CHICAGO -- Prior to today’s game against the Cleveland Indians, Chicago White Sox right fielder, Jermaine Dye, was recognized for his incredible 2006 season, when he was presented a prestigious Players Choice Award for being named by his peers as the 2006 American League Outstanding Player. Former Major Leaguer, Phil Bradley, a special assistant with the Major League Baseball Players Association, presented the award to Jermaine.

Last season, Jermaine slugged 44 home runs, the second most in the American League, and finished among the AL’s top five in RBI (120), slugging percentage (.622), and extra base hits (74). Named to his second career All-Star team , Jermaine finished the season with 170 hits and 103 runs scored, while posting a .385 on base percentage.

On Jermaine’s behalf, the Major League Baseball Players Trust will contribute $10,000 each to the Arizona-based Fountain Hills Firefighters Foundation, and to Concerned Citizens for Community Health. Each Players Choice Award winner designates the charity or charities of his choice to receive a grant from the Players Trust. Through the Players Trust, Major Leaguers contribute their time, money and celebrity to call attention to important causes affecting the needy and to help encourage others to get involved in their own communities. In partnership with Volunteers of America, the national human service organization, the Players Trust created and helps administer the Action Team, a national youth volunteer program currently inspiring the next generation of volunteers in cities throughout the United States. For more information on the Major League Baseball Players Trust, please visit www.MLBPLAYERS.com.

The Players Choice Awards winners were selected by secret ballot of all Major League baseball players last September, under the supervision of accounting firm KPMG.

The 2006 Players Choice Awards Winners & Runners-up (winners in bold type):

AMERICAN LEAGUE:

Outstanding Player: David Ortiz (Boston), Derek Jeter (NY Yankees), Jermaine Dye (Chicago White Sox)
Outstanding Pitcher: Roy Halladay (Toronto), Johan Santana (Minnesota), Justin Verlander (Detroit)
Outstanding Rookie: Francisco Liriano (Minnesota), Jonathan Papelbon (Boston), Justin Verlander (Detroit)
Comeback Player of the Year: Magglio Ordonez (Detroit), Frank Thomas (Oakland), Jim Thome (Chicago White Sox)

NATIONAL LEAGUE:

Outstanding Player: Miguel Cabrera (Florida), Ryan Howard (Philadelphia), Albert Pujols (St. Louis)
Outstanding Pitcher: Chris Carpenter (St. Louis), Brandon Webb (Arizona), Carlos Zambrano (Chicago Cubs)
Outstanding Rookie: Prince Fielder (Milwaukee), Dan Uggla (Florida), Ryan Zimmerman (Washington)
Comeback Player of the Year: Joe Borowski (Florida), Nomar Garciaparra (Los Angeles Dodgers), Scott Rolen (St. Louis)

EITHER LEAGUE:

Player of the Year: Ryan Howard (Philadelphia), David Ortiz (Boston), Albert Pujols (St. Louis)
Marvin Miller Man of the Year: Albert Pujols (St. Louis), John Smoltz (Atlanta), Jim Thome (Chicago White Sox)