American Association (1902–1997) Most Valuable Player Award

The American Association (AA) Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award was an annual award given to the player judged to be the most valuable to his team in the American Association, a Minor League Baseball league that operated from 1902 to 1962 and again from 1969 to 1997. The award was conferred each year throughout the league's existence, honoring the player considered the most impactful during the regular season. Criteria for selection were not explicitly defined, leading to subjective evaluations by league officials, sportswriters, or other designated voters. The award recognized outstanding offensive and defensive performance, leadership qualities, and overall contribution to team success. While the specific selection process varied over the years, the MVP Award served as a prominent symbol of individual achievement within the American Association and a career milestone for many players who later progressed to Major League Baseball. The discontinuation of the American Association in 1997 also marked the end of the MVP award.