Cuba's Jose Dariel Abreu nominated for Hank Aaron Award. (Photo: RHC)

Havana, October 14 (RHC)-- Cuba's Jose Dariel Abreu, the Chicago White Sox' big star, has been nominated for the Hank Aaron Award, instituted in 2014 to recognize the best offensive player in each league in MLB.

Never before has a Cuban won such a distinction in Major League Baseball (MLB), which bears the name of one of the greatest home runners in history, author of 755 flyovers in his 22-year career.

"Pito" Abreu, the nickname Cubans know him by, had a dream season in this 2020, when he absolutely led the Major Leagues in batting (60) and total bases reached (148), besides leading the American League in hits (76).

In addition, the native of Cienfuegos province (central-southern Cuba) hit a record four home runs in a row at bat, averaged 317 with 19 home runs (second in MLB), and hit 22 games in a row.

Since his arrival to the U.S. major leagues, Abreu, who is 33 years old, has been an extra class and is the third time he has been nominated for the Hank Aaron Award.  Before that, he was included in the prestigious nomination in 2014 - when he was Rookie of the Year - and repeated in 2017.

The first time the Hank Aaron Award was given was in 1999 and the recipient was Dominican Sammy Sosa.

Other Latinos who have received the prestigious award include Venezuelan Miguel Cabrera (2012-13), Dominican José Bautista (2010-11), Dominican David Ortiz (2005);) Dominican Manny Ramírez (1999, 2004); Dominican Albert Pujols (2003, 2009); Dominican Aramis Ramírez (2008) and Puerto Rican Carlos Delgado (2000).

In the American League, nominees include Nelson Cruz (Twins); DJ LeMahieu, (Yankees); Brandon Lowe (Rays); José Ramírez (Indians) and Mike Trout (Angelinos).

In the National League the nominees are Freddie Freeman (Braves); Paul Goldschmidt (Cardinals); Bryce Harper (Phillys); Manny Machado (Padres); Corey Seager (Dodgers); Domonic Smith (Mets) and Juan Soto (Nationals).