American Association (1902–1997) Most Valuable Pitcher Award

The American Association Most Valuable Pitcher Award was an annual award given to the best pitcher in Minor League Baseball's American Association based on their regular-season performance.

[2] From 1929 to 1962, pitchers were eligible to win the Most Valuable Player Award (MVP).

Eight pitchers won the MVP Award before the league disbanded after the 1962 season.

[1][2] The Most Valuable Pitcher Award was first issued starting with the league's revival in 1969, and it continued to be awarded through 1996; no winner was selected in the 1997 season, after which the circuit disbanded again.

[1][2] Five players from the Denver Bears, Indianapolis Indians, and Oklahoma City 89ers were each selected for the Most Valuable Pitcher Award, more than any other teams in the league, followed by the Buffalo Bisons (4); the Iowa Cubs, Nashville Sounds, and Omaha Royals (2); and the Evansville Triplets, Louisville Redbirds, and Tulsa Oilers (1).

A man in a light baseball jersey and dark cap
Jim Kern , the 1974 winner, won the American League Rolaids Relief Man Award in 1979. [ 3 ]
A man in a dark baseball uniform and cap
Jay Howell , the 1982 Most Valuable Pitcher, was selected to play in three Major League Baseball All-Star Games . [ 4 ]
A man in a white baseball uniform and red cap
Chris Hammond was chosen for the award in 1990.