MLB: Nick Markakis wins Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award
On November 8, The Atlanta Braves reported that Outfielder Nick Markakis won the 2018 National League Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger award, the first such honor of his career. Presented every year since 1980, the Silver Slugger award is issued to the top offensive producers at each position in the field as voted by Major League managers and coaches.
Markakis, 34, had a banner year for the Braves. He was named to his first All-Star game this season and batted .297 (185-for-623) with 43 doubles, 78 runs and 93 RBI. He was one of two players in the majors to start all 162 games this season, and just the fifth Braves player since the National League went to a 162-game schedule in 1962 to accomplish the feat. Markakis’ 43 doubles ranked as third most in the National League; and he became the first Braves player in franchise history (since 1876) to collect at least 35 doubles in four straight seasons.
“I’m very honored to be named a Silver Slugger award winner,” Markakis said. “It means a lot to be recognized by managers and coaches across the league, but I am particularly proud that I was able to contribute to the overall success of our team.”
Markakis ranked among National League outfielders in games (1st, 162), doubles (1st, 43), hits (2nd, 185), RBI (4th, 93) and batting average (4th, .297). He became the seventh Braves outfielder to win the Silver Slugger award, and the first since Justin Upton in 2014. Andruw Jones (2005), Gary Sheffield (2003), David Justice (1993), Ron Gant (1991) and Dale Murphy (1982-85) were also winners. Upton was also the last Braves player at any position to win the award.
After successfully wooing the veteran two-time Gold Glove Award recipient away from the Baltimore Orioles, the Atlanta Braves welcomed Markakis back to the greater Atlanta area in 2014 – where he spent his formative years growing up and learning how to play baseball. Markakis donned his Braves’ uniform for the first time on December 5, 2014.
Markakis spent the previous nine years before joining the Braves playing for the Baltimore Orioles. Baltimore fans were sad – not to only see a great player leave town – but a man who gave so much of himself back to the community. Markakis and his wife Christina served as ambassadors to Casey Cares, and helped make the Annual Casey Cares 5K Run/Walk a huge success while they were still in Baltimore.
Back in 2014, Markakis agreed to a four-year, $44 million contract with the Braves. The Braves assigned him the No. 22 jersey that had been worn by Jason Heyward, who he replaced in right field.
“They gave me an opportunity early in life,” Markakis told reporters about the Orioles. “I can’t take that away from anything. That’s where I started my career. That’s where I started my roots and my foundation in this occupation. They’ve been great to me. I have great memories there, lots of friends.
Markakis left Baltimore with mixed emotions. He reportedly wanted to stay with the O’s. But the Orioles’ organization was concerned about some nagging neck problems he’d been having, neck problems that didn’t seem to negatively affect his performance on the field.
“Everything I did over there, I did and it’s in my past now,” Markakis continued. “I don’t hold any grudge or [think] that I could have done [anything] differently. In this job, things like that happen. I’m grateful for the opportunity they gave me and it’s time to turn the page. Here I am. I’m ready to start a new chapter here do what I can to win ballgames.”
Markakis went to high school and college in Georgia. He may have not wanted to leave Baltimore, but he’s happy to be back in Atlanta.
“Besides a place I grew up and watched for many years, they made me feel like I was home,” Markakis told reporters. “I think that was really important to me and my family. They took good care of us and they’re good people over here. That played a big part in my decision.”
Also see:
- Pitcher Clayton Kershaw signs $93 million contract with Los Angeles Dodgers
- Orioles’ Jonathan Schoop named AL Player of the Week, traded one day later
https://youtu.be/M_UlWA7N3VU
(Source: MLB)
~ Written by: Richard Webster, Ace News Today / Connect with Richard on Facebook and Twitter
