CHICAGO – Catcher A.J. Pierzynski of the Chicago White Sox has won his first career American League Silver Slugger Award.
Pierzynski, 35, joins Carlton Fisk (1981, 1985 and 1988) as the only catchers in White Sox history to win the award, which is presented by Louisville Slugger to honor the best offensive performers at every position in each league as voted on by managers and coaches.
Pierzynski hit .278 (133-479) with a career-high 27 home runs and 77 RBI in 135 games in 2012, his eighth season with the White Sox. His 27 home runs were the second-highest total in White Sox history by a catcher, trailing only Fisk's 37 in 1985. Pierzynski also set career bests in runs scored (68), slugging percentage (.501) and OPS (.827) and matched his season high in RBI (also 2004).
Among AL players with a minimum of 100 games caught in 2012, Pierzynski ranked first in average, runs scored, home runs, slugging percentage, OPS and total bases. He homered in a career-best five consecutive games from July 30-August 5, matching the franchise record (seventh time).
Pierzynski, who caught Philip Humber's perfect game on April 21 at Seattle, eclipsed 1,000.0 IC for the 11th consecutive season, extending the longest active streak in baseball, and caught 100-plus games for the 12th straight season, tied for the fourth-longest streak in major-league history.
Saturday, May 18 2013 11:05 PM EDT2013-05-19 03:05:01 GMT
Alberto Callaspo hit a three-run homer in Los Angeles' five-run seventh inning, and the Angels beat the White Sox 12-9 on Saturday to end Chicago's four-game winning streak.
Alberto Callaspo hit a three-run homer in Los Angeles' five-run seventh inning, and the Angels beat the White Sox 12-9 on Saturday to end Chicago's four-game winning streak.
Friday, May 17 2013 8:56 AM EDT2013-05-17 12:56:16 GMT
Jeff Keppinger walked with the bases loaded to drive in the go-ahead run - his first base on balls in 141 plate appearances this season - and the Chicago White Sox rallied with three runs in the eighth.
Jeff Keppinger walked with the bases loaded to drive in the go-ahead run - his first base on balls in 141 plate appearances this season - and the Chicago White Sox rallied with three runs in the eighth.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 2:51 PM EDT2013-05-15 18:51:57 GMT
Some big headaches are just days away for CTA Red Line riders on Chicago's South Side. The reconstruction of the south branch is scheduled to begin, along with free shuttle service.
Some big headaches are just days away for CTA Red Line riders on Chicago's South Side. The reconstruction of the south branch is scheduled to begin, along with free shuttle service.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 11:09 PM EDT2013-05-15 03:09:36 GMT
Adam Dunn and Dayan Viciedo homered to back another strong start from Jake Peavy and lead the Chicago White Sox to a 4-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night.
Adam Dunn and Dayan Viciedo homered to back another strong start from Jake Peavy and lead the Chicago White Sox to a 4-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night.
Monday, May 13 2013 11:32 PM EDT2013-05-14 03:32:18 GMT
Rookie Aaron Hicks hit two home runs and made a leaping catch in center field to take a home run away from Adam Dunn in the Minnesota Twins' 10-3 win over the Chicago White Sox on Monday night.
Rookie Aaron Hicks hit two home runs and made a leaping catch in center field to take a home run away from Adam Dunn in the Minnesota Twins' 10-3 win over the Chicago White Sox on Monday night.
Sunday, May 12 2013 11:23 PM EDT2013-05-13 03:23:10 GMT
Chris Sale pitched a one-hitter after being perfect into the seventh inning, and the Chicago White Sox beat the Los Angeles Angels 3-0 on Sunday night to avoid a three-game sweep.
Chris Sale pitched a one-hitter after being perfect into the seventh inning, and the Chicago White Sox beat the Los Angeles Angels 3-0 on Sunday night to avoid a three-game sweep.
Saturday, May 11 2013 11:36 PM EDT2013-05-12 03:36:23 GMT
Mike Trout hit a two-run homer and Jerome Williams pitched into the seventh inning to help the Los Angeles Angels beat the Chicago White Sox 3-2 on Saturday night.
Mike Trout hit a two-run homer and Jerome Williams pitched into the seventh inning to help the Los Angeles Angels beat the Chicago White Sox 3-2 on Saturday night.
Wednesday, May 8 2013 10:32 PM EDT2013-05-09 02:32:38 GMT
Jake Peavy pitched three-hit ball in his return from a balky back, Alejandro De Aza had a leadoff homer and the Chicago White Sox beat the New York Mets 6-3
Jake Peavy pitched three-hit ball in his return from a balky back, Alejandro De Aza had a leadoff homer and the Chicago White Sox beat the New York Mets 6-3
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