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amead17 · 10-19-2025, 03:12 AM

STARS OF THE DIAMOND HONORED AT 1906 BASEBALL AWARDS

Lajoie, Wagner, Bender, and Joss Lead the Game’s Best in a Night of Celebration

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
Additional Reporting by George F. Winthrop, Sporting Times
October 31, 1906

The annual baseball awards ceremony took place yesterday, capping the 1906 season by honoring the game’s finest performers. From veterans of proven greatness to rising stars fresh upon the scene, the event celebrated excellence across both leagues — with Philadelphia’s Nap Lajoie and Pittsburgh’s Honus Wagner taking top billing as the Most Valuable Players.

American League Honors

Lajoie Crowned League’s Finest
For the American League, it was Philadelphia’s incomparable second baseman Nap Lajoie who stood above all. Lajoie’s artistry with the bat was unmatched, his steady hand and sharp eye leading him to a .329 average on the season. With 214 hits, 45 doubles, and 97 runs scored, he proved once again why he is regarded as one of baseball’s true masters.

He was a unanimous choice, taking all 16 first-place votes.

“It’s a fine honor,” said Lajoie with a modest smile. “But I’ve always said no man wins alone. My teammates made it possible for me to do what I do. I just try to play the game the right way, every day.”

Bender Bests Them All on the Mound
The Pitcher of the Year in the AL was awarded to Charles Bender of the Chicago White Sox, who was nothing short of dominant throughout 1906. The young right-hander posted a 25–13 record, a 1.80 ERA, and an impressive 208 strikeouts across 345 innings — numbers that spoke for themselves.

Bender, still early in his career, was both gracious and determined.

“It’s an honor to be chosen among so many fine pitchers,” Bender said. “But awards come from hard work — and I mean to keep improving. Next year, I hope to bring a championship back to Chicago.”

Murray Named Top Rookie
The Rookie of the Year honor went to Red Murray of the Boston Americans, whose steady play behind the plate impressed throughout the season. Batting .248 with 54 RBIs and 48 runs scored, Murray showed poise well beyond his years.

“It’s a great feeling to be recognized,” Murray admitted. “All season, I just tried to learn from the veterans and help my club. There’s still a lot more work ahead, but this is a start I’ll never forget.”

National League Honors

Wagner Adds Another Crown to His Collection
In the National League, Pittsburgh’s Honus Wagner captured the MVP Award, adding another laurel to a career that continues to grow in legend. The brilliant shortstop batted .332, with 42 doubles, 11 triples, and 91 RBIs — numbers that left little room for debate among the voters.

“Every year brings new challenges,” said Wagner. “You just do your best for the club and hope to help win ballgames. I’m proud of what we did in Pittsburgh this year, and I’ll keep striving to be better.”

Joss Claims Pitching Glory
The Pitcher of the Year in the NL was awarded unanimously to Addie Joss of the New York Giants, whose pinpoint control and quiet confidence helped carry his club to the championship. Joss compiled a 30–9 record with a 1.84 ERA, holding opponents to a mere .215 batting average.

“I owe this to my teammates and our fine defense,” Joss said humbly. “Pitching is about trust — trusting your catcher, your fielders, and your plan. We worked as one all year, and this award belongs to all of us.”

Bates Shines as Top Rookie
The Rookie of the Year for the NL went to Johnny Bates of the Cincinnati Reds, whose energetic play in right field and consistent bat earned him high praise. Bates hit .277 with 156 hits, 55 RBIs, and 87 runs scored in his debut season.

“I just wanted to prove I belonged here,” said Bates. “Facing pitchers like Joss and White will teach any man a few lessons. I’m proud to have held my own, and I can’t wait for next season.”

As the 1906 awards are now in the books, the game turns its eyes toward the coming year. The greats like Lajoie and Wagner have reaffirmed their mastery, while newcomers such as Murray and Bates offer a glimpse of the sport’s bright future.

Baseball’s grand stage never rests — and with honors handed out, the countdown to 1907 has already begun.

10-19-2025, 03:12 AM	#246
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 9,255	1906 Awards STARS OF THE DIAMOND HONORED AT 1906 BASEBALL AWARDS Lajoie, Wagner, Bender, and Joss Lead the Game’s Best in a Night of Celebration By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times Additional Reporting by George F. Winthrop, Sporting Times October 31, 1906 The annual baseball awards ceremony took place yesterday, capping the 1906 season by honoring the game’s finest performers. From veterans of proven greatness to rising stars fresh upon the scene, the event celebrated excellence across both leagues — with Philadelphia’s Nap Lajoie and Pittsburgh’s Honus Wagner taking top billing as the Most Valuable Players. American League Honors Lajoie Crowned League’s Finest For the American League, it was Philadelphia’s incomparable second baseman Nap Lajoie who stood above all. Lajoie’s artistry with the bat was unmatched, his steady hand and sharp eye leading him to a .329 average on the season. With 214 hits, 45 doubles, and 97 runs scored, he proved once again why he is regarded as one of baseball’s true masters. He was a unanimous choice, taking all 16 first-place votes. “It’s a fine honor,” said Lajoie with a modest smile. “But I’ve always said no man wins alone. My teammates made it possible for me to do what I do. I just try to play the game the right way, every day.” Bender Bests Them All on the Mound The Pitcher of the Year in the AL was awarded to Charles Bender of the Chicago White Sox, who was nothing short of dominant throughout 1906. The young right-hander posted a 25–13 record, a 1.80 ERA, and an impressive 208 strikeouts across 345 innings — numbers that spoke for themselves. Bender, still early in his career, was both gracious and determined. “It’s an honor to be chosen among so many fine pitchers,” Bender said. “But awards come from hard work — and I mean to keep improving. Next year, I hope to bring a championship back to Chicago.” Murray Named Top Rookie The Rookie of the Year honor went to Red Murray of the Boston Americans, whose steady play behind the plate impressed throughout the season. Batting .248 with 54 RBIs and 48 runs scored, Murray showed poise well beyond his years. “It’s a great feeling to be recognized,” Murray admitted. “All season, I just tried to learn from the veterans and help my club. There’s still a lot more work ahead, but this is a start I’ll never forget.” National League Honors Wagner Adds Another Crown to His Collection In the National League, Pittsburgh’s Honus Wagner captured the MVP Award, adding another laurel to a career that continues to grow in legend. The brilliant shortstop batted .332, with 42 doubles, 11 triples, and 91 RBIs — numbers that left little room for debate among the voters. “Every year brings new challenges,” said Wagner. “You just do your best for the club and hope to help win ballgames. I’m proud of what we did in Pittsburgh this year, and I’ll keep striving to be better.” Joss Claims Pitching Glory The Pitcher of the Year in the NL was awarded unanimously to Addie Joss of the New York Giants, whose pinpoint control and quiet confidence helped carry his club to the championship. Joss compiled a 30–9 record with a 1.84 ERA, holding opponents to a mere .215 batting average. “I owe this to my teammates and our fine defense,” Joss said humbly. “Pitching is about trust — trusting your catcher, your fielders, and your plan. We worked as one all year, and this award belongs to all of us.” Bates Shines as Top Rookie The Rookie of the Year for the NL went to Johnny Bates of the Cincinnati Reds, whose energetic play in right field and consistent bat earned him high praise. Bates hit .277 with 156 hits, 55 RBIs, and 87 runs scored in his debut season. “I just wanted to prove I belonged here,” said Bates. “Facing pitchers like Joss and White will teach any man a few lessons. I’m proud to have held my own, and I can’t wait for next season.” As the 1906 awards are now in the books, the game turns its eyes toward the coming year. The greats like Lajoie and Wagner have reaffirmed their mastery, while newcomers such as Murray and Bates offer a glimpse of the sport’s bright future. Baseball’s grand stage never rests — and with honors handed out, the countdown to 1907 has already begun.