What was long considered a mere formality was made official on Monday when Cody Bellinger was named the 2017 National League Rookie of the Year. Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Josh Bell and St. Louis Cardinals infielder Paul DeJong were also finalists.
Not only did Bellinger take home the hardware, named after Jackie Robinson, he was the unanimous selection. It marked a second consecutive occurrence for the Los Angeles Dodgers. And like Corey Seager, Bellinger was also named Rookie of the Year by Sporting News, and recognized by his peers as the NL Outstanding Rookie.
Bellinger joined the Dodgers on April 25, when the club was a mere 9-11 on the young season. He provided a spark that helped carry the team to an MLB-best 104 wins.
The 22-year-old hit .267/.352/.581 with 26 doubles, 39 home runs and 97 RBI in 132 games. Bellinger broke Mike Piazza’s Dodgers rookie record (35) for most home runs, and the all-time NL mark of 38, which was shared by Wally Berger and Frank Robinson.
Shortly after the announcement was made, several of Bellinger’s teammates and those he played with in Triple-A Oklahoma City, took to social media to congratulate him.
Shocker. Congrats buddy @Cody_Bellinger #NLROY @Dodgers
— Walker Buehler (@buehlersdayoff) November 13, 2017
Congrats to the Most Valuable Ice Cream Eater and I️ guess Unanimous ROY (Schocker) too!! Love you kid! @Cody_Bellinger pic.twitter.com/U74FMN5MLu
— Enrique Hernández (@kikehndez) November 14, 2017
Congrats to @Cody_Bellinger on NL Rookie of the Year! Nobody more humble, hardworking and deserving! #Belli💣
— Alex Wood (@Awood45) November 14, 2017
Think we all saw it coming but congrats to @Cody_Bellinger. The best is yet to come! Who's next @Dodgers ? #ROY
— Brock Stewart (@Brock_A_Stewart) November 14, 2017
Congrats bro! @Cody_Bellinger 🤙🏽! pic.twitter.com/bYq9yegQV6
— Julio Urias (@theteenager7) November 14, 2017
you're welcome
— Brandon McCarthy (@BMcCarthy32) November 14, 2017
