HOUSTON — Jeremy Pena became the first rookie player to be named the World Series Most Valuable Player after batting .400 in the Houston Astros’ six-game win over the Philadelphia Phillies.
Pena also earned Golden Glove and All-American Championship Series Most Valuable Player honors earlier this season. He is the first hitter to earn all three career honors, according to OptaSTATS.
“It’s what we dream of,” he said.
The 25-year-old shortstop chased game 6 starter Zack Wheeler hitting a single in the sixth inning to put two Astros runners on the trails for the first time in the game.
Yordan Alvarez followed up by slamming a long three-pointer to give the Astros a 3-1 lead, which they eventually won 4-1.
Pena finished the postseason with a .345 batting average, four homers, eight RBIs, and a 1,005 more game plate average. He also became the first rookie shortstop to win a gold glove and homer during the World Series.
Just 24 years old when he replaced free agent Carlos Correa as the Astros’ starting shortstop, Pena became the third rookie to receive the World Series Most Valuable Player award, joining right-handed pitcher Larry Sherry, in 1959 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Livan Hernandez in 1997 with the Florida Marlins.
“The guys kept me focused on myself, on preparing every day. Individual honors are fun, but this is the trophy we want, PeIna said, pointing to the Commissioner’s Trophy, awarded to World Series winners. Put your camera on this trophy. »
He also became the ninth player to win Championship Series and World Series Most Valuable Player honors. PeIna hit .353 with two home runs and four RBI against the New York Yankees.
Orel Hershiser, who achieved the feat with the Dodgers in 1988, was the only other man to win Championship Series Most Valuable Player honors, World Series Most Valuable Player honors, and the Golden Glove in his career.
Pena has a .291 batting average with 22 long pitches and 64 RBI this season, which would put him high enough in the All-American Rookie of the Year standings. Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez is expected to receive the honor.
