The Gold Glove award is one of the most prestigious awards a baseball player can receive. It is awarded to the best defensive players at each position in the Major Leagues. But how are Gold Gloves picked?
The Gold Glove voting process is complex and involves both fans and coaches. This process is designed to ensure that the best defensive player is chosen at each position. In this article, we’ll explore how Gold Gloves are selected, looking at the criteria and the voting process.
What is the Criteria for a Gold Glove Award?
The criteria for the Gold Glove award are based on the players’ performance and statistics. The award is given to the players who demonstrate the highest defensive ability at their respective positions.
The criteria for a Gold Glove award includes:
1. Range Factor: This statistic measures the number of plays a player can make. It is calculated by dividing the total number of putouts and assists a player makes by the number of innings or games played.
2. Zone Rating: This is a statistic that measures how often a player successfully fields a batted ball in his area of the field. It is based on the number of plays a player makes compared to the number of balls hit into his area of the field.
3. Defensive Runs Saved: This statistic measures the number of runs a player saves his team compared to an average defender at the same position. It is based on the number of plays a player makes compared to the average number of plays made by other players at the same position.
4. Errors: This is a simple statistic that measures the number of errors a player makes.
5. Fielding Percentage: This statistic is a measure of a player’s overall defensive ability. It is calculated by dividing the number of putouts and assists a player makes by the number of total chances a player has to make a play.
The Role of Fans in Gold Glove Voting
The fans also play an important role in the Gold Glove voting process. Each year, the Rawlings Sporting Goods Company allows fans to vote for their favorite players for the Gold Glove award. Fans can vote on the Rawlings website or on the MLB website. Fans are asked to select the players they feel are the best defensive players at each position, based on the criteria outlined above.
The Role of Coaches in Gold Glove Voting
In addition to the fan vote, each year, Major League Baseball coaches and managers are asked to select the best defensive players at each position. The coaches and managers are asked to select the players they feel are the best defensive players at each position, based on the criteria outlined above.
The coaches and managers are not allowed to vote for players on their own teams, and they are asked to select three players at each position. Coaches and managers can also submit a list of players they think should receive a Gold Glove award.
The Role of Stats in Gold Glove Voting
The Rawlings Sporting Goods Company also uses statistical analysis to help determine the recipients of the Gold Glove award. The company uses a wide variety of statistical measures to help determine the best defensive players at each position. This includes measures such as range factor, zone rating, defensive runs saved, errors, and fielding percentage.
The Final Vote for Gold Gloves
Once the fan votes, the coaches and managers votes, and the statistical analysis has been completed, the Rawlings Sporting Goods Company announces the winners of the Gold Glove award. The winners are announced at the end of the regular season.
Conclusion
The Gold Glove award is one of the most prestigious awards a baseball player can receive. The award is given to the players who demonstrate the highest defensive ability at their respective positions. The voting process is complex and involves both fans and coaches. It also involves statistical analysis to help determine the recipients of the award. In conclusion, the Gold Glove award is a highly coveted honor, and it takes a combination of skill, talent, and hard work to win it.