Seth Udinski, FISM News
The MLB offseason continues to roll on, as the Most Valuable Player Awards were handed out on Thursday. Additionally, one franchise officially changed its name in the wake of the heightened racial tension in America.
The NL MVP award was given to Philadelphia Phillies’ star outfielder Bryce Harper. The future Hall-of Fame slugger claims the second MVP award of his career. In a very difficult season where he was hit in the face by a fastball and his team failed to make the playoffs despite playing in a very weak division, Harper shined as a veteran leader both at the plate and in the field. He batted .309 with 35 home runs and 84 runs batted in, further cementing his status in Philadelphia as one of the most beloved athletes in the city.
MVP x2 🏆🏆
Bryce Harper wins NL MVP for the 2nd time in his career 👏 pic.twitter.com/t6NRaMivQt
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 18, 2021
The AL award was given to phenom pitcher and slugger Shohei Ohtani. Baseball writers pegged Ohtani as the best two-way player in baseball since the legendary Babe Ruth, as he dominated in an unprecedented fashion from both the mound and the plate. On the mound, Ohtani was 9-2 as a starter with a 3.18 ERA and 156 strikeouts. He would not be outdone from the plate, often serving as the L.A. Angels’ designated hitter when he was not pitching. He slammed 46 home runs with 100 runs batted in, and added 26 stolen bases proving his impressive resume as a true all-around star.
The only way to close out a historic season.
Shohei Ohtani is your unanimous 2021 American League MVP. pic.twitter.com/zlw5aGr68k
— MLB (@MLB) November 18, 2021
In further MLB news, the Cleveland Indians are no more, officially abandoning the team moniker “Indians” after 106 seasons as the name was deemed insensitive in a year where all things were put under a political microscope. As of Friday, the team will be permanently known as the Cleveland Guardians. The Guardians began selling their new merchandise on Friday morning.
"Okay, people. Tomorrow morning, [9:00AM]! Santa's coming to town!"
The Team Store is officially open for business tomorrow from 9:00AM to 7:00PM! Can't wait to see you there! 😍 pic.twitter.com/xh1BG6OdzV
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) November 18, 2021
Some fans are overjoyed, praising the organization for taking on a new name that does not have negative racial connotations associated with it. Others are infuriated, calling this move yet another example of cancel culture and deconstructionism in America.