Awarded annually since 1984 to the Canadian player who has excelled through individual achievement and contribution to his team while adhering to the highest ideals of baseball, the James “Tip” O’Neil Award will be presented on December 7 for the year 2023.
The award is named in honor of James O’Neill, a native of Woodstock, Ontario, who was one of Canada’s first baseball stars.
And there is no doubt that Quebecer Édouard Julien must be the recipient when the official announcement is made in two weeks.
In addition to becoming the first Canadian rookie to hit a postseason home run in Game 4 between the Minnesota Twins and the Houston Astros in the American League Division Series, the second baseman maintained a batting average of of .263 while drawing 64 walks from opposing pitchers in the regular season.
All this after representing Canada in good fashion at the World Baseball Classic last March.
Julien will not be alone in the race, however, since the other Quebecers of the MLB, Abraham Toro and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., as well as last year’s winner, Toronto Blue Jays reliever Jordan Romano, will also be in the running. lice.
They will also be accompanied by Cleveland Guardians first baseman Josh Naylor and Seattle Mariners reliever Matt Brash.
However, with his 16 long balls last season setting a record for the most bombs in a season by a Canadian second baseman, Julien has to be the chosen one.
The Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame encourages Canadians to vote by emailing their three choices to base[email protected] before Thursday, November 23, 5 p.m.
Your keyboards!
