ST.MARY’S, ON – In only his second full season in the Major Leagues, Russell Martin of East York, Ontario was named the 2007 Tip O’Neill Award winner, presented annually to the Canadian player judged to have excelled in individual achievement and team contribution while adhering to baseball's highest ideals.
The 24-year-old had a stellar season with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He hit .293 with 19 home runs, 87 RBI, 32 doubles and 21 stolen bases in 151 games.
The catcher was also selected as a starter for the National League in the All-Star Game in San Francisco and was also awarded his first Gold Glove Award, as well as his first Silver Slugger Award. Larry Walker is the only other Canadian to win a Gold Glove Award, receiving the award seven times. Walker (three) and Justin Morneau (one) are the only other Canadians to receive Silver Slugger Awards.
“I’m simply overwhelmed,” says Martin in an interview.
“I’d trade this and my other individual awards for a few more wins and a trip to the post-season, but I do play hard and I play with passion, and obviously people appreciate that.”
Martin joins an exclusive group of Canadians to receive the award, including Larry Walker who has won the award nine times, Justin Morneau, Jason Bay, Ryan Dempster, Corey Koskie and Terry Puhl.
Past winners of the James "Tip" O'Neill Award:
1984 - Terry Puhl
