Harper, Donaldson named Hank Aaron Award winners

Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson and Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper were named the Hank Aaron Award winners for 2015.

Established in 1999, the award honors the top hitter in both leagues as voted by fans and members of the media. It's the first time both players have won the award.

Donaldson paced the best offense in baseball during his first season in Toronto. The two-time All-Star slashed .297/.371/.569 across 158 games while reaching career-high's with 41 home runs, 41 doubles, 122 runs, and 123 RBIs. Donaldson also finished with 20 game-winning RBIs to lead the majors.

"I feel very fortunate and blessed to be in this situation today. Not just being a baseball player, but I've been a baseball fan my entire life," Donaldson said. "To be able to sit here and sit beside Hank Aaron, just what he's meant to the game, it's a real honor."

Harper officially broke out this season, his fourth in the majors. The 23-year-old hit .330/.460/.649, leading the league in on-base percentage and slugging percentage. Harper became the sixth-youngest player in history to reach the 40-homer plateau, and finished with a career-best 42 home runs, 38 doubles, 99 RBIs, and 124 walks.

"It is a great honor to receive the prestigious Hank Aaron Award," Harper said. "Mr. Aaron is an icon not only in baseball but in American history. It is a privilege to be associated with Mr. Aaron and all the great players that have previously won this award."

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout and Miami Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton were last year's award winners.