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Billy Butler had the best year at the plate in his major league career, and Thursday, he was rewarded for his hard work. The players and coaches in the American League voted to give Butler the Silver Slugger Award for designated hitters.
Butler finished the season with a .313/.373/.510 line with a career-high 29 home runs, 32 doubles and 107 runs batted in. Butler was also voted to the American League All-Star team for the first time in his career. Butler is the first Royal to win the award since Dean Palmer picked up a Silver Slugger at third base in 1998 and the seventh Royal overall to pick up the award. George Brett won it three times.
The Silver Slugger Award is voted on by the players and coaches from the American and National League. It's awarded to a player at each position in each league. Players and coaches may not vote for anyone on their own team.