Votto, 27, was listed first in all but one of the 32ballots submitted by two baseball writers from each NationalLeague city in voting by the Baseball Writers’ Association ofAmerica.
He finished in the top three in all the Triple Crowncategories with a .324 batting average (second), 37 home runs(third) and 113 runs batted in (third) and led the league inon-base percentage (.424).
The other first-place vote went to St Louis Cardinals firstbaseman Albert Pujols(notes), who was named second on 21 ballots.
Pujols, a three-time MVP who won the award in the past twoseasons, led the league in home runs (42), RBI (118) and runs,and hit for a .312 average. Rockies outfielder Carlos Gonzalez(notes)finished third.
Votto said he was thrilled to win the award and surprisedat the wide margin of victory over Pujols.
“I was shocked, surprised,” Votto told reporters on aconference call. “I thought I must have snuck it in there. Ididn’t think it would be so conclusive.
“Albert is the great player. Carlos and myself, we’retrying to learn to be major leaguers and establish ourselves.
“I’m excited. I’m very proud and very thankful.”
Votto’s spectacular season came after a 2009 campaign inwhich he suffered from stress over the sudden passing of hisfather at age 52, which led to anxiety and panic attacks thatleft him unable to play for periods at a time.
“after I was told (about the award), I couldn’t help butcry,” Votto said.
“I know how much this means to me and how much it wouldhave meant to my father. It’s pretty much the pinnacle ofawards. I have overcome a lot and I’m very proud of myself.”
A native of Toronto, Votto followed Justin Morneau(notes) of theMinnesota Twins (2006) and Larry Walker of the 1997 ColoradoRockies as Canadian winners of a major league MVP award.
“I followed in the footsteps of Justin Morneau and LarryWalker,” he said.
“There’s something about having guys who have achievedbefore you, that set a bar you want to reach. Larry was thattype of player for me, especially in the Toronto area.”
Votto said the fact that the Reds finished five games aheadof St. Louis to win the NL Central Division might have meantthe difference in beating out Pujols.
“Most importantly, we won,” he said. “It had been a longtime since we had been in the playoffs.”
(Editing by Steve Ginsburg; to query or comment on thisstory email )
Reds’ Votto wins National League MVP award
carlos gonzalez, time mvp
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