Despite all odds. Despite going up against World Series Champion Albert Pujols, Ryan Howard was able to win the National League MVP this Monday afternoon. Howard received 20 first-place votes and 12 seconds for 388 points in balloting by a panel of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. Pujols got 12 firsts, 19 seconds and one third for 347 points.

Now remember, Howard won the NL Rookie of the Year Award just last year. Does this guy have a bright future or what? Howard becomes the second player in Major League Baseball history to win the Rookie of the Year and MVP Awards in consecutive seasons, following Cal Ripken in 1982 and 1983.

For more information, you can check out the MLB.com article here.