First year Twins manager Paul Molitor has been named the Sporting News American League Manager of the Year.

Molitor led the Twins to an 83-79 record and had them in contention for a playoff spot down to the final week of the season.

The award is voted on by fellow major league managers. Three other Minnesota managers have earned the award, including Ron Gardenhire who Molitor replaced at the helm.

Gardenhire won the award twice while Sam Mele and Tom Kelly also earned the honor.

Houston manager A.J. Hinch was the runnerup to Molitor.