The award is the first of Bay's career and comes following his best offensive season in the majors. Bay, 31, hit .269 in his first year in the American League, started in the All-Star Game and posted career-high numbers in home runs (36) and RBIs (119). The native of Trail, British Columbia, ranked among the AL leaders in RBIs (second), home runs (tied for third), walks (tied for third, 94), batting average with runners in scoring position (fifth, .360), runs (tied for sixth, 103), slugging percentage (10th, .537) and extra-base hits (tied for 10th, 68).
"I'm very excited to have won my first Silver Slugger," Bay told NESN's Heidi Watney, "especially given the talent of the [other] outfielders in the AL. It's an honor."
Bay was joined on the AL team by first baseman Mark Teixeira (third award) and shortstop Derek Jeter (fourth) of the New York Yankees. Slugging catcher Joe Mauer of the Twins earned his third Silver Slugger as did Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki. Toronto second baseman Aaron Hill was named to the team for the first time as was teammate Adam Lind, who earned the honor at designated hitter. Third baseman Evan Longoria of the Rays and Angels center fielder Torii Hunter also made the team for the first time.
The Red Sox have an impressive history with the AL Silver Slugger Team, having earned at least one award in each of the last nine seasons. Red Sox players have won 32 Silver Sluggers overall since the award's inception in 1980.
