The Rawlings Platinum Glove is an award that is presented to the best defensive players in Major League Baseball (MLB). The award was first introduced in 2011, and it has quickly become one of the most prestigious awards in baseball. The award is presented to one player from each Major League Baseball team, and is based on a combination of defensive metrics, scouting reports, and fan voting.
The Rawlings Platinum Glove is an important award for those who play the game of baseball. It is a symbol of excellence, and it is seen as a sign of recognition for the best defensive players in the game. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Rawlings Platinum Glove, including its history, criteria for selection, and the players who have won the award.
History of the Rawlings Platinum Glove
The Rawlings Platinum Glove was first introduced in 2011. It was created to recognize the best defensive players in Major League Baseball. The award was created by Rawlings, a sporting goods company that has been manufacturing baseball equipment since 1887. The award is presented to one player from each Major League Baseball team, and it is based on a combination of defensive metrics, scouting reports, and fan voting.
Criteria for Selection
In order to be eligible for the Rawlings Platinum Glove Award, a player must have played a minimum of 100 games at a position on the field. The award is based on a combination of defensive metrics, scouting reports, and fan voting. The defensive metrics used to determine the award winners include defensive runs saved (DRS), ultimate zone rating (UZR), and defensive WAR (dWAR). These metrics measure a player’s ability to field the ball, make accurate throws, and prevent runs from scoring.
In addition to the defensive metrics, scouting reports and fan voting are also considered when selecting the award winners. The scouting reports provide insight into a player’s defensive abilities, and the fan voting is used to determine the final award winners. Fans can vote for their favorite players on the Rawlings website, or through the MLB.com app.
Notable Winners
Since its inception, the Rawlings Platinum Glove has been awarded to some of the best defensive players in Major League Baseball. Notable winners of the award include Yadier Molina, Andrelton Simmons, Nolan Arenado, and Mookie Betts. Molina has won the award a record seven times, while Betts has won it four times.
Benefits of Winning the Award
Winning the Rawlings Platinum Glove Award is a great honor for any player. In addition to the recognition, winning the award also has some financial benefits. The winners receive an incentive bonus of up to $50,000, and they also receive a Rawlings Platinum Glove Award trophy.
In addition to the financial benefits, winning the award also has some non-financial benefits. Players who win the award often gain increased respect from their peers, as well as increased exposure from the media. This can lead to more endorsement deals and other opportunities for the players.
Influence of the Award
The Rawlings Platinum Glove Award has had a significant influence on Major League Baseball. It has increased the recognition of defensive players, and it has also changed the way teams view defense. Teams are now more likely to focus on defensive metrics when evaluating players, and they are also more likely to invest in defensive players. This has led to an increase in defensive emphasis in baseball, and it has made defense an important factor in the success of teams.
Conclusion
The Rawlings Platinum Glove Award is one of the most prestigious awards in Major League Baseball. It is a symbol of excellence, and it is seen as a sign of recognition for the best defensive players in the game. The award has changed the way teams view defense, and it has increased the recognition of defensive players. It is an important award for those who play the game of baseball, and it is a great honor for any player to win it.