Giambi, Griffey Named Comeback Players of 2005
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Yankees first baseman Jason Giambi and Cincinnati Reds outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. were named the 2005 Major League Baseball Comeback Players of the Year, the league announced yesterday.
Giambi, who garnered 100,037 votes in fan balloting, had 32 homers and 87 RBI while leading the league with 108 walks and a .440 on-base average.
In 2004, Giambi hit a career-low .208 as he battled various injuries and steroid allegations. The former MVP was on the verge of being sent to the minor leagues early this season before turning things around.
Griffey received 101,264 votes to win NL honors. The oft-injured center fielder batted .301 with 35 home runs – his most in five years – and 92 RBI in 128 games.
Griffey’s homers and RBI this year surpassed the combined totals of his previous two years, when he was hobbled by hamstring and knee injuries.
This was the first year that the league officially sanctioned the award. Six players from each league were nominated by the editorial staff at MLB.com and representatives of the league.
