Ortiz, Bryant win Hank Aaron Award as top hitters in majors

Posted October 26, 2016 7:00 am

The Associated Press

Boston Red Sox' David Ortiz gets a hug from Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo after winning the Hank Aaron Award before Game 2 of the Major League Baseball World Series between the Cleveland Indians and the Chicago Cubs Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar) The Associated Press

CLEVELAND (AP) - David Ortiz is heading into retirement with some more hardware.

The Boston Red Sox slugger captured the Hank Aaron Award on Wednesday as the top hitter in the American League this season. Budding Chicago Cubs star Kris Bryant was honored as the top hitter in the National League.

The award was presented before Game 2 of the World Series between the Cubs and Cleveland. It was determined through a combination of fan voting and a panel that includes Aaron and other Hall of Fame players.

The 40-year-old Ortiz hit .315 with 38 home runs, 127 RBIs and 48 doubles in the 20th and final season of his major league career. His 541 career home runs rank 17th all-time.

The 24-year-old Bryant hit .292 with 39 home runs and 102 RBIs while helping the Cubs cruise to the NL Central title and eventually a spot in the World Series. Shortly after being honored, Bryant singled in the first inning for his first Series hit.

Boston Red Sox' David Ortiz, left, points at Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo after winning the Hank Aaron Award before Game 2 of the Major League Baseball World Series between the Cleveland Indians and the Chicago Cubs Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar) The Associated Press

Boston Red Sox' David Ortiz talks after winning the Hank Aaron Award before Game 2 of the Major League Baseball World Series between the Cleveland Indians and the Chicago Cubs Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar) The Associated Press

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