Retiring Ortiz, Cubs' Bryant win Aaron Award

Dominican slugger David Ortiz, who retired from Major League Baseball earlier this month, and Kris Bryant, who sparked the Chicago Cubs to their first World Series in 71 years, won the Hank Aaron Award on Wednesday.

The annual honor is given to the top offensive performers in the American and National leagues.

Ortiz, who turns 41 next month, also won the American League award in 2005. "Big Papi" concluded a 20-season career this year as the Boston Red Sox designated hitter, hitting .315 with 38 home runs and 127 runs batted in - his best homer and RBI totals in a decade.

The three-time World Series champion was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2013 World Series.

"It's an honor to be part of this unbelievable award," Ortiz said. "I have received a lot of different awards in my career, but the Hank Aaron Award that I have in my house is the one that I look at every day."

Bryant, 24, helped the Cubs to their first National League crown since 1945 as they try to win their first World Series title since 1908 and end the longest championship drought in American sports history.

Bryant, last year's National League Rookie of the Year, batted .292 with 39 homers and 102 RBIs while scoring a league-best 121 runs.

"I want to thank all the fans and everyone who supported me for this award," Bryant said.

"It is a true honor for me. to win this."

Agence France-Presse