Kevin Youkilis, Aramis Ramirez win Hank Aaron Award

Oct 27, 2008 - 12:09 AM PHILADELPHIA (Ticker) -- Kevin Youkilis and Aramis Ramirez might not have anymore baseball to play this season, but that doesn't mean they can't collect some hardware.

Boston Red Sox first baseman Youkilis and Chicago Cubs third baseman Ramirez on Sunday each were presented with the Hank Aaron Award by Major League Baseball.

The award, given annually to the most outstanding offensive performer in each league, was introduced in 1999 to honor the 25th Anniversary of Aaron breaking Babe Ruth's all-time home run record.

"For the last 10 years, Major League Baseball has paid tribute to the spectacular career of one of our greatest players, Hank Aaron, through the Hank Aaron Award," baseball commissioner Bud Selig said. "I congratulate Aramis and Kevin for their wonderful seasons, which led to winning this prestigious award."

Youkilis, who made his first All-Star Game this season while helping the Red Sox earn the AL wild card, managed career highs with a .312 batting average, 29 home runs and 115 RBI. He added 43 doubles and hit .374 with runners in scoring position. His .569 slugging percentage ranked third in the AL while his .390 on-base percentage was sixth.

Ramirez helped lead the Cubs to the best record in the National League by batting .289 with a team-high 111 RBI. He hit 27 home runs and posted career highs with 44 doubles and a .380 on-base percentage.

"It is truly an honor that my name is part of the award recognizing the most outstanding offensive performer in each League," Aaron said. "For the last 10 years, when the Hank Aaron Award has been presented to deserving recipients, like Aramis and Kevin, I am once again reminded of my own playing days and the wonderful and diverse talent in the game today."

Past winners of the Hank Aaron Award include Manny Ramirez and Sammy Sosa (1999), Carlos Delgado and Todd Helton (2000), Alex Rodriguez and Barry Bonds (2001, 2002), Rodriguez and Albert Pujols (2003), Ramirez and Bonds (2004), David Ortiz and Andruw Jones (2005), Derek Jeter and Ryan Howard (2006), and Rodriguez and Prince Fielder (2007).