Martin gets Tip O'Neill Award

Dec 14, 2007 - 3:07 PM ST. MARYS, Ontario (Ticker) -- Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Russell Martin was named as the recipient of the 2007 Tip O'Neill Award on Friday.

Awarded by the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, the Tip O'Neill Award is presented annually to a Canadian-born player.

Playing in just his second full season in the majors, Martin beat out Minnesota Twins first baseman Justin Morneau, Baltimore Orioles lefthander Erik Bedard and Colorado Rockies southpaw Jeff Francis.

"I'm simply overwhelmed," said Martin, a native of East York. "I'd trade this and my other individual awards for a few more wins and a trip to the postseason, but I do play hard and I play with passion, and obviously people appreciate that."

Martin, 24, set several single-season records for Canadian catchers by finishing with 19 home runs, 87 RBI, 87 runs, 21 stolen bases, 158 hits, 32 doubles and a .374 on-base percentage.

The durable Martin batted .293 in 151 games for the Dodgers last season, earning his first career All-Star appearance and winning the National League Gold Glove for catchers.