The Baseball Writers Association of America today named Brewers third baseman Ryan Braun the 2007 National League Rookie of the Year. Braun hit .324 with 34 home runs, 97 rbi's and 15 stolen bases in 113 games this season.
Braun edged Colorado Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki in the closest margin for N.L. Rookie of the Year in the history of the current voting system (since 1980).
Braun didn't make his Major League debut until May 25. He led National League rookies in home runs and extra base hits. His .634 slugging percentage led all National League players and was the highest by a rookie in Major League history, breaking the record previously held by Mark McGwire.
Braun was selected by the Brewers in the first round (fifth overall) of the 2005 First-Year Player Draft.