Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Russell Martin is this year's recipient of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame's Tip O'Neill Award.
The honour goes annually to the Canadian player "judged to have excelled in individual achievement and team contribution while adhering to the highest ideals of the game of baseball."
Russell Martin won a gold glove for his fine work behind the plate this season.
(Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press)
Martin, a 24-year-old from Chelsea, Que., edged Minnesota Twins first baseman Justin Morneau — last year's winner — as well as Colorado Rockies pitcher Jeff Francis and Baltimore Orioles pitcher Erik Bedard.
Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Matt Stairs, Chicago Cubs reliever Ryan Dempster and Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Jason Bay — a two-time recipient — were also in the running.
"I'm simply overwhelmed," Martin said from his Montreal home. "I'd trade this and my other individual awards for a few more wins and a trip to the post-season, but I do play hard and I play with passion, and obviously people appreciate that."
Martin was voted the National League's starting catcher for baseball's all-star game this season, his second in the majors. He batted .293 with 19 home runs and 87 RBIs en route to winning a Silver Slugger award, and joined Larry Walker — a nine-time winner of the O'Neill award — as the only Canadians to capure a Gold Glove.
The Dodgers were 78-65 in games Martin started, but 4-15 in contests he did not as they failed to qualify for the post-season.
"None are more deserving of this prestigious honour," said Dodgers legend Tommy Lasorda, who was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006. "I watched this young man switch positions from third base to catcher. I observed all the hard work, effort, desire and sacrifice he put into learning the new position and now he is the best."
With files from the Associated PressRelated
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