Phillies right fielder Bryce Harper was honored on Tuesday with the 2021 National League Hank Aaron Award. The award, voted on by fans and a panel of Hall of Famers, is given annually to the top offensive performer in each league.
Harper, 29, slashed .309/.429/.615 in 599 plate appearances over 141 games for the Phillies this season. With 101 runs, 100 walks, 42 doubles, and 35 home runs, he became just the fourth outfielder in the history of Major League Baseball with 100 runs, 100 walks, 40 doubles, and 35 home runs in a season, joining Babe Ruth, Barry Bonds, and Stan Musial.
“Hank was one of the titans of this sport and one of the most honorable people to play this great game,” Harper said. in a statement. “To win the award that bears his name for a second time is truly humbling, and I am honored.”
The award was introduced in 1999 to mark the 25th anniversary of Hank Aaron breaking Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record.
Harper is the second Phillies player to win the Hank Aaron Award, joining Ryan Howard, who earned the accolade in 2006.
In addition to the Hank Aaron Award, Harper is a National League MVP finalist, an NL Silver Slugger finalist, and recently was tabbed by the Major League Baseball Players Association as NL Outstanding Player of the Year.
“Bryce is a baseball historian and a true student of the game,” said Phillies Managing Partner John Middleton. “It is undoubtedly an incredible honor for him to win the award that bears Hank Aaron’s name. I’m thrilled for Bryce as his extraordinary 2021 season continues to be recognized with awards, particularly one as special as this one.”
Harper won the Hank Aaron Award previously in 2015.
