CANADA – Through the ups and downs of a trying first few years in the major leagues, Justin Morneau was always able to count on the steady guidance of veterans like Torii Hunter and Johan Santana.

This year, the safety net provided by their performance on the field and savvy in the clubhouse was removed when small-market realities led to another youth movement for the Minnesota Twins.

Suddenly transformed from cleanup hitter to driving force, from mentored to mentor, Morneau excelled.

The New Westminster, B.C., slugger’s continued excellence at the plate and maturation into a leader was recognized Sunday when he was named The Canadian Press male athlete of the year.

Photo courtesy of www.cbc.ca

Full Article:

http://www.standardbredcanada.ca/news/12-28-08/mlb-s-justin-morneau-wins-lionel-conacher-award.html

Tags: Canada