History
When the American League began using the designated hitter in 1973, the Associated Press established this award.
Baseball beat writers, broadcasters, and public relations directors who are members of the Associated Press voted on the award.
The AP dropped the award after 1999, but it was taken over by the Baseball Writers Association. In 2004 it was named the Edgar Martinez Outstanding Designated Hitter Award in honor of the five-time winner who retired at the end of that season.