Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts was named the 2020 Sports Illustrated Player of the Year, adding another award to his growing collection. Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson and Novak Djokovic were also nominees.
The new Sports Illustrated Awards were held as a virtual event co-hosted by Cari Champion, Richard Jefferson, Chad Ochocinco Johnson and Lindsey Vonn. The night included performances by DJ Diesel (Shaquille O’Neal), Steve Aoki and Gucci Mane.
Although Antetokounmpo fell short, he enjoyed plenty of individual success this year, including winning both NBA MVP and Defensive Player of the Year, along with selections to the All-NBA First Team and All-Defensive First Team, among other accolades.
Wilson was named the WNBA MVP, led the league in blocks and earned selections to the All-WNBA First Team and All-Defensive Second Team.
Djokovic won his eighth career Australian Open this year, reached the 2020 French Open Final and resides as the No. 1 player in the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) rankings.
MOOOKIE!
Congrats to @mookiebetts on winning the Player of the Year award after his incredible season with the @Dodgers 👏 #SIAwards https://t.co/3nzDy2RuqO pic.twitter.com/4rzRD5FT2N
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) December 20, 2020
Betts of course had nothing short of a spectacular 2020 in his first season with the Dodgers. Touted as the difference-maker for the franchise, Betts helped lead the team to their first World Series win since 1988.
He hit .292/.366/.562 with nine doubles, 16 home runs and 39 RBI during the regular season, and contributed both at the plate and in the field during the postseason. He punctuated an awe-inspiring October performance with a home run in Game 6 of the World Series.
“It just means everything,” Betts said after the Dodgers won the championship. “I was traded for to help get us over the hump. I used that as my fuel. Since Day 1 that’s obviously been the goal, so I’m just happy to be a part of it.”
Betts’ 2020 Awards
Other honors Betts has earned for his 2020 season include a selection to the All-MLB First Team, fifth consecutive Gold Glove Award, fourth career Silver Slugger and a Fielding Bible Award. Informally, he also was recognized for the best play of the season with a throw that also registered as the longest made by any player.
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