Joe Mauer wins the American League MVP award.
Mauer led all of baseball in batting, hitting .365, as well as on-base percentage, at .444, while clubbing a career high 28 home runs. He has reached double-digits in homers just three times the rest of his career, never topping 13.
In addition to individual accolades, Mauer helped Minnesota to their fifth AL Central title in eight years, claimed via a play-in game against the Detroit Tigers, a 12-inning, 6-5 win.
The play-in would be named a top 20 game in baseball history by MLB Network.
The 2009 Twins would go on to be swept by the New York Yankees in round one of the playoffs, in what would be the club’s last season in the Metrodome.
Mauer has collected three batting titles, and has placed in the top 10 in AL MVP voting four times in his 10 year career.
Earlier this month, Minnesota would announce his permanent move to first base from catcher after a concussion gave Mauer and the Twins a health scare this season.
He has been cleared for all baseball activities and his recovery has been deemed complete.
