Ordonez Wins Silver Slugger Award

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CHICAGO -- While Magglio Ordonez is overshadowed nationally by more recognizable names like Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa and Ichiro Suzuki, the White Sox right fielder continues to garner respect around the American League.
On Tuesday, Ordonez earned his second AL Silver Slugger award, being named to the team for the second time in the past three seasons.

The Silver Slugger awards, presented by Hillerich and Bradsby Co, maker of Louisville Slugger baseball bats, honor the best offensive players at each position as voted on by managers and coaches.

Ordonez, 28, is joined in the AL outfield by New York center fielder Bernie Williams and Anaheim left fielder Garret Anderson.

The right fielder established career highs in batting average (.320), home runs (38), RBIs (135), doubles (47), hits (189), runs (116) and slugging percentage (.597) in 153 games this season, leading the White Sox in all seven offensive categories.

Ordonez, a three-time All-Star (1999-2001), ranked among AL leaders in average RBIs (second), doubles (fourth), average(fifth), slugging (fifth), runs (sixth), homers (sixth) and hits (eighth).

The Venuzuelan-born Ordonez won his first Silver Slugger following the 2000 season after hitting .315 with 34 doubles, 32 homers and 126 RBIs.

In 2001, Ordonez became the first player in the AL -- and only the seventh player in Major League history -- to hit .300 (.305) with 40 doubles, 30 homers (31), 100 RBIs (113) and 25 stolen bases.

He is one of just five players to hit at least .300 with 30 homers and 100 RBIs in each of the past four seasons, joining Montreal's Vladimir Guerrero, Colorado's Todd Helton, New York's Jason Giambi and Boston's Manny Ramirez.

2002 AL Silver Sluggers: Jason Giambi (Yankees, 1B), Alfonso Soriano (Yankees, 2B), Alex Rodriguez (SS, Rangers), Eric Chavez (A's, 3B), Magglio Ordonez (White Sox, OF), Bernie Williams (Yankees, OF), Garret Anderson (Angels, OF), Jorge Posada (Yankees, C), Manny Ramirez (Boston, DH).

2002 NL Silver Sluggers: Todd Helton (Rockies, 1B), Jeff Kent (Giants, 2B), Edgar Renteria (Cardinals, SS), Scott Rolen (Cardinals, 3B), Barry Bonds (Giants, OF), Sammy Sosa (Cubs, OF), Vladimir Guerrero (Expos, OF), Mike Piazza (Mets, C), Mike Hampton (Rockies, P).

Previous White Sox Silver Slugger award winners include catcher Carlton Fisk (1981, 1985, 1988), Frank Thomas (1991-DH, 1993-1B, 1994-1B, 2000-DH), designated hitter Julio Franco (1994) and left fielder Albert Belle (1998).

Ordonez will receive his award during a pre-game ceremony during the 2003 season.

Damon P. Young is an editorial producer for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs