Introduction to the National League Manager of the Year Award
The National League Manager of the Year award is a prestigious honor that is presented to the best manager in the National League each season. The award is voted on by members of the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA). The award has been given out since 1983 and is one of the highest honors that a manager can receive in Major League Baseball.
History of the National League Manager of the Year Award
The National League Manager of the Year award was first introduced in 1983. The award was created to recognize the best manager in the National League each season. The award is voted on by members of the BBWAA and the top three finishers in the voting are announced at the end of the season.
Over the years, the award has been given to some of the most successful managers in Major League Baseball history. Managers such as Tony La Russa, Bobby Cox, Joe Torre, and Bruce Bochy have all won the award multiple times.
Recent Winners of the National League Manager of the Year Award
- 2019: Mike Shildt, St. Louis Cardinals
- 2018: Brian Snitker, Atlanta Braves
- 2017: Torey Lovullo, Arizona Diamondbacks
- 2016: Dave Roberts, Los Angeles Dodgers
- 2015: Joe Maddon, Chicago Cubs
In 2019, the National League Manager of the Year award was presented to Mike Shildt of the St. Louis Cardinals. Shildt, who had been with the Cardinals organization since 2004, led the team to a 91-71 record and an NL Central division title. Shildt was rewarded for his efforts with the Manager of the Year award.
Criteria for Selecting the National League Manager of the Year
The criteria for selecting the National League Manager of the Year are based on a number of factors. These factors include:
- Team performance
- In-game decisions
- Team leadership
- Player development
- Media relations
The BBWAA takes all of these factors into consideration when voting on the award. The manager who receives the most votes is presented with the award at the end of the season.
Who Won the 2020 National League Manager of the Year Award?
The 2020 National League Manager of the Year award was won by Dave Roberts of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Roberts had previously won the award in 2016, and this was his second time winning the award.
The Dodgers had a historically successful season in 2020, winning 43 of their 60 regular-season games and capturing the NL West division title. Roberts was rewarded for his leadership by being named the National League Manager of the Year.
Who Else Was in the Running for the 2020 Award?
In addition to Dave Roberts, there were several other managers in the running for the 2020 National League Manager of the Year Award. These included:
- Craig Counsell, Milwaukee Brewers
- David Bell, Cincinnati Reds
- Craig Kimbrel, Chicago Cubs
- Dusty Baker, Houston Astros
- Don Mattingly, Miami Marlins
These managers all had successful seasons in 2020, but none of them were able to top Roberts and the Dodgers.
Impact of Winning the National League Manager of the Year Award
Winning the National League Manager of the Year Award can have a lasting impact on a manager’s career. This award can open up opportunities for a manager to move up in the ranks of Major League Baseball, and it can also be a sign of respect from the BBWAA and their peers.
Conclusion
The National League Manager of the Year award is one of the highest honors that a manager can receive in Major League Baseball. The award was first presented in 1983, and since then it has been given to some of the most successful managers in the game.
In 2020, the award was presented to Dave Roberts of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Roberts was rewarded for leading the Dodgers to a historic season and capturing the NL West division title. The award will no doubt have a lasting impact on Roberts’ career.