Gold Glove Award

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The award should not be confused with the Golden Gloves amateur boxing competition.

In American baseball, the Rawlings Gold Glove Award, usually referred to simply as the Gold Glove, is the award annually given to the major league player judged to be the most "superior individual fielding performance" at each position (in each league), as voted by the managers and coaches in each league. Eighteen Gold Gloves are awarded each year, one at each of nine positions to a player in both the National League and American League.

Note: The term "at each position" is not strictly accurate. Three outfielders are selected, but the award does not distinguish among left, center, and right fielders. Some critics have long called for awarding a single Gold Glove for each individual outfield position, arguing that the three outfield positions are not equivalent defensively.

In 1957, the baseball glove manufacturer Rawlings invented the idea of the Gold Glove to commemorate the best fielding performance at each position in baseball. A glove made from gold lamé-tanned leather was affixed to a walnut base and the Rawlings Gold Glove was born. 2007 represents the golden anniversary of the Rawlings Gold Glove Award, celebrating 50 years of defense.

The most Gold Gloves ever won by a player is 16, a feat achieved by third baseman Brooks Robinson, pitcher Jim Kaat, and pitcher Greg Maddux.

The only player ever to win Gold Gloves as an infielder and outfielder is Darin Erstad, who won Gold Gloves as an outfielder in 2000 and 2002 and a first baseman in 2004, all with the Anaheim Angels.

Rafael Palmeiro might be considered the only designated hitter to 'win' the Gold Glove. Plameiro won the 1999 Award with the Texas Rangers while only appearing in 28 games as a first baseman; he appeared in 135 games as a DH that season.

Gold Glove awards also exist in other baseball leagues. For example, they are called "Golden Glove awards" in Japan.