The Joe Cronin Award was an award issued by the American League from 1973 through 1999. It was not issued every year within that period but, in some years, was issued more than once. The award was named for Joe Cronin who served as a player, manager, and general manager in the American League and was later elected league president. It was created to recognize and reward players for significant achievement during the year.
Nolan Ryan became the first recipient of the award in 1973. He, George Brett, Cal Ripken Jr., and Roger Clemens are the only players to win the award more than once, each earning the honor on two occasions.
Winners Season Winner Team Nolan Ryan California Angels Al Kaline Detroit Tigers Rod Carew Minnesota Twins Jim Palmer Baltimore Orioles Brooks Robinson Baltimore Orioles Jim Rice Boston Red Sox Ron Guidry New York Yankees Carl Yastrzemski Boston Red Sox George Brett Kansas City Royals Rollie Fingers Milwaukee Brewers Rickey Henderson Oakland Athletics Dan Quisenberry Kansas City Royals No Winner Chosen N/A No Winner Chosen N/A Roger Clemens Boston Red Sox Paul Molitor Milwaukee Brewers Jose Canseco Oakland Athletics Nolan Ryan Texas Rangers Dave Stewart Oakland Athletics Cal Ripken Jr. Baltimore Orioles George Brett Kansas City Royals Robin Yount Milwaukee Brewers Dave Winfield Minnesota Twins No Winner Chosen N/A Cal Ripken Jr. Baltimore Orioles No Winner Chosen N/A No Winner Chosen N/A Roger Clemens Toronto Blue Jays Wade Boggs Tampa Bay Rays
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