Just this morning, Fangraphs posted an interview with Rays pitcher Jeremy Hellickson and asked how he thought this year went. "I think I've done OK," he said. "Overall, it's been a pretty good season." It's nice to see he's modest.
The Baseball Writer's Association of America announced this afternoon that right handed change-up pitcher Jeremy Hellickson has been voted the American League Rookie of the Year, on of the most prestigious awards in baseball. Hellickson, 24, was listed first on 17 of the 28 ballots, second on five and third on two to amass 102 points, based on the 5-3-1 tabulation system, winning by a 39 point margin over Angels first baseman Mark Trumbo.
Hell-boy, as the fanbase has dubbed him, pitched 189 innings for 13 wins in 29 appearances, hurling a 2.95 Earned Run Average and holding opposing batters to a .210 batting average. Most impressively, he went undefeated in five consecutive starts against American League East opponents in September as the Rays earned their wild-card playoff berth, which likely earned his award.
Evan Longoria was given the same honor in 2008, making Hellickson the second Ray to win Rookie of the Year. Atlanta Braves closer Craig Kimbrel was awarded Rookie of the Year in the National League by a unanimous decision after setting the major league record for saves by a rookie: 46.