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 Harper, who was 22 at the end of the National League regular season
when the vote was taken, received all 30 first-place votes from
Baseball Writers' Association of America members after batting .330,
slugging 42 home runs and driving in 99.
The left-handed hitting outfielder, MLB's Rookie of the Year in
2012, also became the first MVP to win representing a Washington
franchise, including two incarnations of the American League
Washington Senators.
Donaldson, traded to Toronto by the Oakland Athletics before the
season, thrived with the Blue Jays, helping them end a 22-year
absence in the postseason by claiming the American League East
crown.
The third baseman clouted 41 home runs, drove in 123 runs for the
high-powered Toronto attack, and batted .297.
"It's amazing," Donaldson, 29, told MLB TV. "I have to thank my
teammates.
"Honestly, our team was so great, I was very blessed to be in the
situation I was put in and I'm very thankful and I felt like I was
able to take advantage of a lot of the opportunities that were put
in front of me."
Harper, sidelined in previous seasons due to injuries suffered
through his aggressive play in the outfield, enjoyed an injury-free
season in 2015.
"To be on the field, that's the main goal," Harper said.
"I want to be able to do the things I can for my city, my town and
that's DC. Do the things every single day that I can to give back to
them."
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Finishing second in the AL was Mike Trout, who was 23 when he won
the 2014 MVP Award. The Angels' Trout has finished runner-up in his
three other major league seasons.
Lorenzo Cain of the World Series champion Kansas City Royals was
third.
Paul Goldschmidt of the Arizona Diamondbacks was second to Harper,
with Cincinnati Reds' Joey Votto third.
Harper, whose fiery on-field persona has made him a target for
opposing fans, said that fuels his performance.
"I enjoy getting booed when I go to places," Harper said. "And it
makes me thrive, it makes me play well.
"I'm excited about what's in the future for DC. Very excited to get
going again next year."
(Reporting by Larry Fine in New York; Editing by Greg Stutchbury)
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