Jose Fernandez Named 2013 National League Rookie of the Year

Miami Marlins right hander Jose Fernandez was named the 2013 National League Rookie of the Year picking up 26 of 30 first-place votes. Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig finished second got the other four first-place votes.

St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Shelby Miller was third. Dodgers pitcher Hyun-jin Ryu finished fourth.

Fernandez was 12-6 with a 2.19 earned-run average, second to Dodgers ace and Cy Young Award favorite Clayton Kershaw. Fernandez also held opponents to a .182 batting average, the lowest among all major league starters.

Fernandez was born in Cuba, escaped with his family after ninth grade on their fourth attempt by boat, and finished his schooling at Tampa’s Braulio Alonso High School.

Puig finished the regular season with a .319 batting average in 104 games. He hit 19 home runs, stole 11 bases and drove in 42 runs.

The Marlins previously had outfielder Chris Coghlan in win the award 2009 and shortstop Hanley Ramirez in 2006.