It was quite the 2017 season for MLB rookies. Records were broken, baseballs were smashed, and ultimately, it would be a great chase for who would take home the prize for best rookie in the game. Six finalists; three from the American League and three from the National League would be vying for the prize. But, in two unanimous decisions, New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge and Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Cody Bellinger took home the hardware.
Aaron Judge had an incredible season for the Bronx Bombers, and even that is an understatement. The 25-year-old broke the rookie home run record and finished with an outstanding fifty-two long balls and 113 runs batted in. He also broke the record for most walks in a rookie season. Judge is the first rookie to win for the New York Yankees since 1996 when a guy by the name of Derek Jeter won, also unanimously.
For the National League, Cody Bellinger also had a season to remember. He belted thirty-seven home runs for the Dodgers and he was impressive all season long, getting praise from coaches, teammates, and other players in the game.
This is the first time since the 1997 season when both rookies won the award unanimously. Scott Rolen and Nomar Garciaparra were those winners twenty years ago. Bellinger and Judge are not only two great athletes, but two class acts in the game and both contributed their success to their teammates. One season down, and we are definitely going to see great things from these two in years to come.
