Who won the 2009 Sporting News Major League Player of the Year award?

Albert Pujols won The Sporting News Major League Player of the Year award in 2009. The St. Louis Cardinals first baseman earned the honor after one of the most productive offensive seasons of his career.

In 2009, Pujols played all 160 games and hit .327 with 47 home runs, 135 runs batted in, 124 runs scored, and a .658 slugging percentage. He led the National League in home runs, runs, slugging percentage, and OPS, helping the Cardinals win the NL Central Division.

The award was especially notable because it was Pujols’ second consecutive Sporting News Major League Player of the Year honor; he had also won in 2008. That achievement placed him alongside earlier back-to-back winners such as Ted Williams and Joe Morgan. He also received the National League Hank Aaron Award in 2009.

A common mix-up is confusing this honor with the 2009 American League MVP, which went to Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer. Pujols was the National League MVP in 2009, while the Sporting News award recognized the top player across Major League Baseball.