Cal Ripken Jr. was awarded the American League Rookie of the Year in 1982.
1982 American League Rookie of the Year
In 1982, the prestigious American League Rookie of the Year award was presented to Cal Ripken Jr., then a promising infielder for the Baltimore Orioles. Ripken's exceptional performance during his rookie season quickly established him as a cornerstone player for the Orioles, foreshadowing a Hall of Fame career highlighted by his incredible "Iron Man" consecutive games played streak. His immediate impact in the league made him a standout choice for the honor.
Recent American League Rookie of the Year Winners
The Rookie of the Year award recognizes the most outstanding first-year player in each league. Here's a look at the American League winners around 1982, including Cal Ripken Jr.:
| Year | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Alvin Davis | Seattle |
| 1983 | Ron Kittle | Chi White Sox |
| 1982 | Cal Ripken Jr. | Baltimore |
| 1981 | Dave Righetti | NY Yankees |
Understanding the Rookie of the Year Award
The Rookie of the Year Award is an annual accolade presented to the most outstanding rookie in Major League Baseball (MLB). It is awarded separately for both the American League (AL) and the National League (NL). The award celebrates emerging talent and significant first-year contributions to the sport, often serving as a strong indicator of future success for these young players.
