Gold Glove
From SoSH
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About the Award
Every year eighteen people (nine in each league) are awarded the Gold Glove in voting by players and managers. No distinction is made between outfielders, though at least one center fielder is usually voted in. The positions are as follows: P, C, 1B, 2B, 2B, SS, OF, OF, OF.
Controversy
While one might think that players and managers would be the best to vote on the gold glove, many people disagree with their selections (see Derek Jeter). Conventional wisdom says that there are three ways to win a gold glove:
- Already have a gold glove
- Be a good-to-great offensive player
- Make the highlight real with a few spectacular plays
Regarding the first point, it has been noted that many players have continued getting gold gloves, despite declining skills, based on nothing more than reputation.
One common lament is that great fielding players, such as Rey Sanchez and Alex Gonzalez, rarely win gold gloves because they do not hit well enough to be noticed.
Finally, good defenders who make a few great plays, even if they often make errors (Vladimir Guerrero) or have poor range (Jeter) will often win the gold glove because the few great plays become symbolic in the minds of the voters.
Red Sox in History
For a list of Red Sox players who have won the Gold Glove Award see: Sox Gold Gloves
