Gold Glove Award History

The Gold Glove Award is a prestigious honor in Major League Baseball (MLB) that recognizes players with exceptional defensive skills at each position. Established in 1957 by Rawlings, the award highlights the importance of defensive play by honoring players who demonstrate outstanding fielding abilities, quick reflexes, and a deep understanding of their defensive roles on the field. Voted on by MLB managers and coaches, the award is given to one player in each league—American and National—at every position, from pitcher to outfielders. Winning a Gold Glove not only signifies individual excellence but also places a player among the elite defenders in the league, with many recipients going on to be remembered as some of the best defensive players in baseball history.

In this article, we'll cover:

When Did The Gold Glove Award Start?

The Gold Glove Award was introduced in 1957 by the Rawlings Sporting Goods Company as a way to spotlight defensive prowess in Major League Baseball (MLB). At the time, Rawlings was already a prominent name in baseball, supplying gloves to many players in the league. Recognizing that offensive achievements often took center stage, Rawlings sought to emphasize the importance of defensive skills, which were essential yet frequently overlooked.


The award was designed to celebrate players who demonstrated outstanding fielding abilities and commitment to defense. Each year, one player from both the American and National Leagues was selected at each position, showcasing talent from pitchers to outfielders. With its golden glove trophy mounted on a walnut base, the award quickly became a symbol of defensive excellence, setting a high standard for fielding performance and cementing Rawlings’ role in honoring elite defenders across the sport. Learn more about the history of Rawlings by visiting the Rawlings history page.

Gold Glove History & Changes

Since its inception, the Gold Glove Award has undergone several significant changes to ensure a fairer and more comprehensive evaluation of defensive performance. Initially, only one player per position was chosen across both leagues, but in 1958, the award began recognizing players from the American and National Leagues separately. This adjustment allowed for a broader representation of defensive talent across MLB and acknowledged the unique strengths of players within each league.

Prior to 2011, there were three Gold Glove Awards presented for outfielders without regard to their specific position. In 2013, the voting process was overhauled to enhance objectivity and accuracy. Rawlings introduced the SABR Defensive Index (SDI), a statistical measure developed by the Society for American Baseball Research to account for defensive metrics and analytics. The SDI now comprises about 25% of the overall vote, while MLB managers and coaches still account for the majority, as they observe players regularly. This blend of traditional voting and advanced statistics aimed to reduce bias and more accurately reflect defensive skills. Additionally, in recent years, Rawlings added a “Platinum Glove” for the single best defender in each league, as chosen by fans, further celebrating elite defense beyond positional boundaries. These changes have allowed the Gold Glove Award to evolve with the game while continuing to recognize the sport’s most accomplished fielders.

Gold Glove Requirements and Criteria

Criteria for Winning:

  • The Gold Glove Award honors players at each position who demonstrate outstanding fielding performance, including skills like fielding percentage, range, and defensive positioning.
  • Consideration is given to a player's ability to make routine and difficult plays, prevent errors, and contribute to the team’s overall defensive strategy.
  • For more information on how athletes are selected, check out the Rawlings Gold Glove Selection Criteria.

Role of Managers and Coaches:

  • MLB managers and coaches from each league participate in the voting process, but they cannot vote for players from their own teams.
  • These baseball professionals, who observe opposing players regularly throughout the season, make selections based on firsthand experience with players' defensive contributions.
  • Their votes carry a substantial weight, traditionally making up about 75% of the overall decision.

Introduction of Sabermetrics (SABR Defensive Index):

  • In 2013, the SABR Defensive Index (SDI) was introduced to add an analytical component to the award selection, accounting for approximately 25% of the final vote.
  • The SDI uses advanced defensive metrics like defensive runs saved (DRS), ultimate zone rating (UZR), and other fielding data to objectively evaluate players’ defensive performance.
  • This integration of sabermetrics helps balance subjective observations with data-driven insights, leading to a more comprehensive evaluation of defensive skills.

Most Gold Glove Awards at Each Position

Pitcher

18 Gold Gloves Won

Greg Maddux, a Hall of Famer, won 355 games and four consecutive NL Cy Young Awards, excelling with the Cubs and Braves. Known for his control and strategy, he also set an MLB record with 18 Gold Glove Awards, marking him as one of baseball's most skilled pitchers and defenders.

Catcher

13 Gold Gloves Won

 Ivan Rodriguez, a Hall of Fame catcher, had a 21-season career, mainly with the Texas Rangers, where he won 13 Gold Glove Awards. Known for his defensive prowess and offensive power, he was a crucial player in the Rangers’ success during the late 1990s and earned the AL MVP in 1999. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017, Rodriguez is celebrated as one of baseball's greatest catchers.

First Base

11 Gold Gloves Won

Keith Hernandez had a 17-season career as a first baseman, mainly with the St. Louis Cardinals and New York Mets. Known for his defensive excellence, he won 11 Gold Glove Awards and was pivotal in the Mets’ 1986 World Series win. Inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame in 1997, Hernandez is also recognized as a respected broadcaster.

Second Base

10 Gold Gloves Won

Roberto Alomar had a 17-season MLB career, primarily with the Toronto Blue Jays and Baltimore Orioles. A 12-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion, he won 10 Gold Glove Awards for his defensive excellence. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011, Alomar is regarded as one of the greatest second basemen in baseball history.

Third Base

16 Gold Gloves Won

Brooks Robinson had a 23-season career with the Baltimore Orioles, winning 16 Gold Glove Awards for his exceptional defense at third base. A key player in two World Series championships, he was an 18-time All-Star and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983, solidifying his status as one of baseball's greatest defenders.

Shortstop

13 Gold Gloves Won

Ozzie Smith, known as “The Wizard,” had a 19-season career primarily with the St. Louis Cardinals, winning 13 Gold Glove Awards for his defensive excellence. A 15-time All-Star and key player in the 1982 World Series, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2002, recognized as one of baseball's greatest shortstops.

Left Field

8 Gold Gloves Won

Alex Gordon spent 14 seasons with the Kansas City Royals, known for his exceptional defense as an outfielder and third baseman. A three-time Gold Glove winner and 2014 All-Star, he played a key role in the Royals’ 2015 World Series championship, finishing his career with over 1,800 hits.

Center Field

4 Gold Gloves Won

Kevin Kiermaier has spent his entire MLB career with the Tampa Bay Rays, known for his elite defensive skills in center field. A two-time Gold Glove winner, he is recognized as one of baseball's best defensive outfielders and has contributed to multiple playoff runs with the Rays.

Right Field

6 Gold Gloves Won

Mookie Betts is an All-Star outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers, renowned for his hitting and defensive prowess. A five-time Gold Glove winner, he played a key role in the Boston Red Sox's 2018 World Series championship and is celebrated for his versatility and athleticism.

Outfield*

12 Gold Gloves Won

Willie Mays had a 22-season career, primarily with the San Francisco Giants, known for his outstanding hitting and defense. A 24-time All-Star and two-time MVP, he won 12 Gold Glove Awards and is famous for "The Catch" in the 1954 World Series. Mays was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979.

12 Gold Gloves Won

Roberto Clemente had an 18-season career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, known for his exceptional hitting and defense. A 15-time All-Star and four-time batting champion, he won 12 Gold Glove Awards and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1973, celebrated for his humanitarian efforts and impact on baseball.

*Prior to 2011, there were three Gold Glove Awards presented for outfielders without regard to their specific position. 

What is the Gold Glove Award - Frequently Asked Questions

How many Gold Gloves are awarded each year?

  • Each year, 20 Gold Gloves are awarded, with one player from each position in both the American and National Leagues receiving the honor including a utility player.

What is the most number of Gold Gloves won by a single player?

  • The record for the most Gold Gloves won by a single player is held by pitcher Greg Maddux, who won 18.

How do you win a Gold Glove?

  • To win a Gold Glove, players must demonstrate superior defensive skills at their position, as judged by MLB managers, coaches, and sabermetrics.

Are there special requirements or qualifications needed to be nominated for a Gold Glove?

  • Players generally need to have played a significant number of games at a position to be eligible for nomination, although there are no strict requirements.

How have sabermetrics influenced Gold Glove selections in recent years?

  • In recent years, sabermetrics like defensive runs saved (DRS) and the SABR Defensive Index (SDI) have been incorporated, making selections more data-driven.

Is there a special ceremony for the Gold Glove winners?

  • Gold Glove winners are recognized in a special awards ceremony held annually by Rawlings, which celebrates each recipient's defensive achievements.