Albert Pujols, who currently plays for St. Louis Cardinals, and Dustin Pedroia, who plies his trade at Boston Red Sox, have been named Major League Baseball’s Most Valuable Players.

Pujols managed to win the National League honour for the second time following his initial victory in 2005, whilst Pedroia has made history by becoming the first second baseman to be honoured with the American League award for nearly fifty years.

The Red Sox player, who is twenty-five years of age, beat Justin Morneau in the process, whilst Pujols, who is twenty-eight years of age, overcame tough competition in the form of Ryan Howard.

The two players have been awarded for their consistent performances this season. Albert Pujols amassed an impressive batting average of .357. He also managed to hit thirty-seven home runs.

Pujols was also awarded the Roberto Clemente Award, which recognises the quality of sportsmanship in a player. Pedroia hit seventeen home runs and made just six fielding errors throughout the entire baseball season.

The awards are voted for by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America and other players who were awarded for their consistency and talent include Cliff Lee, who plays for the Cleveland Indians.

Lee was handed the American League’s Cy Young honour, which is awarded to the most impressive pitcher. The equivalent award for the National League was awarded to Tim Lincecum, who has been in good form for the San Francisco Giants.

The awards list was completed by Evan Longoria, who was named the American League’s Rookie of the year, Geovany Soto, who was awarded the honour of being the National League’s Rookie of the year, Joe Maddon, who was named the American League Manager of the year, and Lou Piniella, who was voted National League Manager of the Year.