It was a good year to be a young rookie center fielder in 2012.
The Angels’ Mike Trout, who didn’t turn 21 until August, was the unanimous choice for AL Rookie of the Year, while Bryce Harper of the Nationals became just the second teenager to become NL Rookie of the Year, joining Dwight Gooden in 1984 with the Mets.
After receiving all 28 first-place votes, Trout must wait until Thursday to find out if he will also be the AL MVP, going up against the Tigers’ Triple Crown winner, Miguel Cabrera.
“That would top it off,” Trout said during a conference call after finishing ahead of A’s slugger Yoenis Cespedes and Rangers right-hander Yu Darvish. “Just being part of the discussion is an incredible feeling.”
Harper edged Diamondbacks lefty Wade Miley by just seven points, 112-105. Harper had 16 first-place votes, while Miley received 12. Reds infielder Todd Frazier finished third.
Trout and Harper have been linked together because of their youth and all-around talent.
“Both of us had the same intentions coming into the league,” said Trout, who led the American League with 129 runs and 49 stolen bases, while hitting .326 with a .963 OPS and making spectacular defensive plays seem routine. “We knew what we were capable of and pushing each other to be the best is the way to do it. We play the game the right way.”
Harper felt the same way.
“Mike Trout is an unbelievable ball player,” Harper said. “He’s one of the best, if not the best player in baseball. I have a lot of respect for the way he plays and hustles.”
Harper hit .270 with 22 homers and 59 RBIs after making his debut for the Nationals on April 28.
“He’s been in the spotlight since he was 15 years old, on the cover of Sports Illustrated,” Trout said of the pressure Harper has had to deal with over the years. “The way he’s handled it is pretty remarkable.”