where he was second and 74 walks, standing second once again.
Although his team, the Los Angeles Dodgers, could not make their way into the National League Division Series, Matt Kemp maintained his distinction with great plays.
Having now come into the ranks of Joey Votto, Jose Bautista, Derek Jeter, Albert Pujols, Aramis Ramirez, Kevin Youkilis, Alex Rodriguez and Prince Fielder, Kemp will surely cherish this rare moment for the rest of his life.
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