Sabo Named NL Rookie of the Year; Belcher 3rd

Cincinnati Reds third baseman Chris Sabo, who had 46 stolen bases and a .271 batting average, was named the Jackie Robinson National League Rookie of the Year Tuesday by the Baseball Writers Assn. of America.

Sabo received 79 points and 11 first-place votes from a panel of 24 writers, 2 from each NL city. First baseman Mark Grace of the Chicago Cubs was second with 61 points, and right-hander Tim Belcher of the Dodgers was third with 35.

“I was a little disappointed, but I really didn’t expect to win. A pitcher has to have a spectacular year,” Belcher said. “Everyday players get more of a push. That’s not so much obvious with Sabo winning, as with Grace finishing second.

“Sabo can now set his rookie of the year award on the mantle, and I can set my replica of the World Series trophy. I can be as satisfied as he is, if not more.”