Gillette is expanding its relationship with Major League Baseball by sponsoring the Rookie of the Month Award, which recognizes the top performing first-year players in both the National and American Leagues.

Gillette is giving the monthly award a populist spin by bringing fans into the selection process. People can vote for their favorite at www.mlb.com/gillette. The votes will constitute 20% of the votes in the outcome, with the balance coming from team baseball writers and club broadcasters.

The company promoted the inception of its sponsorship and the fan voting factor in a satellite tour in New York last week featuring Fred Lynn, who became the only player to win both the rookie of the year and the most valuable player award after his inaugural season with the Boston Red Sox in 1975.

“It’s a program with Major League Baseball to do a little more work with the rookies and give the fans a bigger voice,” said Gillette spokesman Mike Norton.

Winners will be announced online at the same site where fans cast their ballots. People will also be able to access statistical information about the nominees and the winners. Voting starts during the first week of each month for the previous month’s nominees.

Gillette will stage presentation ceremonies in the home ballpark of the winning rookie’s team each month. It will also make a donation yet to be determined to the charity of the player’s choice.

Gillette has been an MLB business partner since 1939. It is currently a participating sponsor of the DHL All-Star Fan Fest, an interactive baseball theme park that opens at the start of each MLB All-Star week, leading up to the All-Star game. This year, Gillette will unveil an MLB themed All-Star Shower & Shave attraction at the event.

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