The Players Choice Awards are annual Major League Baseball awards, given by the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA).
Contents
- Player of the Year
- The Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award
- Majestic Athletic Always Game Award
- Outstanding Player
- Outstanding Pitcher
- Outstanding Rookie
- Comeback Player
- Award for Player of the Decade
- References
The Players Choice Awards are given following a secret ballot by players. Four awards go to a player in each league, while two awards each go to one player in all of Major League Baseball. Prize money is donated to a charity of each winner's choice.
The first Players Choice Awards were given in 1992, to the Comeback Player in each of the two major leagues. There were no other awards that year. In 1993, the Comeback Player awards were replaced by an Outstanding Player award for each league. Then, in 1994, two more categories were added: Outstanding Pitcher (in each league) and Outstanding Rookie (in each league).
In 1997, the dual Comeback Player awards were again named, along with the first ever single award — the Man of the Year — for one player in all of Major League Baseball. In 1998, a second non-dual award was added, Player of the Year. In addition, the Man of the Year award was renamed in honor of Marvin Miller, former executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association. Besides, in 1999 a special Player of the Decade award was given.
Since 2015, the Always Game award is given to the player who – game in and game out – constantly exhibits positive energy, grit, tenacity, hustle, perseverance, relentlessness and sportsmanship; all for the benefit of his teammates and fans.
Player of the Year
This award was first given in 1998.
The Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award
This award is given to "the player in either league whose on-field performance and contributions to his community inspire others to higher levels of achievement." First given in 1997 (as the "Man of the Year" Award), it was renamed in 1998 in honor of Marvin Miller, former executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association.
Majestic Athletic Always Game Award
This award was first given in 2015.
Outstanding Player
First awarded in 1993.
Outstanding Pitcher
First awarded in 1994.
Outstanding Rookie
First awarded in 1994.
Comeback Player
In 1992, this was the first ever Players Choice Award. There were no other awards that year. The Comeback Player award was not given from 1993 to 1996, although awards were given in other categories. In 1997, it was again awarded and has been ever since.
Award for Player of the Decade
See also: Baseball Prospectus Internet Baseball Awards MVP of the Decade (1999) and The Sporting News Player of the Decade (1999)In 1999, a special Player of the Decade award was given to Ken Griffey, Jr..