The Pecan Park Eagle

Jose Altuve, Houston Astros
~ 2014 Al Batting Champion Wins Silver Slugger Award at 2nd Base.

By now you almost certainly know that Jose Altuve of the Houston Astros has won the annual Silver Slugger Award for players at each fielding position in the American and national League. Altuve took the award for American League second basemen; Neil Walker of the Pittsburgh Pirates took the corresponding honor for second sackers in the National League. These awards have been given out since 1980 on the basis of players selected by managers and coaches in each league.

In taking the respected AL honor, Altuve became the first Houston Astro to make the team since Carlos Lee won it in 2007 for NL left fielders. Craig Biggio previously won the NL equivalent of this award four times as an Astro during the club’s much longer tenure in the senior circuit.

As you also undoubtedly know, if you follow baseball, the Astros moved to the American League in  2013.

Going back in time, the complete list of nine previous Astros to have won this award for their positions, of course, all did so as National Leaguers. In Houston’s brief two-year history in the American League, Jose Altuve is the first and only winner in the AL.

Previous all-NL winners among the Astros include: Carlos Lee, left field (2007); Morgan Ensberg, third base (2005); Mike Hampton, pitcher (1998); Moises Alou, left field (1998); Jeff Bagwell, first base (1994, 1997, 1999); Craig Biggio, second base (1994, 1995, 1997, 1998); Glenn Davis, first base, 1986; Jose Cruz, left field (1983, 1984); and Dickie Thon, shortstop (1983).

In taking the 2014 award for American League second basemen,Jose Altuve has unseated Robinson Cano from the four consecutive season grip he held on that same honor from 2010 through 2013.

Congratulations, Jose Altuve!

Now here’s a look at all the winners over the years for American League second basement:

T.G.I.F. Everybody! ~ And have a nice weekend!