For only the third time in Big League history, a Dominican has been chosen "Rookie of the Year." Rafael Furcal, shortstop for the Atlanta Braves, beat out eight other nominees, gaining 144 of the 288 votes cast. The runner-up, the Cardinals’ Rick Ankiel, got 87 votes. Furcal, 19 years old, comes from Navarrete, in the Cibao Region. For only the eighth time in Big League history, a Dominican has been named recipient of a "Golden Glove" award. National League shortstop, Neifi Perez, in his sixth season with the Colorado Rockies, took the award for his outstanding defensive work. The 25-year old lives in Villa Mella. (8 November 2000)
