Bryce Harper Named the National League Rookie of the Year

Nationals News

Harper receive 16 of 32 first-place votes for Rookie of the Year

The Washington Nationals  Bryce Harper was named the 2012 National League Rookie of the Year by the BBWAA , edging finalist Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Wade Miley and the Cincinnati Reds Todd Frazier. Harper received 16 first-place votes, Miley received 12 and Fraser three.

Harper was the top pick of the 2010 amateur draft and batted .270 with 22 home runs and 59 RBIs.

Harper is the second youngest player to win the award, after New York Mets pitcher Dwight Gooden in 1984, who was one month younger.

He is the youngest position player to win the National League award.

“He really exceeded my expectations, the way he conducted himself in the clubhouse, the professionalism, the way he interacted with his teammates,” Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo said last week. “As a young kid, he showed the maturity and the leadership to go out there and play every day. He was one of the mainstays of that team. He was an integral part of that team.”

MLB Awards week will continue this week with Manager of the Year will be named November 13, the Cy Young Awards are set for November 14 and MVPs are announced November 15.