In 1980, the company that manufactures Louisville Slugger bats began handing out Silver Slugger Awards to the best offensive players at each position in the American League. In the nearly four decades since, just one Royals first baseman had claimed the award.
You may be surprised to know that player was George Brett, the Hall of Fame third baseman who won the award at first base in 1988. It was less surprising perhaps that the second Royals first baseman to win the award was Eric Hosmer on Thursday evening.
Hosmer, 28, earned the hardware after batting a career-high .