The Definitive Online Sports Stylebook

The Ben Watanabe Sports Stylebook

MLB

  • NL Rookie of the Year

    “National League” does not need to be written out on first reference, in headlines or on social media. The proper title is the “Jackie Robinson Award,” yet because this is seldom used, the word “award” does not need to be included but may be added to avoid confusion: Paul Skenes was the first pitcher to be

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  • AL Rookie of the Year

    “American League” does not need to be written out on first reference, in headlines or on social media. The proper title is the “Jackie Robinson Award,” yet because this is seldom used, the word “award” does not need to be included but may be added to avoid confusion: Fred Lynn and Ichiro are the only players

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  • National League MVP

    The proper title does not include the word “award,” but it may be added to avoid confusion: With two weeks to go in the regular season, the National League MVP award is still in play. NL MVP is acceptable on subsequent reference, as is MVP if the league is obvious from the context.

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  • American League MVP

    The proper title does not include the word “award,” but it may be added to avoid confusion: With two weeks to go in the regular season, the American League MVP award is still in play. AL MVP is acceptable on subsequent reference, as is MVP if the league is obvious from the context.

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  • Cy Young Award

    Awarded to the best pitcher in each league. Players do not win “a Cy Young”; Cy Young was a person, not a trophy.

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  • American League Division Series

    Spell out on first reference in copy. ALDS should be used in headlines and in all subsequent references in copy. Use of division series should be used less frequently, and not capitalized if it is used.

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  • National League Division Series

    Spell out on first reference in copy. NLDS should be used in headlines and in all subsequent references in copy. Use of division series should be used less frequently, and not capitalized if it is used.

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  • World Series

    Two words, capitalized. Fall Classic is acceptable on subsequent reference, but should not be overused.

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  • spring training

    Two words, lowercase in all instances.

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