MLB announces American League batting title to be named for ex-Twin Rod Carew

SAN DIEGO – When Rod Carew got the call Sunday, he couldn't believe it.

"I said, 'Are you sure?' " the Hall of Famer said.

It was true. Carew was informed that the winner of the American League batting title will be called the Rod Carew AL Batting Champion in honor of the seven-time batting champion who had 3,053 career hits.

Jacqueline Secaira-Cotto, director of special events for Major League Baseball, called him with the news — and asked that he not tell anyone.

On top of that, Carew learned the winner of the NL batting title will be known as the Tony Gwynn NL Batting Champion, in honor of the eight-time winner who died in 2014 from cancer.

"It surprised the heck out of me," said Carew, who was presented with his own award. "I'm glad that Tony was the other one. We were good friends and close friends. To honor us like this is unbelievable."

A nattily attired Carew walked to the home plate area before the game with his wife, Rhonda, and saluted an applauding crowd as the league announced the name change. Twins great Tony Oliva also was on hand.

Carew, 70, who barely survived a heart attack last November, smiled as he waved to the crowd. The Hall of Famer and Twins great is awaiting a heart transplant, and he continues to wear a left ventricular assist device, which pumps blood from the left ventricle to the aorta.

"I'm tired," Carew said. "I have good days and bad days, but I've been having more good days than bad days. It's not all that bad."

Tuesday was one of the good days, and he sounded truly honored to have the batting title award named after him.