Chris Davis named Orioles' nominee for 2013 Hank Aaron Award

Major League Baseball and MLB Advanced Media announced that Chris Davis was named the Orioles' nominee for the 2013 Hank Aaron Award. Fans can vote exclusively online at MLB.com and the 30 Club sites. For the fourth straight year, a special panel of Hall of Fame players led by Hank Aaron will join fans in voting for the award, which is officially sanctioned by Major League Baseball and has recognized the most outstanding offensive performer in each League since it was established in 1999. Davis recorded one of the greatest offensive seasons in major league history as he led the major leagues in home runs (53), RBI (138) and extra-base hits (96), and finished second in slugging percentage (.634) and OPS (1.004). His 53 homers and 370 total bases set club records and his 138 RBI were fourth-most in Orioles history. He also ranked among the AL leaders in runs scored (tied for second with 103) and doubles (tied for third with 42) and became the third player in MLB history to hit at least 50 home runs and 40 doubles in a season, joining Babe Ruth (1921) and Albert Belle (1995). The Hall of Fame panel led by Aaron includes some of the greatest offensive players of all-time -Roberto Alomar, Tony Gwynn, Paul Molitor, Eddie Murray and Robin Yount. These Hall of Famers - who combined for 15,581 hits, 6,902 RBI and 1,334 home runs - have all been personally selected by Hank Aaron to lend their expertise to select the best offensive performer in each League. Through October 10, fans will have the opportunity to select one American League and one National League winner from a list comprising of one finalist per Club. The winners of the 2013 Hank Aaron Award will be announced during the 2013 World Series. "It is a great honor that Major League Baseball recognizes the most outstanding offensive performer in each League with an award in my name," said Hank Aaron. "The game is full of so many talented players today that I am thankful my fellow Hall of Famers and the fans assist in selecting the much deserving winners." Past winners of the Hank Aaron Award include: Miguel Cabrera and Buster Posey (2012), Jose Bautista and Matt Kemp (2011), Bautista and Joey Votto (2010); Derek Jeter and Albert Pujols (2009); Aramis Ramirez and Kevin Youkilis (2008); Alex Rodriguez and Prince Fielder (2007); Jeter and Ryan Howard (2006); David Ortiz and Andruw Jones (2005); Manny Ramirez and Barry Bonds (2004); Rodriguez and Pujols (2003); Rodriguez and Bonds (2001-02); Carlos Delgado and Todd Helton (2000) and Manny Ramirez and Sammy Sosa (1999). The Hank Aaron Award was introduced in 1999 to honor the 25th Anniversary of Aaron breaking Babe Ruth's all-time home run record, and, at that time, was the first major award introduced by Major League Baseball in more than 25 years.