Ultimate Gold Glove Squad: Top Defensive Legends in MLB History

Pitcher: Greg Maddux

Greg Maddux would be the ideal namesake for the pitching Gold Glove, given his record of receiving the award 18 times over his distinguished career. Maddux is celebrated not only for possibly the finest control ever seen from a pitcher in MLB history but also for his exceptional defensive skills, which significantly contributed to his four NL Cy Young Awards and 355 career victories. Notably, he accumulated 25 defensive runs saved, a remarkable achievement considering the defensive runs saved (DRS) metric wasn't tracked until he was 36 years old. His induction into the Hall of Fame on the first ballot in 2014 rightly acknowledges his defensive contributions as a fundamental aspect of his storied legacy.

This post by Tim Kelly appeared first on Just Baseball.

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First Base: Keith Hernandez

Keith Hernandez is widely regarded as one of the most notable omissions from the Hall of Fame. While he ended his career with an .821 OPS, it was his exceptional defense that truly set him apart, earning him 11 Gold Glove Awards, the most by any first baseman in the history of MLB. Hernandez dominated the Gold Glove category at first base in the National League every year from 1978 to 1988. His first five awards were won while playing for the Cardinals, and the subsequent five were as a member of the Mets. Notably, his 1983 NL Gold Glove Award came during a season he split between the Cardinals and the Mets, underscoring his defensive prowess.

Second Base: Roberto Alomar

Throughout his 17-year career, Roberto Alomar took the field for seven different teams, yet his defensive excellence was a constant. He secured six Gold Glove Awards in a row from 1991 to 1996 while with the Toronto Blue Jays and Baltimore Orioles. Alomar's defensive achievements culminated in a total of 10 Gold Gloves, making him the only second baseman in the sport's history to reach double figures in this accolade. Alomar was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2011, but allegations of sexual misconduct have since tarnished his reputation beyond the diamond.

Shortstop: Ozzie Smith

Although Ozzie Smith had a career batting average of only .262, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2002. This honor can be partly attributed to his impressive tally of 580 stolen bases and more than 2,400 hits throughout his career. However, the primary factor behind his induction was undoubtedly his defensive prowess. Over a 19-year career that he divided between the San Diego Padres and the St. Louis Cardinals, "The Wizard" secured an impressive 13 Gold Glove Awards, setting a record for shortstops. His first two Gold Gloves were earned while with the Padres, and he claimed the remaining 11 as a Cardinal.

Third Base: Brooks Robinson

Brooks Robinson is recognized as the epitome of defensive excellence at third base, securing 16 Gold Glove Awards throughout his distinguished career, a record that stands as seemingly insurmountable. The hallmark of Robinson's career was his unwavering consistency at one of the game's most challenging defensive positions, capturing those 16 Gold Gloves in a consecutive streak from 1960 to 1975. His .971 fielding percentage ranks fifth in MLB history, an extraordinary achievement considering he accumulated nearly 25,000 innings played at third base. A dedicated member of the Baltimore Orioles for his entire career, Robinson was inducted into the Hall of Fame on his first ballot in 1983.

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Left Field: Alex Gordon

Selected as the second overall pick by the Kansas City Royals in the 2005 MLB Draft, Alex Gordon initially started his career at third base. However, his transition to left field in 2011 marked a significant turning point in his career. Since the inception of the defensive runs saved metric in 2003, Gordon has led all left fielders, outpacing the next closest, Carl Crawford, who has 68. In left field, Gordon secured eight Gold Gloves and was awarded two Platinum Gloves, recognizing him as the top defender in the American League.

Center Field: Willie Mays

Willie Mays, known for making the most iconic catch in MLB history, had a career filled with remarkable achievements, arguably making him one of the most well-rounded players the game has ever witnessed. Throughout his career, Mays secured 11 Gold Glove Awards, and his 188 outfield assists rank him eighth among MLB center fielders. His legendary over-the-shoulder grab in the first game of the 1954 World Series stands as a pinnacle moment in the annals of North American professional sports. Beyond his defensive mastery, Mays hit 660 home runs, placing him sixth on the all-time MLB list. He also amassed 3,293 hits, earning him the 13th spot in MLB history. Recently celebrating his 93rd birthday, Mays was enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 1979.

Right Field: Roberto Clemente

Roberto Clemente stands alone as the only right fielder to have earned ten or more Gold Gloves, securing the award in each of his last 12 MLB seasons. Regarded as one of baseball's most illustrious figures, Clemente dedicated his entire Hall of Fame career to the Pittsburgh Pirates. In his 18 seasons with the team, he amassed 256 outfield assists, a figure surpassed by only one other right fielder in MLB history. His remarkable throw from right field to home plate at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore during the sixth game of the 1971 World Series is still celebrated as one of the greatest plays in baseball history.

Pitcher: Greg Maddux

Greg Maddux would be the ideal namesake for the pitching Gold Glove, given his record of receiving the award 18 times over his distinguished career. Maddux is celebrated not only for possibly the finest control ever seen from a pitcher in MLB history but also for his exceptional defensive skills, which significantly contributed to his four NL Cy Young Awards and 355 career victories. Notably, he accumulated 25 defensive runs saved, a remarkable achievement considering the defensive runs saved (DRS) metric wasn't tracked until he was 36 years old. His induction into the Hall of Fame on the first ballot in 2014 rightly acknowledges his defensive contributions as a fundamental aspect of his storied legacy.

This post by Tim Kelly appeared first on Just Baseball.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.