If there was a moment that shaped Jonathan India’s rookie season, it was June 5 when Cincinnati Reds manager David Bell wrote his name in the leadoff spot for the first time all year.
India drew a walk in his first plate appearance. He homered two innings later. His third plate appearance was a leadoff double. For the final four months of the 2021 season, India always found a way to make an impact. When he played well, the team usually followed.
India’s impact from the leadoff spot made him the Jackie Robinson National League Rookie of the Year on Monday, beating out finalists Trevor Rogers (Miami) and Dylan Carlson (St.