Martinez wins DH award

BOSTON (December 11, 2001 06:09 PM EST) - Seattle's Edgar Martinez was voted the top designated hitter in the American League for the second straight year and fifth time overall Tuesday.

Martinez, who also won the award in 1995, 1997, 1998 and 2000, hit .309 with 22 homers and 115 RBIs as a designated hitter for the Mariners. Martinez has the highest career average of any DH (.327) and ranks fourth with 785 RBIs and fifth with 193 homers.

He received 72 of 76 first-place votes in balloting by reporters, broadcasters and team public relations directors.

Manny Ramirez of Boston finished second, and Ellis Burks of Cleveland and Brad Fullmer of Toronto also received votes.