Former Notre Dame standout wins big with MLB awards

Miami Marlin slugger Giancarlo Stanton, a Notre Dame alum, took home the Players Choice National League Most Outstanding Player.

He beat out the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Josh Harrison and the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw for the honors. Giancarlo Stanton, a 2007 graduate of Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, led the National League in home runs (37) and drove in the second most runs (105 RBIs). He hit .288, with a league leading slugging percentage of .555.

Impressive stats despite a shortened season. He missed the last 17 games after getting hit by a pitch during a Sept. 11 game against the Milwaukee Brewers.

He sustained multiple facial fractures, dental damage, cuts that required stitches and two black eyes. Stanton also took home the Hank Aaron Award, a nod as the top offensive player in his league.

Stanton is also up for the National League Most Valuable Player award. He goes up against Kershaw and the Pirates’ Andrew McCutchen, the reigning MVP. The winner will be announced on Nov. 13.