Philadelphia shortstop Jimmy Rollins, New York Mets third baseman David Wright and Seattle outfielder Ichiro Suzuki won Silver Slugger awards on Friday, complementing the Gold Gloves they earned earlier this week.
Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran, Detroit second baseman Placido Polanco and Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Russell Martin also won both awards.
The Silver Sluggers are presented by Louisville Slugger to the best offensive players at their position in each league. Managers and coaches vote for the awards.
Alex Rodriguez won his ninth Silver Slugger after leading the majors with 54 home runs and 156 RBIs for the New York Yankees. He won for the second time as a third baseman; his other seven awards came at shortstop.
Rodriguez tied former Cincinnati shortstop Barry Larkin for the third place on the all-time Silver Slugger win list. Barry Bonds (12) and Mike Piazza (10) have won the most often since the awards were first presented in 1980.
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Vladimir Guerrero won for the seventh time overall and Boston designated hitter David Ortiz (.332, 35 HRs, 117 RBIs) won for the fourth straight year. Arizona pitcher Micah Owings (.333, 4, 15) won for the first time.
Other winners included first basemen Prince Fielder of Milwaukee and Carlos Pena of Tampa Bay, second basemen Chase Utley of Philadelphia, shortstop Derek Jeter of the New York Yankees, catcher Jorge Posada of the Yankees and outfielders Magglio Ordonez of Detroit, Matt Holliday of Colorado and Carlos Lee of Houston.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely