The Gold Glove Award is an annual award presented by Major League Baseball (MLB) to the best defensive players at each position in the American and National Leagues. The award is based on votes from managers and coaches, who are asked to choose the best defender at each position. This prestigious award has been given out since 1957, and since then, it has become one of the most coveted awards a player can receive. So, how many Gold Gloves do they give out each year?
The Gold Glove Award
The Gold Glove Award was first presented in 1957 by the Wilson Sporting Goods Company. In the American League, the award was originally given to the top fielder at each position. The National League began awarding the Gold Glove in 1958. The award has since become one of the most prestigious awards a player can receive.
The Criteria for Winning a Gold Glove
In order to win a Gold Glove, a player must demonstrate excellent defensive skills throughout the season. The winners of the award are chosen based on a combination of votes from managers and coaches. The votes are tallied and the player who receives the most votes at each position is named the winner.
How Many Gold Gloves Are Awarded Each Year
Each year, 18 Gold Glove Awards are presented in the American and National Leagues. This includes one award for each position: pitcher, catcher, first baseman, second baseman, third baseman, shortstop, left fielder, center fielder, and right fielder.
The History of the Gold Glove Award
The first recipients of the Gold Glove Award were Hall of Famers Al Kaline (AL) and Willie Mays (NL), who were both honored for their defensive excellence in 1957. Since then, the award has become one of the most coveted honors a player can receive. Over the years, many legendary players have won the award, including Brooks Robinson, Ozzie Smith, Roberto Clemente, and Derek Jeter.
The Impact of the Gold Glove Award
The Gold Glove Award has been a major factor in the evolution of baseball. It has elevated the status of defense in the game, as it rewards players who are excellent defenders. It has also helped to put a spotlight on the importance of defensive fundamentals, which is something that all players should strive to master.
The Influence of Advanced Stats on the Gold Glove Award
In recent years, advanced stats have become an important factor in determining the winners of the Gold Glove Award. Players are now evaluated on more than just their fielding percentage, as advanced stats such as range factor and ultimate zone rating are taken into account. This has allowed for a more accurate assessment of a player’s defensive skills.
The Impact of the Gold Glove Award on Player Contracts
The Gold Glove Award has become increasingly important for players when it comes to contract negotiations. Winning the award can result in a significant bump in salary, as teams are willing to pay more for players who are excellent defenders.
The Future of the Gold Glove Award
The Gold Glove Award has been a staple of Major League Baseball for more than 60 years, and it is likely to remain a major factor in the game for many years to come. As advanced stats become an increasingly important factor in the evaluation of players, the award will continue to evolve and become even more important.
Conclusion
The Gold Glove Award is one of the most prestigious awards a player can receive, and it is given out each year to the best defensive players in the American and National Leagues. The award is determined by a combination of votes from managers and coaches, and it has become increasingly important for players when it comes to contract negotiations. Each year, 18 Gold Glove Awards are presented, and the award has had a major impact on the game of baseball.