Former Hurricane Braun Named MLB NL Rookie of the Year

Nov. 12, 2007

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – – Milwaukee Brewers’ third baseman Ryan Braun, a former University of Miami standout on the baseball diamond, has been named Major League Baseball’s National League Rookie of the Year by the Baseball Writer’s Association announced Monday. Braun edged out Colorado Rockies’ shortstop Troy Tulowitzki.

“We’re very proud of Ryan,” UM head baseball coach Jim Morris said. “He’s had a phenomenal rookie season. He was a great player for us at Miami, and we’re glad to see him excelling at the next level.”

Braun got 17 of the 32 first-place votes and finished with 128 points. Tulowitzki received 15 first-place votes and had 126 points.

Called up from Triple-A in late May, Braun hit .324 with 34 home runs and 97 RBIs. He also had 146 hits and 91 runs. The Brewers led the majors in homers this season and stayed in contention for the NL Central championship until the final week.

Braun’s .634 slugging percentage led NL players and was the highest by a rookie in major league history. He did not have enough plate appearances, however, to qualify for the title.Braun became the second Brewers player to win Rookie of the Year. Pat Listach won in 1992 when Milwaukee was in the American League.

Braun is the first former Hurricane to win any of MLB’s top honors. He was the No. 5 overall selection in the 2005 MLB amateur draft after helping the Hurricanes to a Super Regional appearance. In three seasons as a Hurricane, Braun hit .365 with 225 total hits, 40 doubles, 45 home runs and 196 RBI. He also had 57 stolen bases. He helped Miami to two College World Series appearances.