Sports

David Ortiz wins AL Hank Aaron Award

NEW YORK — David Ortiz was named the winner of the 2016 Hank Aaron Award in the American League, which honors the most outstanding offensive performer.

Ortiz, 40, is the oldest player to win the award since its inception in 1999. He finished the 2016 season with a .620 slugging percentage, a 1.021 OPS, 48 doubles and 38 home runs while batting .315.

It's the second time Ortiz has won the Hank Aaron Award. He previously won in 2005.

Kris Bryant was named the winner of the Hank Aaron Award in the National League.

“It is an honor that the awards which distinguish the top offensive performers in baseball have my name on it,” Aaron said. “I want to congratulate Kris and David on their terrific seasons and extend my thanks to the Hall of Famers and fans who once again helped select the winners.”

“I congratulate David Ortiz and Kris Bryant on earning the 2016 Hank Aaron Awards,” Baseball Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr. said. “David created an extraordinary legacy with the Red Sox. Fans will never forget his consistent excellence at the plate and his performances on the game’s greatest stages. Kris followed up an award-winning rookie season by helping lead the Cubs to their best regular season in more than a century. Both David and Kris are deserving of an honor named for one of the greatest players and individuals that our game has ever known.”