Votto Named NL MVP

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto was named the National League Most Valuable Player.

Votto received 31 out of 32 first place votes. The only other first place vote went to St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols who had won the last two NL MVP Awards.

Votto led the Reds to their first playoff appearance in 15 years. He hit .324 with 37 homeruns and 113 RBI.

What makes Votto's MVP campaign all the more remarkable was that he missed part of the 2009 season battling depression.

A native of Toronto, Votto becomes only the third Canadian to win an MVP. Larry Walker won the NL MVP for the Colorado Rockies in 1997 and in 2006 Minnesota Twins first baseman Justin Morneau won the AL MVP.

At 27, Votto is entering the prime of his career. This MVP might not be his last.