The Hank Aaron Award, an esteemed accolade given annually upon the top hitter in each league of Major League Baseball (MLB), holds great prominence. It is a recognition that combines fan votes and media input to honor the performance of these players while acknowledging their significant contributions to the game.
The Hank Aaron Award, introduced in 1999, created the monumental occasion when Hank Aaron surpassed Babe Ruth's career home run record of 714. This prestigious award pays homage to his achievement and holds a special place in baseball history. Notably, it has significance as Major League Baseball's first major award introduced in nearly two decades since its inception.
To determine the recipients of the Hank Aaron Award, both fans and members of the media actively participate by casting their votes. This democratic process ensures that only the top hitters in each league are selected for this esteemed honor. The award holds great significance within the baseball community as it recognizes and acknowledges those players who have truly earned the respect and admiration of their peers.
List of Hank Aaron Award Winner Year By Year
Notable winners of the Hank Aaron Award include baseball icons like Barry Bonds, who won it multiple times during his illustrious career, and Alex Rodriguez, who was recognized for his offensive prowess. More recently, players like Shohei Ohtani (2023) from the American League and Ronald Acuña Jr. (2023) from the National League, have captured the award, reflecting their remarkable performances and contributions to their teams.
Here is the list of Hank Aaron Award winners year by year:
American League Winners:
Year | Player | Team | Position |
2023 | Shohei Ohtani | Los Angeles Angels | DH / P |
2022 | Aaron Judge | New York Yankees | OF |
2021 | Vladimir Guerrero Jr. | Toronto Blue Jays | 1B |
2020 | José Abreu | Chicago White Sox | 1B |
2019 | Mike Trout | Los Angeles Angels | CF |
2018 | J.D. Martinez | Boston Red Sox | LF |
2017 | Jose Altuve | Houston Astros | 2B |
2016 | David Ortiz | Boston Red Sox | DH |
2015 | Josh Donaldson | Toronto Blue Jays | 3B |
2014 | Mike Trout | Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim | CF |
2013 | Miguel Cabrera | Detroit Tigers | 3B |
2012 | Miguel Cabrera | Detroit Tigers | 3B |
2011 | Jose Bautista | Toronto Blue Jays | OF |
2010 | Jose Bautista | Toronto Blue Jays | OF |
2009 | Derek Jeter | New York Yankees | SS |
2008 | Kevin Youkilis | Boston Red Sox | 1B |
2007 | Alex Rodriguez | New York Yankees | 3B |
2006 | Derek Jeter | New York Yankees | SS |
2005 | David Ortiz | Boston Red Sox | DH |
2004 | Manny Ramirez | Boston Red Sox | OF |
2003 | Alex Rodriguez | Texas Rangers | SS |
2002 | Alex Rodriguez | Texas Rangers | SS |
2001 | Alex Rodriguez | Texas Rangers | SS |
2000 | Carlos Delgado | Toronto Blue Jays | 1B |
1999 | Manny Ramirez | Cleveland Indians | OF |
Also Read: List of Gold Glove Award Winners in Each Conference Year By Year
National League Winners:
Year | Player | Team | Position |
2023 | Ronald Acuña Jr. | Atlanta Braves | OF |
2022 | Paul Goldschmidt | St. Louis Cardinals | 1B |
2021 | Bryce Harper | Philadelphia Phillies | RF |
2020 | Freddie Freeman | Atlanta Braves | 1B |
2019 | Christian Yelich | Milwaukee Brewers | LF |
2018 | Christian Yelich | Milwaukee Brewers | LF |
2017 | Giancarlo Stanton | Miami Marlins | RF |
2016 | Kris Bryant | Chicago Cubs | 3B |
2015 | Bryce Harper | Washington Nationals | RF |
2014 | Giancarlo Stanton | Miami Marlins | RF |
2013 | Paul Goldschmidt | Arizona Diamondbacks | 1B |
2012 | Buster Posey | San Francisco Giants | C |
2011 | Matt Kemp | Los Angeles Dodgers | OF |
2010 | Joey Votto | Cincinnati Reds | 1B |
2009 | Albert Pujols | St. Louis Cardinals | 1B |
2008 | Aramis Ramirez | Chicago Cubs | 3B |
2007 | Prince Fielder | Milwaukee Brewers | 1B |
2006 | Ryan Howard | Philadelphia Phillies | 1B |
2005 | Andruw Jones | Atlanta Braves | OF |
2004 | Barry Bonds | San Francisco Giants | OF |
2003 | Albert Pujols | St. Louis Cardinals | OF |
2002 | Barry Bonds | San Francisco Giants | OF |
2001 | Barry Bonds | San Francisco Giants | OF |
2000 | Todd Helton | Colorado Rockies | 1B |
1999 | Sammy Sosa | Chicago Cubs | OF |
Also Read: List of Silver Slugger Awards in Each Conference Year By Year
Players who won the Hank Aaron Award multiple times
The Hank Aaron Award is a highly esteemed accolade presented annually to recognize the top offensive player in each league. While numerous talented athletes have been recipients of this prestigious award, only a select few have achieved multiple victories.
One notable individual is Alex Rodriguez, who secured the Hank Aaron Award on four occasions in 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2007 while competing in the American League.
Another remarkable player who has earned multiple Hank Aaron Awards is Barry Bonds, who won thrice in 2001, 2002, and 2004 while representing the National League. Lastly, Albert Pujols also boasts two triumphs in the National League during the years of 2003 and 2009.
FAQs on Hank Aaron Award
A. The winner of the Hank Aaron Award is determined by a combination of fan voting and the insightful assessment of a panel comprising esteemed members of the Hall of Fame.
A. The winner of the Hank Aaron Award is typically announced during the World Series.
A. Yes, a player can win the Hank Aaron Award multiple times. Several players have been multiple-time winners.
A. The Hank Aaron Award was first established in 1999 to honor Hank Aaron's outstanding career and his contributions to the game.
A. Yes, the Hank Aaron Award is presented to one player from the American League and one from the National League each year.