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David Ortiz, Kris Bryant win Hank Aaron Award as top hitters

CLEVELAND -- David Ortiz is heading into retirement with some more hardware.

The Boston Red Sox slugger captured the Hank Aaron Award on Wednesday as the top hitter in the American League this season.

Budding Chicago Cubs star Kris Bryant was honored as the top hitter in the National League.

The award was presented before Game 2 of the World Series between the Cubs and Cleveland Indians. It was determined through a combination of fan voting and a panel that includes Aaron and other Hall of Fame players.

The 40-year-old Ortiz hit .315, with 38 home runs, 127 RBIs and 48 doubles, in the 20th and final season of his major league career. His 541 career home runs rank 17th all time.

The 24-year-old Bryant hit .292, with 39 home runs and 102 RBIs, while helping the Cubs cruise to the NL Central title and eventually a spot in the World Series. Shortly after being honored, Bryant singled in the first inning for his first World Series hit.

"To win that award and have that particular man present it to you, it's impressive," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said of Bryant's accomplishment. "At a young age, to be considered, then win it -- it's not unlike Addison Russell going to the All-Star Game. Winning an award like this can absolutely galvanize his thoughts about himself as a baseball player."

Information from The Associated Press and ESPN's Jesse Rogers was used in this report.