This exciting new MLB-sanctioned award, which will be presented annually to one player each from the American and National Leagues, will recognize those players who have re-emerged on the baseball field during a given season. Representatives of Major League Baseball and the editorial staff at MLB.com, the official Web site of Major League Baseball, have selected the 12 nominees -- six players from each League -- for the "Major League Baseball Comeback Player of the Year Award Presented by Viagra® (sildenafil citrate)".

American League

1. Roy Halladay - Toronto Blue Jays
2004: 8-8 W-L, 4.20 ERA, 95 K, 39 BB, 1.35 WHIP
2005*: 12-4 W-L, 2.41 ERA, 108 K, 18 BB, 0.96 WHIP

2. Bob Wickman - Cleveland Indians
2004: 4.25 ERA, 26 K, 10 BB, 13 SV
2005*: 2.96 ERA, 26 K, 16 BB, 33 SV

3. Jay Gibbons - Baltimore Orioles
2004: .246 AVG, 10 HR, 47 RBI, 14 2B, 36 R
2005*: .260 AVG, 17 HR, 55 RBI, 24 2B, 54 R

4. Barry Zito - Oakland Athletics
2004: 11-11 W-L, 4.48 ERA, 163 K, 81 BB, 1.39 WHIP
2005*: 11-10 W-L, 3.60 ERA, 128 K, 68 BB, 1.16 WHIP

5. Richie Sexson - Seattle Mariners
2004: 23 G, .233 AVG, 9 HR, 23 RBI, 20 R
2005*: 119 G, .261 AVG, 32 HR, 94 RBI, 77 R

6. Jason Giambi - New York Yankees
2004: .208 AVG, 12 HR, 40 RBI, 9 2B, 33 R
2005*: .273 AVG, 21 HR, 52 RBI, 12 2B, 50 R

National League

1. Cliff Floyd - New York Mets
2004: .260 AVG, 18 HR, 63 RBI, 55 R, 11 SB
2005*: .286 AVG, 27 HR, 79 RBI, 71 R, 10 SB

2. Todd Jones - Florida Marlins
2004: 3-3 W-L, 4.97 ERA, 22 K, 1 SV
2005*: 1-4 W-L, 1.13 ERA, 47 K, 28 SV

3. Andy Pettitte - Houston Astros
2004: 6-4 W-L, 3.90 ERA, 79 K, 1.23 WHIP
2005*: 11-9 W-L, 2.67 ERA, 130 K, 1.10 WHIP
* Season to Date

4. Ken Griffey Jr. - Cincinnati Reds
2004: .253 AVG, 20 HR, 60 RBI, 18 2B 49 R
2005*: .294 AVG, 29 HR, 85 RBI, 29 2B, 78 R

5. Brian Fuentes - Colorado Rockies
2004: 2-4 W-L, 5.64 ERA, 48 K, 19 BB, 0 SV
2005*: 2-3 W-L, 2.85 ERA, 69 K, 29 BB, 21 SV

6. Troy Glaus - Arizona Diamondbacks
2004: 58 G, .251 AVG, 18 HR, 42 RBI, 47 R
2005*: 117 G, .263 AVG, 26 HR, 76 RBI, 63 R

Fans can now vote for the "Major League Baseball Comeback Player of the Year Award Presented by Viagra® (sildenafil citrate)" online at www.MLB.com/ComebackAward through October 1, 2005. The American League and National League winners of the "Major League Baseball Comeback Player of the Year Award Presented by Viagra® (sildenafil citrate)" will be announced during the 2005 MLB postseason.

"The 'Major League Baseball Comeback Player of the Year Award Presented by Viagra® (sildenafil citrate)' embodies an athlete's desire to play at the highest level," said Tim Brosnan, Executive Vice President, Business, Major League Baseball. "The comeback is one the most inspiring stories in sports, and Major League Baseball is honored to have Pfizer support this prestigious award."

"Pfizer has been a Major League Baseball sponsor for the past three years, and this award builds upon a continued, successful relationship," said Greg Duncan, Senior Vice President, U.S. Marketing, Pfizer. "Pfizer is proud to sponsor this award that celebrates the skill, focus and determination required to compete in professional baseball."

To further involve fans in the selection process, Pfizer will introduce an online sweepstakes in conjunction with the "Major League Baseball Comeback Player of the Year Award Presented by Viagra® (sildenafil citrate)." As part of the program, one lucky sweepstakes winner will have the opportunity to throw out a ceremonial first pitch prior to a 2005 MLB World Series® game.

About Major League Baseball Properties
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MLBP also operates a full-service video and audio production unit (Major League Baseball Productions), a publishing division and stock photo licensing agency, and manages logistics for the All-Star Game and World Series as well as all other special events. For more information on Major League Baseball, log on to www.MLB.com.

About Pfizer
For further information on Pfizer, please see www.pfizer.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.