White Sox catcher and current free agent A.J. Pierzynski took home his first career American League Silver Slugger Award Thursday night.
The 35-year-old Pierzynski joined Carlton Fisk as the only catchers in team history to win the award. Fisk captured the Sliver Slugger in 1981, 1985 and 1988, which honors the best offensive performers at each position voted on by coaches and managers.
The former White Sox catcher batted .278 with a career-high 27 home runs and 77 RBI in 135 games in 2012. The 27 homers were the second-highest total in franchise history, trailing only Fisk's 37 dingers in 1985. Also, Pierzynski set career-highs in runs scored (68), slugging percentage (.501) and OPS (.827).
One of the highlights of Pierzynski's season came when he homered in five consecutive games from July 20-August 5.