For the fourth consecutive year, Joey Votto has been honored by his native country as its best baseball player.
The Reds first baseman is the first player to win the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame Tip O'Neill Award four straight times, breaking a record set by Larry Walker.
"It's an honour to be recognized again by the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame," said Votto via a release from the CBHOF. "It is very flattering to be mentioned in any discussion that includes Larry Walker, who represented our country with such dedication and professionalism during his Major League Career. I have to thank the Baseball Hall of Fame for its efforts in promoting our great game in Canada."
Votto hit .305 with 24 home runs and 73 RBIs and beat out such candidates as Justin Morneau, Ryan Dempster and Brett Lawrie after leading the National League in walks (135), on-base percentage (.435) and runs created (132).
He finished sixth in MVP voting and was in the league's top five in OPS (.926) and runs scored (101).
Congrats to Joey Votto of the @Reds on winning the @CDNBaseballHOF Tip O'Neill Award for the 4th consecutive year! pic.twitter.com/5PhFyJVjNB
— Baseball Canada (@baseballcanada) December 13, 2013
Twitter: @marcushartman
