Kansas City Royals designated hitter Billy butter has been announced as the recipient of the 47th annual Hutch Award. The award is given to a player that exemplifies the honor, courage and dedication of baseball great Fred Hutchinson. Hall of Famer Cal Ripken will give the keynote address at the award presentation on February 1 at Safeco Field in Seattle.

Butler was the full-time designated hitter for the Royals in 2011 and finished the season with a .291 average with 44 doubles, 19 home runs, and 95 RBIs. He is also a factor off the field with his Hit-It-A-Ton campaign that helps feed less fortunate families in the Kansas City area. The program donates $250 for each home run hit by Butler and $125 for each double. The campaign has raised more than $200,000 in its first three years of existence.

Butler was selected for the award through a vote of all of the surviving award winners.

For more on Billy Butler and the Kansas City Royals be sure to check out Royals Review.