The 2012 MLB season proved to be another great year for our growing list of alumni playing at the Major League level. In addition to this season’s achievements, the announcement of MLB’s annual awards found Baseball Factory alumni earned the following: 15 All-Star Game selections, four of which were first-time selections; six Silver Slugger Awards; three Golden Gloves; and one Rookie of the Year Award.

On his way to earning his fifth All-Star selection, Josh Hamilton received over 11 million votes to surpass the record set by Jose Bautista last year. Hamilton had a year to remember, starting the season hot and earning April American League Player of the Month recognition. His fireworks did not end there, as he became just the 16th player in MLB history to hit four homeruns in a single game. On May 8, Hamilton went 5-for-5 with four bombs and eight RBIs as the Texas Rangers beat the Baltimore Orioles 10-3. Hamilton finished the 2012 campaign with a .285 batting average, 43 homeruns and 128 RBI while leading the Rangers to the AL Wildcard game. For his strong offensive efforts, Hamilton earned the AL Outfielder Silver Slugger title, given annually to the best hitter at each position in their respective league. Coming off of his great year, Hamilton is arguably one of the best free agents available on the market this off-season.
 
Ryan Braun, also a five-time All-Star, had an impressive 2012 season. Braun batted .319 with 41 homeruns and 115 RBI on the year, leading the National League in both categories. Braun’s power display became a milestone, as he set the mark as the fastest player ever to reach 200 homeruns and 100 stolen bases. He also earned the 2012 NL Outfielder Silver Slugger Award for the fifth consecutive season. As a result of his tremendous efforts, Braun also finished second in the NL MVP voting.

Five other Baseball Factory alumni were awarded the Silver Slugger Award this season. Chase Headley earned his first ever Silver Slugger, batting in 155 runs over the course of the season for a NL best.  Aaron Hill won his second Silver Slugger and accomplished something only three other players have previously, hitting for the cycle twice during the season.  Prince Fielder and Jay Bruce also earned recognition for their offensive accomplishments this season.

When it came to fielding at their position, many of our alumni performed at the highest level, receiving defensive recognition for their efforts this past season.  Three former players earned the Rawlings Gold Glove Award, given to players who exhibit exceptional fielding skills at their respective positions. JJ Hardy and Chase Headley each earned the honor, demonstrating their all-around talent as award winners in both defensive and offensive categories. Fellow alumnus Mark Teixeira won his fifth Gold Glove, solidifying his position as the premier defensive first basemen in the American League.

Washington’s rookie sensation Bryce Harper put together a historic effort in his debut season, resulting in NL Rookie of the Year honors. Harper is only the third teenager to have more than one multiple-homerun games in a single season, joining Mel Ott and Ken Griffey, Jr. Harper helped lead the Nationals to the 2012 NLDS; marking the first time the organization earned a playoff spot since moving from Montreal to Washington D.C. and only the second time in club history.

Congratulations to our alumni who earned special recognition this year! We’re proud of all their efforts as they strive to be the best in the game.

To see a full list of Baseball Factory alumni, click here.