The Rookie of the Year (ROY) Award is an award given to the best rookie in each league. A position player and a pitcher are both equally qualified to win the award. To win the award, a batter must have less than 130 plate appearances and a pitcher must have less than 50 innings pitched. The award is given once a year and to one player in each league. It is voted on by the BBWAA. Jackie Robinson is the first player to win Rookie of the Year honors.