After two days of celebrating last seasons World Series triumph, San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey received his 2010 season Rookie of the Year award before an adoring sold out crowd moments before facing the St. Louis Cardinals in the final match of a three-game series.  

Click on the photo at right to start the slideshow.

The 24-year-old slugger out of Leesburg, Georgia is the sixth Giant to garner the National League honor. Last season, the San Francisco catcher belted 18 homers last year, knocked in 67 RBI’s while posting a batting average of .305.

Moments before receiving his plaque, Posey stepped onto the diamond to a standing ovation, greeting the five Giants that have received the title before him. Hall of Famers Willie Mays, Orlando Cepeda, Willie McCovey have all nabbed the same honor years before, as did Gary Matthews and John Montefusco.

And together, with baseballs in hand, they all threw the ceremonial first pitch.   

Posey, who was called up in late May last year to assume the responsibilities behind home plate, is only the ninth catcher to receive an MLB Rookie of the Year award.

His 2010 post season was highlighted by his solo home run in Arlington, Texas during the Giants 4-0 in game 4 of last year’s series.

The first 20,000 fans at today’s ballgame received a Buster Posey Pin commemorating the catchers’ outstanding 2010 campaign.

Fellow Rookie of the Year G-Men:

1951 – Willie Mays
1958 – Orlando Cepeda
1959 – Willie McCovey
1973 – Gary Matthews
1975 – John Montefusco
2010 – Buster Posey