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Chicago Cubs' Bryant humbly accepts Hank Aaron Award

CLEVELAND - Kris Bryant couldn't stay too long to enjoy receiving the Hank Aaron Award.

He had something important to do: play in Game 2 of the World Series for the Chicago Cubs.

Bryant on Wednesday received the award as the top offensive player in the National League. The American League winner is David Ortiz, who recently retired from the Boston Red Sox. Ortiz was on hand at Progressive Field for the ceremony, attended by Aaron and Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred.

The ceremony took place about one hour before the World Series game between the Cubs and the Cleveland Indians.

"I want to thank all the fans and everyone who supported me for this award," said Bryant, who was allowed to make his remarks and then head back to the Cubs' clubhouse. "It's really an honor to be up here with two of the best baseball players to ever play this game. I grew up watching Big Papi (Ortiz) on the Red Sox get to this point and win a World Series, and hopefully I can do that here.

"To accept an award with one of the best baseball players ever with your (Aaron's) name on it is a true honor."

Bryant's line this year was .292/.385/.554 with 39 home runs and 102 RBI. He is a leading candidate for the National League MVP Award.

Ortiz just completed his career after 20 seasons. His final season was a huge one: .315/.401/.620 with 38 home runs and 127 RBI.

Ortiz paid tribute to Bryant.

"That baby boy over there at the end of the table, man," Ortiz said. "Now it's my turn to sit down and watch you doing your thing. It's so much fun watching you out there putting the team on your back. That's part of greatness. That is part of what this game is all about. I'm looking forward to many years of you playing this game."

Aaron, who spent most of his career with the Braves, said the Cubs remain a favorite of his because of the late Ernie Banks, his contemporary.

"Mr. Ernie Banks, he was an idol of mine," Aaron said. "I loved him, and I'm sure wherever he is today, he is smiling in his grave. I just want to say that I am smiling with him. I just wish that he could be here to play one more game, as he always said."

In honor of Aaron, Cubs manager Joe Maddon called Bryant "Hammerin' KB."

"It's a great achievement for him, and we're happy for him," Maddon said. "And I know he will humbly accept it in the right way."

Bryant did his best to do so.

"Yeah, it's so surreal to me," he said. "I've been through some pretty cool things recently, but this is something I'm going to have to pinch myself.

"Obviously David Ortiz had an unbelievable career, and he's going out and I'm just making my way in. Obviously one of the best baseball players that ever lived (Aaron) sitting next to me. This is such a surreal moment for me."

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