With the announcement of the Modern Era candidates for the Baseball Hall of Fame, it is now time for us to look at the upcoming ballot for the Baseball Writers, who will be voting for the Class of 2020.

What we know so far, is that there is no way that this will be an empty class.  We have a sure-fire first ballot inductee in Derek Jeter, who with his 3,465 career Hits, a career Batting Average of .310 and five-time World Series Champion could become the second former player following Mariano Rivera, to receive a unanimous vote.  Should that happen, it will mark a back-to-back of two former New York Yankees teammates earning that distinction.

Last year, Curt Schilling received 60.9% of the vote last year in a very strong field (especially for pitchers) says Paruk from SportsBettingDime.com.  Less tainted by PEDS than the likes of Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds, Schilling should crack 75% if the outspoken Trump supporter doesn’t rub writers the wrong way in the next couple months.

As for Bonds and Clemens, they are both entering their eighth year of eligibility.  What once was thought as an impossible mountain to climb, the two stars both approached 60% last year.  While enshrinement this year seems unlikely, a continued rise could bode well for them in the next two years.

As for us, the one we are looking at the most is Larry Walker.  The Canadian slugger seemed to have no chance for Cooperstown a year ago, but he rocketed from 34.1% to 54.6% last year, and with him facing his final year of eligibility, we could see the first player inducted with a Colorado Rockies cap.

One thing, we know for sure is that we will be paying attention!a

 

It is onward and upward for us here at Notinhalloffame.com as we have added to one of our existing sections, the Baseball Futures.

Today, we are pleased to unveil our section of former baseball players who will be eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2023.

The entire section can be found here, but below is the complete list of those whom we are profiling.

They are:

Aaron Hill:  An All-Star in 2009 with the Toronto Blue Jays, Hill retired with just over 1,500 Hits.  He would also be named a Silver Slugger twice.

Adam Lind:  Lind would have 200 Home Runs and as a Blue Jay in 2009, he would win both the Silver Slugger and Edgar Martinez Award.

Andre Ethier:  A career Los Angeles Dodger, Andre Ethier was a two-time All-Star and would win the Silver Slugger in 2009.

Bronson Arroyo:  A member of the Boston Red Sox 2004 World Series Championship Team, Bronson Arroyo had his best seasons with the Cincinnati Reds.  He would retire with 148 Wins and was an All-Star in 2006.

Carlos Beltran:  Beltran retires with a strong Hall of Fame resume as he retired with 2,725 Hits and 435 Home Runs.  Beltran went to nine All-Star Games, won two Silver Sluggers, three Gold Gloves and was a World Series Champion in his last season in Baseball.

Carlos Ruiz:  Ruiz was a light hitting Catcher, but he was an All-Star in 2012 and a two-time Wilson Defensive Player.  He has a World Series Ring with Philadelphia Phillies in 2008.

Chad Qualls:  Qualls pitched mostly in middle and long relief and would pitch in 844 Games.

Erick Aybar:  Aybar was an All-Star in 2014 and was a Gold Glove winner in 2011.

Francisco Rodriguez: “K-Rod” won the World Series with the Anaheim Angels in 2002 and would go on to six All-Star Games. Rodriguez led the AL in Saves three times and collected 437 in total.

Glen Perkins:  Perkins secured 120 Saves over a career that was spent entirely with the Minnesota Twins.

Huston Street:  Street was the American League Rookie of the Year in 2005 and would be a two-time All-Star.  He retired with 324 Saves.

J.J. Hardy:  Hardy was a two-time All-Star at Shortstop and would be a three-time Gold Glove recipient.  He would also win the Silver Slugger Award in 2013.

Jacoby Ellsbury:  Ellsbury won the World Series twice with the Boston Red Sox, and he was an All-Star, Silver Slugger and Gold Glove winner in 2011.

Jason Grilli:  Grilli played for nine different teams in the Majors and was an All-Star in 2013 when he was the closer for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Jayson Werth:  Werth was a World Series Champion with the Phillies in 2008 and would be an All-Star a year later.  He would have 229 Home Runs over his career.

Jered Weaver:  Weaver led the American League in Strikeouts in 2010 and was a three-time All-Star.  He would win 150 Games over his career.

Jhonny Peralta:  Peralta would accumulate 1,761 Hits and was a three-time All-Star.

Joaquin Benoit:  Benoit would pitch in 764 Games in his career.

Joe Blanton:  Blanton won 101 Games in his career and would win a World Series Ring with Philadelphia in 2008.

John Lackey:  Lackey won three World Series Rings with three different teams (Anaheim 2002, Boston 2013 & Chicago 2016) and was an All-Star in 2007.  Lackey won 188 Games and struck out 2,294 batters.

Jonathan Broxton:  As a Dodger, Broxton went to two All-Star Games as a Relief Pitcher. 

Matt Cain:  Cain would win three World Series Rings with the San Francisco Giants and was also a three-time All-Star.

Mike Napoli:  Napoli was an All-Star with the Texas Rangers in 2012 and would help the Red Sox win the World Series in 2013.

R.A. Dickey:  Dickey won the National League Cy Young Award in 2012 and the knuckleballer would record 120 Wins.

Stephen Drew:  Drew had a little over 1,100 Hits and was a World Series Champion with the Red Sox in 2013.

Ubaldo Jiminez:  Jiminez was an All-Star in 2010 and retired with 114 Wins and 1,720 Strikeouts.

Please note that just because the above players are Hall of Fame eligible in 2023, it does not mean that they will be on the ballot.

You know what we want you to do!

Take a look, and cast your vote and offer your opinion.

As always, we thank you for your support.

Manny Ramirez is still hopeful that he might get a call from the Baseball Hall of Fame.

In speaking with reporters prior to the 2018 World Series ring ceremony Ramirez was asked about his Cooperstown chances where he had this to say:

"I hope so. We've been praying.  Everybody makes mistakes. Nobody's perfect. I think with time, if it's God will, you're going to be there. If not, hey, we're just happy we got the opportunity to play the game that we love."

Ramirez’s mistake that he was referring to was getting caught taking PEDs and he was suspended twice for it.  He has the numbers for the Baseball Hall of Fame with 555 Home Runs, 2,574 Hits, a .312/.411/.585 Slash Line and a bWAR of 69.4.  He has the individual accolades with two World Series Rings, a World Series MVP, 12 All Star Appearances and nine Silver Sluggers.  None of this seem to matter to the Baseball Hall of Fame voters as he has been eligible for three years and has not had a vote total over 24% and unlike players like Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens he is not trending upwards, likely due that this his transgression took place after Major League Baseball instituted an agreed upon penalty for those caught taking PEDs.  

It will be interesting to see if Manny will see his total improve next year but we wouldn’t place a large wager on it.

This one is really interesting to us!

In an interview with the New York Post, former Outfielder Kenny Lofton was very blunt about his feelings about why he is not in the Baseball Hall of Fame.  He had this the following to say:

“I was expecting to do better. But I’m a realist. I look back at the situation, and at that time, I think what happened for me was I came out on the ballot in the wrong year. There was so many people on the ballot, and so many people who had a potential situation with the performance-enhancing drugs. I felt a lot of voters wanted to keep those guys on the ballot, and that was votes taken away from me…

 

…I just don’t like it. It pisses me off when they still talk about the guys who did PEDs still have the opportunity to get in. You cheated the game. Look at somebody like Pete Rose not in the Hall of Fame. I’m not saying what Pete Rose did was right, but his numbers that he put up were real numbers. If it’s all about numbers, guys who cheated the game shouldn’t be in. PED guys piss me off. I just get irked every time I hear people talk about it.

 

You’ve got Fox having a guy who got caught with PEDs doing the World Series. I can’t even watch the World Series now.  That’s sad, you have a game that I love, I played 17 years in it, and you have Major League Baseball allowing a guy that knowingly cheated the game twice, and he’s the face of baseball, doing the World Series. That is not cool.

To see somebody who cheated the game blatantly is doing the World Series? Come on, people. You’re basically telling kids nowadays that it’s OK to cheat the game of baseball.”

When you take a deep dive into the 2013 ballot, Lofton isn’t wrong.  First off, Lofton entered the ballot the same year as Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds and Sammy Sosa.  All three of those players have been accused of PED use and it is widely believed that they did partake in those and substances.  With Clemens and Bonds you have in terms of individual awards and statistics these this is the best pitcher and hitter respectively in their day. Sammy Sosa at one time was also considered a lock.  Clemens would receive 37.6% of the vote while Bonds was slightly behind at 36.2%.  As for Sosa he had a paltry 12.5%.  

Leading up to this ballot many of the baseball writers who had Hall of Fame votes were open upon their disdain for the suspected (and proven) PED users.  Some of them went as far as to publicly question the entire era and ballot.  Comments such as “we don’t know who cheated” became commonplace and it was clear that there was going to be a backlash.  

Keep in mind that the ballot did not just contain three suspect candidates in Clemens, Bonds and Sosa.  Mike Piazza also debuted on the ballot and had steroid talk around him.  So did Jeff Bagwell, who was on his third year of the ballot at the time.  Both would eventually get inducted but later than they should have.  The 2013 ballot also had Rafael Palmeiro who was caught taking PEDs and he barely hung on with 8.8% but he would fail to make the required 5% in 2014.  Mark McGwire who was an admitted user was on his seventh year and he did not even hit the 20% mark.  This is a lot of people who turned off Hall of Fame voters.  Keep in mind that in 2013 the Baseball Hall of Fame voted in NOBODY, though they would later elect Piazza, Bagwell, Craig Biggio, Tim Raines and Edgar Martinez on that ballot.  Jack Morris, Lee Smith and Alan Trammell who were also on the ballot would be chosen via the Veteran’s Committee.

The other factor that worked against Lofton was that this was a very crowded ballot.  Beyond the names already mentioned, Curt Schilling, Fred McGriff, Larry Walker, Dale Murphy, Don Mattingly and Bernie Williams were eligible for voting.  As a voter can only select ten players, it is possible that even had there been no voter backlash it is possible that Lofton might not have gotten past the first year of eligibility.

This is not to say that Lofton is not a Hall of Famer, just the victim of a crowded ballot and as he stated a backlash against the era in which he played.  Statistically he has a career bWAR of 68.3, a very good number that aligns with another members of Cooperstown, though his JAWS is slightly lower (55.9) than the average Hall of Fame Centerfielder (57.8).  Still, this is higher than Hall of Famers such as Andre Dawson and Kirby Puckett.  His traditional numbers of 2,428 Hits with a .299 Batting Average also fits into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

The negative surrounding Lofton is that some perceive him as a bit of s baseball nomad.  Lofton is most associated with Cleveland where he played parts of 10 of his 17 seasons, but he also had stints with Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Texas, Los Angeles, the Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, Houston and the Chicago White Sox.  That type of activity can rightfully or wrongfully decrease a perceived value.   

While Lofton is not in the Hall of Fame now, he could potentially get inducted in the future. Other players have been on one and done on the ballot and would be nominated by the Veteran’s Committee.

Going forward, Lofton raised an interesting that question that all who are looking at the Baseball Hall of Fame futures are wondering about…Alex Rodriguez.  A-Rod is at the level of a Bonds and Clemens but Rodriguez remains in the public eye both in terms of baseball in regards to work as an analyst with Fox and in entertainment as he is currently in a relationship with pop mogul, Jennifer Lopez.  If you were Kenny Lofton, wouldn’t it look to you as though Rodriguez was “forgiven”?

As for us, we here at Notinhalloffame.com have discussed the merits of Kenny Lofton on multiple occasions and our latest ranking places him #44. 

It looks like Roy Halladay’s plaque won’t be the only one created this year that won’t have a logo on it as the Baseball Hall of Fame has announced that after discussions with Mike Mussina that he too will go with a blank cap.

Mussina was asked this question three days ago when he was elected and he announced that he had not yet decided.  In 10 seasons as a Baltimore Oriole, Mussina went 147-81 with 1,535 Strikeouts and a bWAR of 47.8.  He was almost as good as a New York Yankee where in 8 seasons went 123-72 with 1,278 Strikeouts with a 35.2 bWAR.

Regardless of what hat he has on his plaque we are happy that Mike Mussina is in!

It was announced today that the ballcap on the plaque of Roy Halladay will not emblazon either that of the Toronto Blue Jays or Philadelphia Phillies.  Halladay’s widow Brandy had this to say about the decision:

"We decided. We talked about it.  There's no way to decide between the two teams, and I know we've spent the majority of our time in Toronto. Toronto gave us that chance, that base at the start, but Philly also gave us a chance to win and the passion that we wanted, and there's no way to choose and so we decided that he'll go in with no team."

This decision is not without precedence as Catfish Hunter and Greg Maddux also entered the Hall with a logo. 

Other news from the press conference is Mike Mussina has not decided whether to go in as a New York Yankee or Baltimore Oriole.

It never stops for us at Notinhalloffame.com and nor do we ever intend for it to.

Early in the new year, the Baseball Hall of Fame will be announcing the Class of 2019 but before that we have updated our Baseball Futures and here are the potential additions to the that ballot in 2022.

In alphabetical order by their first name:

A.J. Pierzynski:  The Catcher was certainly famous (or infamous in some cases) is a two time All Star, one time Silver Slugger but importantly was the pulse that helped the Chicago White Sox win the 2005 World Series.

Alex Rodriguez:  Love him or hate him, PED or not, A-Rod was one of the greatest players of all time. A three time MVP and fourteen time All Star, Rodriguez retired with 696 Home Runs, 3,115 Hits, 2,086 Runs Batted In and a bWAR of 117.8, which are all first ballot Hall of Fame numbers however he WAS caught with PEDs and suspended.  He does however have a job broadcasting so his forgiveness trail seems much quicker than some.  

Angel Pagan:  Pagan was a two time World Series Champion with the San Francisco Giants and he would lead the National League in Triples in 2012.  Pagan is also a two time Silver Medalist at the World Baseball Classis representing Puerto Rico.

Billy Butler:  Mostly used as a Designated Hitter, Butler would go the All Star Game in 2012, which would be the same season he was named the winner of the Edgar Martinez Award.

Carl Crawford:  Crawford was at his best when he was with the Tampa Bay Rays and it was there where he would become a four time All Star who woud also lead the American League four times in Triples and in Stolen Bases.  He would collect 1,931 Hits over his career.

Coco Crisp:  Crisp would help the Boston Red Sox win the World Series in 2007 and he would also lead the AL in Stolen Bases in 2011.  He would have 1,572 Hits over his Major League Baseball career.

Colby Lewis:  Lewis would have a decent career as a starter where he would win 77 Games.

David Ortiz:  “Big Papi” is a legend in Boston and how can he not be?  Ortiz powered the Red Sox to three World Series Championships and he was a ten time All Star.  Ortiz is in the opinion of many the greatest Designated Hitter that ever lived and he has 541 career Home Runs with an OPS of .931.  He should receive a very healthy first year ballot percentage.

Jake Peavy:  Peavy was the National League Cy Young Award winner in 2007 and was a three time All Star. He would win 152 Games, 92 of which were with the San Diego Padres.

Javier Lopez:  Lopez only won 30 Games with 14 Saves over his long career as a Relief Pitcher but he is a four time World Series Titles, one with Boston and three with the San Francisco Giants.

Jeff Francouer:  Francouer would win a Gold Glove in 2007 and would have 1,373 Hits over his career.

Jimmy Rollins:  A three time All Star at Shortstop, Jimmy Rollins would win the National League MVP in 2007 and lead the Philadelphia Phillies to the World Series the nest year. He retired with 2,455 Hits and 231 Home Runs.

Joe Nathan:  Nathan was a six time All Star closer who won the Rolaids Relief Award in 2009.  He finished his career with 377 Saves.

Jonathan Papelbon:  Papelbon was named to the All Star Game six times and he was huge part of the Boston Red Sox 2007 World Series win.  He retired with 368 Saves.

Juan Uribe: Uribe was a two time Wilson Defensive Player and the infielder would accumulate over 1,500 Major League Hits.

Justin Morneau:  The 2006 American League MVP with the Minnesota Twins was a four time All Star. Late in his career he would have a resurgence where he won the Batting Title (2014) with the Colorado Rockies.

Kyle Lohse:  Lohse would win 147 Major League Games and he helped the St. Louis Cardinals win the 2011 World Series.

Mark Teixeira:  A five time All Star, Mark Teixeira would blast 4009 Home Runs with 1,862 Hits over a career that is best known with the Texas Rangers and New York Yankees.  A member of the Yankees 2009 World Series Team, the First Baseman is also a three time Silver Slugger and five time Gold Glove winner.

Marlon Byrd:  An All Star in 2011, Marlon Byrd would have over 1,500 Hits over his career.

Matt Thornton:  A Relief Pitcher throughout his career, Matt Thornton was an All Star in 2010 and a World Series winner the next season with St. Louis.

Michael Bourn:  A two time All Star, Michael Bourn would lead the National League in Stolen Bases three times and was also a two time Gold Glove winner.  Bourn also would finish first in Total Zone Runs twice.

Omar Infante:  Infante was an All Star in 2010 and collected 1,427 Hits over his career.

Prince Fielder:  Fielder was a powerhouse like his father and the six time All Star was the Home Run leader in the National League in 2007.  A three time Silver Slugger belted 319 Home Runs over his career.

Ryan Howard:  The 2006 National League MVP played his entire career with the Philadelphia Phillies and he would later propel them to the 2008 World Series.  Howard blasted 382 Home Runs over his career and was a two time league leader in that statistic.

Ryan Vogelsong:  Vogelsong was a two time World Series Champion with the San Francisco Giants who was also an All Star 2010.  He would win 61 Games over his career.

Scott Kazmir:  Kazmir was a three time All Star who won 108 Games over his career.  As a Tampa Bay Devil Ray, he would lead the American League in Strikeouts in the 2007 season.

Tim Lincecum:  Lincecum was a two time National League Cy Young Award winner who was also a four time All Star.  “The Freak” would win 110 Games in the Majors.

You know what we want you to do!

Take a look at the full list of 2022 Future Baseball Hall of Fame Eligibleplayers and cast your vote and offer your opinions.

As always, we here at Notinhalloffame.com thank you for your support!

The day after the Baseball Hall of Fame unveiled their official 2019 ballot, a top name has emerged for the 2024 ballot as Adrian Beltre has announced his retirement from baseball.

A member of the 3,000 Hit Club who probably could have extended his career to a 21st season, Beltre was signed as an Amateur Free Agent by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1994 and as a teenager he would make his Major League debut at Third Base in 1998 and he would cement himself as a the team’s starter the next season. The native of the Dominican Republic would have a breakout season in 2004 where he was the runner-up for the National League MVP with a league leading 48 Home Runs and a .334 Batting Average.

He would sign with the Seattle Mariners as a Free Agent where he played from 2005 to 2009 and while he was solid it was not until his lone season with the Boston Red Sox (2010) that he would finally be named an All Star and he had another top ten finish in MVP voting.

Beltre would then sign with the Texas Rangers in 2011 and he would stay there until the end of his career. He would go to three more All Star Games and from 2011 to 2016 he would receive MVP votes. Beltre may never have won a MVP but he was four time Silver Slugger and five time Gold Glove. His overall numbers are Hall of Fame worthy with 3,166 Hits, 1,524 Runs, 477 Home Runs, 1,707 RBI and a career bWAR of 95.7, which is only behind Mike Schmidt and Eddie Mathews among Third Basemen. By this standard he should be a Hall of Fame lock.

We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to congratulate Adrian Beltre on having a wonderful career and we wish him the best on his post-playing career.

Baseball Hall of Fame season is in full gear as following the announcements of the Today’s Era Finalists last week, Cooperstown has now unveiled the official Hall of Fame ballot.

Let’s take a look at the 35 former players who the Baseball Writers can vote on:

In alphabetical order:

Rick Ankiel: Ankiel is debuting on the ballot and he was the runner-up for the National League Rookie of the Year in 2000 as a Pitcher. Injuries to his pitching arm forced him to abandon that aspect of the game and he would come back as an Outfielder and collect over 400 Hits. This is a great story but just getting on this ballot is a win.

Jason Bay: Bay was the National League Rookie of the Year in 2004 while playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates and he would be selected for three All Star Games. The Canadian would have 1,200 Hits with 222 Home Runs but he is unlikely to get any votes.

Lance Berkman: Berkman was the third “Killer B” for the Houston Astros and he would later win a World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals. This is his first time on the ballot and he is a six time All Star with 366 career Home Runs with an OPS at .943. He will struggle to get past the first ballot. Berkman is ranked #89 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Barry Bonds: Bonds returns to the ballot for the seventh time and he had a high vote of 56.4% last year. The All-Time Home Run Leader and 7 time MVP has seen a 20.2% since he debuted and the “PED” guys have gone from “no chance” to “50/50”. Expect another bump this year. Bonds is ranked #2 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Roger Clemens: How fitting that Clemens alphabetically comes after Bonds! Clemens was to pitching what Bonds was hitting and he was a 7 time Cy Young Award winner with 354 career Wins. Like Bonds, he has on his seventh year on the ballot and he had 57.3% of the ballot last year, well up from the 37.6% from his first year. Clemens is ranked #1C on Notinhalloffame.com.

Freddy Garcia: Garcia got off to a good start where he was a two time All Star and he was in the top ten in Cy Young voting twice. The Venezuelan Pitcher won 156 Games and he is on his first ballot but he will likely struggle to get any votes at all.

Jon Garland: Garland was an All Star in 2005, which was the same season he was sixth in Cy Young voting and helped the Chicago White Sox win the World Series. He won 136 Games over his career and he is not expected to receive any votes.

Travis Hafner: Hafner spent most of his career with the Cleveland Indians where he would finish in the top ten in MVP voting twice. Over his career he had 1,039 Hits with 213 Home Runs and he would win the American League Slugging Title in 2006. He will be fortunate to get any votes.

Roy Halladay: Halladay is on his first year of eligibility and he has an excellent chance to enter Cooperstown on his first year of eligibility. Over his career, “Doc” was a two time Cy Young winner one in both leagues and he was a top five finisher five times. Halladay had a great record of 203 and 105 with 2,117 Strikeouts. Should he get in, it will be posthumous as he died when he crashed his plane a couple of years ago. Halladay is ranked #5 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Todd Helton: Helton is a five time All Star who spent his entire career with the Colorado Rockies. Helton had 369 Home Runs over 2,519 Hits I n hic career. He is entering his first year of eligibility and while we don’t think he will enter on the first ballot he should receive enough to stay on the ballot. Helton is ranked #10 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Andruw Jones: Jones is on his second year on the Hall of Fame ballot after receiving 7.3 on his debut year. He had great power with 434 Home Runs and he was a ten time Gold Glove winner. Jones had a low vote tally due to a crowded ballot but we think he will see a decent rise this year. Jones is ranked #46 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Jeff Kent: Jeff Kent is on his sixth year of eligibility where he has never escaped the teens, peaking at 16.7% in 2017. The 2000 National League MVP was a five time All Star and he smacked 2,461 Hits with 377 Home Runs. Kent will likely receive the same amount of Hall of Fame support as the previous years. Kent is ranked #52 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Ted Lilly: Lilly had a 15 year career where he was a two time All Star who would have 130 and 113 record. Lilly never received any Cy Young votes and we suspect that he will not receive any Hall of Fame votes either.

Derek Lowe: Lowe was a two time All Star and in 2002 he finished third in Cy Young voting. He would win 176 Games and he helped the Boston Red Sox win the World Series in 2004. Lowe might receive a couple of votes.

Edgar Martinez: The bad news is that this is the last year that former Edgar Martinez is on the ballot. The good news is that he received 70.4% last year and has very solid momentum to get in this year. Arguably the greatest Designated Hitter of all-time had 2,247 Hits with 309 Home Runs and a career Slash Line of .312/.418/.515. He is ranked #14 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Fred McGriff: Like Martinez, Fred McGriff is on his last year of eligibility for the Baseball Hall of Fame, but last year he only had 23.2% of the vote so the odds of him getting another 51.8% seems very unlikely. The five time All Star had 493 Home Runs with 2,490 Hits and will likely have to look at a Veteran’s Committee Induction. He is ranked #32 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Mike Mussina: Mike Mussina is entering his sixth season on the ballot and after a 63.5% finish last year he could gain the support needed to enter this year. Splitting his career between the Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees, Mussina may never been a Cy Young winner but he was in the top six in voting nine times. The Pitcher would have a 270 and 153 record with 2,813 Strikeouts. He is ranked #4 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Darren Oliver: Oliver had a 118 and 98 record over 766 Games. A 20 year veteran, Oliver probably won’t earn a vote but we are glad to see that he was respected enough to earn a spot on the ballot.

Roy Oswalt: This is Roy Oswalt’s first time on the ballot and the three time All Star would finish in the top six in Cy Young in voting six times. He was a two time 20 Game winner who totaled 163 over his career. A win for him this year would to be to make the 5% needed to stay on the ballot next year. He is ranked #104 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Andy Pettitte: In our eyes, the most interesting first ballot vote will be that of Andy Pettitte who amassed a 256 and 135 record with 2,448 Strikeouts. Five times he would finish in the top five in Cy Young voting and he is a five time World Series winner with 19 post-season Wins. He likely won’t get in on the first ballot and he could conceivably finish anywhere between 20% and 55%. Honestly, we can’t pinpoint this one at all. He is ranked #15 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Juan Pierre: Pierre was a speedster who would lead his league in Stolen Bases three times and he had 614 in total. He would have 2,217 Hits with a career Batting Average of .295. Pierre might get a couple of votes but will lucky to get even that.

Placido Polanco: Polanco had a good career with over 2,100 Hits and he was a two time All Star who also won three Gold Gloves. Polanco will be in the same boat as Pierre as they were both good players who will be worth a vote or two.

Manny Ramirez: Manny Ramirez will be on his third ballot but unlike other PED guys he went down last year in his votes. He had 22.0% last year and 23.8% the year before. It has to be remembered that unlike Bonds and Clemens, Ramirez DID test positive. Ramirez is a two time World Series Champion with the Boston Red Sox with four top four MVP votes. He also blasted 555 Home Runs with a career Slash Line of .312/.411/.585. Statistically speaking we know that he meets the criteria but the label of forgiveness hasn’t spread to him…at least not yet. He is ranked #8 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Mariano Rivera: Usually Relief Pitchers are not Hall of Fame locks but there has never been a closer like Mariano Rivera. The Panamanian is the all-time leader in Saves (652) and the career New York Yankee won five World Series titles and his post season record saw him win 8 Games, record 42 Saves and he had a 0.70 ERA and a 0.759 WHIP. It will be a shock if he does not get inducted this year and is the leading vote getter. He is ranked #3 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Scott Rolen: Rolen received 10.2% of the ballot last year and is entering his second year of eligibility. He brings a very balanced resume of eight Gold Gloves, 316 Home Runs, is a World Series Champion (with St. Louis) and in terms of bWAR he is at 70.6. He might see his number increase but not by much. He is ranked #17 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Curt Schilling: Schilling won 216 Games with 3,116 Strikeouts and three times he was the National League Cy Young runner-up but he was even more lights out in the post-season where he was a three time World Series Champion (one with Arizona and two with Boston) with an 11 and 2 record and a 2.23 ERA. Schilling is on his seventh year on the ballot with a 51.2% finish last year, but it is down from where it was two years ago (52.3%). Schilling’s past comments against the media have not helped him, which might explain partially why he is still waiting. He is ranked #7 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Gary Sheffield: Gary Sheffield is another name on the ballot with PED suspicion and has been ballot purgatory for the four years he has been on the ballot finishing anywhere from 11.1% to 13.3%. Sheffield hit 509 Home Runs over his career and perhaps with the less crowded ballot he might increase vote total but it will be difficult to see him rise above the mid-teens. He is ranked #20 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Sammy Sosa: Sammy Sosa has been on the ballot for six years and in his first year on the ballot he received 12.5%. Since that time he never got past 10% and while some PED guys are being forgiven, the former MVP does not seem to be. He had 609 Home Runs with 2,408 Hits over his career, which are incredible numbers yet he will probably struggle to get a double digit vote. He is ranked #30 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Miguel Tejada: Miguel Tejada won the American League MVP in 2002 and over his career he belted 307 Home Runs with 2,407 Hits. For Tejada, a win here would be to get the 5% needed to remain on the ballot but it will be difficult. He is ranked #95 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Omar Vizquel: Omar Vizquel is one of the greatest defensive players ever accumulating 11 Gold Gloves over a 24 year career that also saw him collect 2,877 Hits. This is the second year of eligibility for Vizquel who got 37.0% last year. While many expected Vizquel to get a higher percentage in his ballot debut this is still a good start on the Hall of Fame path. He might increase by ten percent this year. He is ranked #68 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Billy Wagner: Billy Wagner recorded 422 Saves over his career and he is entering his fourth year of eligibility. He received a high of 11.1% last year but it might be hard for him to reach the teens.

Larry Walker: Larry Walker is a former National League MVP who has a career bWAR over 70, a .313 career Batting Average and 383 Home Runs, which overall seems like a Hall of Fame resume on the surface but the former Colorado Rockies star appears to be the victim of what was then the “Coors Field effect” where he had really good home stats. He only has two more chances and he is coming off a high of 34.1%. He will likely see a vote increase but not much. He is ranked #13 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Kevin Youkilis: Youkilis would win two World Series Rings with the Boston Red Sox and was a three time All Star who finished third in MVP voting in 2008. He might get a vote or two but he probably shouldn’t.

Michael Young: Young had a pretty good career where he accumulated 2,375 Hits with an even .300 Batting Average. Young was a seven time All Star and should receive a few votes but it is also possible that we won’t have any.

Jose Contreras, Ryan Dempster, Octavio Dotel, Ramon Hernandez, Brad Penny, Yorvit Torrealba and Jake Westbrook played the minimum amount of seasons (10) to qualify for the ballot but they were not included.

The election results will be announced on January 22.

We can guarantee that between now and that time we will have a lot more to write about when it comes to this vote!

We here at Notinhalloffame.com thought it would be fun to take a look at the major awards in North American team sports and see how it translates into Hall of Fame potential.

Needless to say, different awards in different sports yield hall of fame potential. In basketball, the team sport with the least amount of players on a roster, the dividend for greatness much higher. In baseball, it is not as much as a great individual season does not have the same impact.

We are now taking a look at the Gold Glove Award, given annually to the best defensive player in MLB in each respective position.

We have finished our run around the bases and checked out the Outfield, which leaves the least interesting position left in regards to the Gold Glove, the Pitcher.

With this position there are less tangible statistics to look at and more what they do in terms of what they do to backup their teammates or holding runners.

Apologies ahead of time if there are limited commentary! Actually it will be quite limited!

The following are the past players who have won the Gold Glove at Pitcher who are eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame and have been enshrined.

Bob Gibson, NL St. Louis Cardinals (1965)

0.0 dWAR Bob Gibson was coming off his first World Series win and in 1965 he went to his second All Star Game. Gibson was third in Putouts with a .952 Fielding Percentage with only a 20% Caught Stealing Percentage. This wasn’t terrible but fine for a Gold Glove, especially when he was as dominating as Gibson was with his arm. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1981.

Bob Gibson, NL St. Louis Cardinals (2) (1966)

0.0 dWAR Now a three time All Star, Gibson’s percentages increased to a 50% Caught Stealing and a .964 Fielding Percentage. This would be the first and only time where he would finish first in Putouts among National League Pitchers. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1981.

Bob Gibson, NL St. Louis Cardinals (3) (1967)

0.0 dWAR This season, Bob Gibson would again go to the All Star Game while finishing fourth in Putouts with a perfect Fielding Percentage and a 67% Caught Stealing Percentage. This seems like a Gold Glove win to us! Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1981.

Bob Gibson, NL St. Louis Cardinals (4) (1968)

0.1 dWAR Bob Gibson would win the National League MVP and Cy Young and netted his first and surprisingly only Pickoff of his career. He would have a more than respectable .980 Fielding Percentage and 45% Caught Stealing Percentage. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1981.

Bob Gibson, NL St. Louis Cardinals (5) (1969)

0.0 dWAR Gibson was third in Putouts with a somewhat average .946 Fielding Percentage and 33% Caught Stealing Percentage. This is not exactly screaming Gold Glove. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1981.

Bob Gibson, NL St. Louis Cardinals (6) (1970)

0.0 dWAR From the limited metrics we have, Bob Gibson was not exactly Gold Glove worthy as he had only a .931 Fielding Percentage and 23% Caught Stealing Percentage but he would win his second Cy Young this year, and honestly this didn’t hurt. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1981.

Bob Gibson, NL St. Louis Cardinals (7) (1971)

0.0 dWAR Again from what limited data we have Bob Gibson’s eighth Gold Glove win only saw him accrue a .942 Fielding Percentage and 23% Caught Stealing Percentage. We aren’t seeing defensive greatness here. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1981.

Bob Gibson, NL St. Louis Cardinals (8) (1972)

0.0 dWAR This would be the final All Star Game appearance for Bob Gibson and in terms of Fielding Percentage he had a decent .983. Still, with the data we have this is not spectacular. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1981.

Bob Gibson, NL St. Louis Cardinals (9) (1973)

0.0 dWAR 1973 would be the ninth and final Gold Glove win for Bob Gibson and again we don’t see anything notable with his .946 Fielding Percentage and 40% Caught Stealing Percentage. Again, he was not in the top five in Putouts and he was never in the top five in Range Factor per Game. What we can say is that overall he had a 31% Caught Stealing Percentage, which was lower than the league average of 37%. Is nine Gold Gloves correct here? Probably not. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1981.

Jim Palmer, AL Baltimore Orioles (1976)

0.0 dWAR 1976 would see Jim Palmer win his third and final Cy Young and he was already at this point was already a two time World Series Champion. Palmer was fourth in Range Factor per Game in the AL and for the third and final time he would finish first in Putouts. He would have a solid .987 Fielding Percentage and had three Pickoffs. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1990.

Jim Palmer, AL Baltimore Orioles (2) (1977)

0.0 dWAR Palmer was the American League Cy Young runner-up in 1977 and in regards to his defensive prowess he had a decent .971 Fielding Percentage and a 67% Caught Stealing Percentage. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1990.

Jim Palmer, AL Baltimore Orioles (3) (1978)

0.0 dWAR Jim Palmer would finish third in Putouts and fifth in Range Factor per Game and he would also finish third in Cy Young Voting. He had a solid .972 Fielding Percentage with a 49% Caught Stealing Percentage. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1990.

Phil Niekro, NL Atlanta Braves (1978)

0.0 dWAR Phil Niekro by this time had already led the National League Pitchers in Fielding Percentage three times yet in this year he was fourth in Range Factor per Game and second in Assists. 1978 would see him with a .978 Fielding Percentage but only had a 26% stat in Caught Stealing Percentage. He would also have four Pickoffs. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997.

Jim Palmer, AL Baltimore Orioles (4) (1979)

0.0 dWAR This would be the fourth and final Gold Glove for Jim Palmer who would eventually enter the Baseball Hall of Fame on his first try. It should be mentioned that he would have a perfect 1.000% Fielding Percentage here, but his overall body of work does not showcase a four time Gold Glove recipient. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1990.

Phil Niekro, NL Atlanta Braves (2) (1979)

0.0 dWAR Niekro turned 40 this year but was still a very good Pitcher who for the second year in a row would finish sixth in Cy Young voting. Defensively he would have a .989 Fielding Percentage with a very low 22% Caught Stealing Percentage, although he was second in Range Factor per Game among all of the National League Pitchers, which would be the last time that Niekro would be in the top five. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997.

Phil Niekro, NL Atlanta Braves (3) (1980)

0.0 dWAR Niekro had a .983 Fielding Percentage, which was good enough for fourth overall. He also had a Caught Stealing Percentage of 43 with two Pickoffs. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997.

Steve Carlton, NL Philadelphia Phillies (1981)

0.0 dWAR Steve Carlton won his only Gold Glove in a season that was sandwiched between his third and fourth Cy Young Award, but a deeper look shows that Carlton possibly should have won more than just one. Carlton had five Pickoffs that year and he would have 146 in total, by far and wide the most of all-time. Carlton had five full seasons where he had a perfect Fielding Percentage and 1981 was one of those seasons. He had a 60% Caught Stealing Percentage and had a career 42% against the league average of 34%. Carlton should have won many more. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1994.

Phil Niekro, NL Atlanta Braves (4) (1982)

0.0 dWAR Phil Niekro would finish fifth in Cy Young voting, an amazing feat for a 43 year old. Defensively he had three Pickoffs with a 48% Caught Stealing Percentage and a .982 Fielding Percentage. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997.

Phil Niekro, NL Atlanta Braves (5) (1983)

0.0 dWAR This would be the final Gold Glove for Niekro and it would see him with a .955 Fielding Percentage but only 29 in Caught Stealing Percentage. Amazingly, this would not be the last individual accolade for Phil Niekro as he was a New York Yankee the following season and was named to the American League All Star Team. Overall, Niekro had 51 Pickoffs in his career. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997.

Greg Maddux, NL Chicago Cubs (1990)

0.0 dWAR Greg Maddux was a first ballot Hall of Fame inductee and is regarded as the finest defensive Pitcher of all time as evident by his record 18 Gold Gloves. Again, let’s say that again...18! However, this is the Gold Glove after all and we know that there are many suspect wins, however with Maddux this looks pretty solid. In what was his first win, he finished first in Putouts, Assists, Range Factor per Game and Fielding Percentage. Other than a 24% in Caught Stealing Percentage, this was a near perfect start to a defensive dynasty! Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.

Greg Maddux, NL Chicago Cubs (2) (1991)

0.0 dWAR 1991 would see the then Chicago Cub finish first in Putouts and Range Factor while landing second in Assists. Maddux had a decent Fielding Percentage of .978 with a low 22 in Caught Stealing Percentage but did have 5 Pickoffs. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.

Greg Maddux, NL Chicago Cubs (3) (1992)

0.0 dWAR The dominance on the mound for Greg Maddux begun here as he would win his first of four straight Cy Young Awards. Maddux was first in Assists, Putouts and Range Factor per Game with a .969 Fielding Percentage and 33 in Caught Stealing Percentage. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.

Greg Maddux, NL Atlanta Braves (4) (1993)

0.0 dWAR Now an Atlanta Brave after signing a Free Agent deal, Maddux would have a low .933 Fielding Percentage with 18% on Caught Stealing but he was again first in Assists, Putouts and Range Factor per Game. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.

Greg Maddux, NL Atlanta Braves (5) (1994)

0.0 dWAR This season, Greg Maddux was fifth in Putouts, second in Assists and again was the National League leader in Range Factor per Game. Maddux would have a .935 Fielding Percentage and 21 in Caught Stealing Percentage. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.

Greg Maddux, NL Atlanta Braves (6) (1995)

0.0 dWAR Greg Maddux would win his fourth straight and final Cy Young in 1995 and more importantly would win the World Series. Defensively, he had a low 19 in terms of Caught Stealing Percentage but he had a perfect Fielding Percentage and was also first in Assists and Range Factor per Game while finishing third in Putouts. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.

Greg Maddux, NL Atlanta Braves (7) (1996)

0.0 dWAR With his seventh straight Gold Glove win, Greg Maddux again finished first in Range Factor per Game for the eighth consecutive season and he was again first in Assists and Putouts. He had a strong .991 Fielding Percentage with a weak Caught Stealing Percentage of 19%. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.

Greg Maddux, NL Atlanta Braves (8) (1997)

0.0 dWAR For the first time there are some serious holes in a Gold Glove win for Greg Maddux. The Cy Young Award runner-up had a .956 Fielding Percentage but his streak of Range Factor per Game wins ended with a fifth place finish. He was also not in the top five in Assists and Putouts, the first time since 1987. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.

Greg Maddux, NL Atlanta Braves (9) (1998)

0.0 dWAR Maddux returned to his defensive dominance with a first place finish in Putouts, Assists and Range Factor per Game and he had a .959 Fielding Percentage. He still had a bad Caught Stealing metric with only 28%. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.

Greg Maddux, NL Atlanta Braves (10) (1999)

0.0 dWAR Greg Maddux did it again as he finished atop the leaderboard in Range Factor per Game and was second in Assists and Putouts. He would have a Fielding Percentage of .956 and had a Caught Stealing Percentage of 32%. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.

Greg Maddux, NL Atlanta Braves (11) (2000)

0.0 dWAR Maddux finished third in Cy Young voting, which would be the last time that he would receive votes for this accolade. He would have a .979 Fielding Percentage with 18% in Caught Stealing and was first in Assists, Range Factor per Game and was fourth in Putouts. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.

Greg Maddux, NL Atlanta Braves (12) (2001)

0.0 dWAR Once again, Greg Maddux would finish first in Range Factor per Game and Assists and was third in Putouts. His Fielding and Caught Stealing Percentage was .986 and 37 respectively. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.

Greg Maddux, NL Atlanta Braves (13) (2002)

0.0 dWAR Maddux did not finish first in Range Factor per Game this season but he was still very good with a third place finish and a fourth place rank in Assists. He would have a .986 Fielding Percentage and again a below league average of 14% in Caught Stealing. Notably, this was his last season with the Atlanta Braves. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.

Greg Maddux, NL Chicago Cubs (14) (2004)

0.0 dWAR Maddux would finish second in Range Factor per Game and Assists and for the last time in his career was first in Putouts. The legend would have a .987 Fielding Percentage with a Caught Stealing Percentage of 32. He may have missed out on the 2003 Gold Glove after winning 13 straight, but here he is starting a new one. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.

Greg Maddux, NL Chicago Cubs (15) (2005)

0.0 dWAR In what would be his final full season with the Chicago Cubs he was second in Assists and third in Range Factor per Game. His Fielding and Caught Stealing Percentage was .958 and 20 respectively. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.

Greg Maddux, NL Chicago Cubs/Los Angeles Dodgers (16) (2006)

0.0 dWAR Maddux turned 40 this year and he split his season between the Cubs and Dodgers. Despite his older age, he was still a good defensive contributor and for the third time he would have a perfect Fielding Percentage (although it was again a low Caught Stealing Percentage with only 19). He was third in Range Factor per Game and was the leader in Putouts. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.

Greg Maddux, NL San Diego Padres (17) (2007)

0.0 dWAR First the bad. We have been ragging on Maddux’s inability to assist his Catchers in stopping baserunners and this was his worst season yet with a paltry 5% in that statistic. Still, we don’t have any problem with this, as his fielding was again great as he finished first in Range Factor per Game and Assists. He had a Fielding Percentage of .986.   Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.

Greg Maddux, NL San Diego Padres/Los Angeles Dodgers (18) (2008)

0.0 dWAR As we have done this process, we have encountered many Hall of Fame players who won Gold Gloves late in their career who had no business winning that final award, or in some cases final ones. For Greg Maddux, who again we need to say “18 time Gold Glove winner Greg Maddux” was one of the most deserving multi-time winners ever. In his last win, Maddux had a .961 Fielding Percentage with a first place finish in both Range Factor per Game and Putouts. A nice finish for a defensive superstar. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.

The following are the players who have won the Gold Glove at Pitcher who are eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame and have not been selected:

Bobby Schantz, ML New York Yankees (1957)

0.0 dWAR. In 1952, Bobby Schantz had the season of his life winning 24 Games and leading the American League in WHIP and SO/BB and the then Philadelphia Athletic would win the American League MVP Award. He would never have a season like that again, but he had a long career and the converted Third Baseman was known throughout baseball for his defensive skill, so naturally he won the first Gold Glove awarded to a Pitcher. Schantz was second in Range Factor per Game and he would go to his third and final All Star Game this year. He also would have three Pickoffs this year, a career high.  Schantz was on the ballot for five years and finished as high as 2.3% in both 1970 and 1972.

Bobby Schantz, AL New York Yankees (2) (1958)

0.0 dWAR. Schantz again made history as the first player to win the Gold Glove at Pitcher in the American League, however he only played 126 Innings this year. This trend will continue as Schantz would continue to collect Gold Gloves.   Schantz was on the ballot for five years and finished as high as 2.3% in both 1970 and 1972.

Harvey Haddix, NL Cincinnati Reds (1958)

0.0 dWAR. Harvey Haddix in terms of the defensive stats showed him to be average but he was already at this point in his career a three time All Star. Haddix was on the ballot for ten years and finished as high as 3.8% in both 1985.

Bobby Schantz, AL New York Yankees (3) (1959)

0.0 dWAR. By this stage of his career, Schantz was now coming out of the bullpen and he threw for 94.2 Innings.   Schantz was on the ballot for five years and finished as high as 2.3% in both 1970 and 1972.

Harvey Haddix, NL Pittsburgh Pirates (2) (1959)

0.0 dWAR. Haddix had a perfect Fielding Percentage, but 1959 for Harvey Haddix was all about the 12 perfect innings he threw in a game, and lost in the 13th. Nobody will ever do that again. Haddix was on the ballot for ten years and finished as high as 3.8% in both 1985.

Bobby Schantz, AL New York Yankees (4) (1960)

0.0 dWAR. Schantz would not start a game this year and he was now reduced to 67.2 Innings. While he may have been still solid with the glove, when you are playing a third of what other Pitchers are could there be a hole in this voting? There will be more of this to come. Schantz was on the ballot for five years and finished as high as 2.3% in both 1970 and 1972.

Harvey Haddix, NL Pittsburgh Pirates (3) (1960)

0.0 dWAR. This was the third and final Gold Glove win of Harvey Haddix’ career where he would finish fifth among National League Pitchers in Range Factor per Game. Haddix was on the ballot for ten years and finished as high as 3.8% in both 1985.

Frank Lary, AL Detroit Tigers (1961)

0.0 dWAR. This was unquestionably the greatest season of Frank Lary’s career where he was an All Star and a third place finisher in Cy Young voting. Defensively he was first in Putouts and Range Factor per Game by a Pitcher and he had 2 Pickoffs with a 64% Caught Stealing Percentage. Although Lary was Hall of Fame eligible in 1971 he was not on the ballot.

Bobby Schantz, NL Pittsburgh Pirates (5) (1961)

0.0 dWAR. This would be the first Gold Glove win for Schantz in the National League in what would be his only season in Western Pennsylvania. Schantz threw for 89.1 Innings this year. Schantz was on the ballot for five years and finished as high as 2.3% in both 1970 and 1972.

Jim Kaat, AL Minnesota Twins (1962)

-0.1 dWAR. Jim Kaat is regarded as one of the greatest defensive Pitchers ever and he certainly has a mantle of Gold Glove trophies to back it up. Kaat would have a good 75% Caught Stealing Percentage and had 1 Pickoff. He finished first among American League Pitchers in Assists and Range Factor Per Game. Kaat was on the ballot for 15 years finishing as high as 29.6% in 1993. He is ranked #29 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Bobby Schantz, NL Houston Astros/St. Louis Cardinals (6) (1962)

0.0 dWAR. Splitting his season between Houston and St. Louis, Schantz won his sixth straight Gold Glove and again did so in under 100 Innings. Schantz was on the ballot for five years and finished as high as 2.3% in both 1970 and 1972.

Jim Kaat, AL Minnesota Twins (2) (1963)

0.0 dWAR. Kaat was second in the American League in Range Factor per Game and he recorded two Pickoffs. Nothing special on the surface here. Kaat was on the ballot for 15 years finishing as high as 29.6% in 1993. He is ranked #29 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Bobby Schantz, NL St. Louis Cardinals (7) (1963)

0.0 dWAR. Again from the pen, Schantz won his seventh straight Gold Glove while pitching 79.1 Innings. Schantz was on the ballot for five years and finished as high as 2.3% in both 1970 and 1972.

Jim Kaat, AL Minnesota Twins (3) (1964)

-0.1 dWAR. Kaat had one pickoff but only a .928 Fielding Percentage and a pedestrian 38% Caught Stealing Percentage. He was third in Assists and fourth in Range Factor per Game. Kaat was on the ballot for 15 years finishing as high as 29.6% in 1993. He is ranked #29 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Bobby Schantz, NL St. Louis Cardinals/Chicago Cubs (8) (1964)

0.0 dWAR. In what would be his final Gold Glove win, Bobby Schantz spread 60.2 Innings between the Cardinals and Chicago Cubs. Should Schantz have won eight Gold Gloves? Probably not, as we will employ a reliever bias (or rather Innings bias) but there was no mistake to be made that by all accounts of his peers that he was very good with his glove. Schantz was on the ballot for five years and finished as high as 2.3% in both 1970 and 1972.

Jim Kaat, AL Minnesota Twins (4) (1965)

0.0 dWAR. While we have stated that the defensive skills of a Pitcher are harder to substantiate, we have going forward some statistical issues that should question whether or not he should have won so many Gold Gloves. This season would be the last in which Kaat would finish in the top five in Assists (third) and Range Factor per Game (fourth). He also finished first in Errors, picked off nobody, had only 27% in Caught Stealing Percentage and had a .929 Fielding Percentage. There will be a lot of living off reputation (or just using the same ballot as the year before) with Kaat as we continue…which will be a lot. Kaat was on the ballot for 15 years finishing as high as 29.6% in 1993. He is ranked #29 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Jim Kaat, AL Minnesota Twins (5) (1966)

-0.1 dWAR. This was Kaat’s best year as a Pitcher winning 25 Games and going to his second All Star Game. Defensively, he had three Pickoffs with a .958 Fielding Percentage. Kaat was on the ballot for 15 years finishing as high as 29.6% in 1993. He is ranked #29 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Jim Kaat, AL Minnesota Twins (6) (1967)

-0.1 dWAR. Kaat had no Pickoffs, a 30% Caught Stealing Percentage and a .952 Fielding Percentage. This certainly wasn’t spectacular. Kaat was on the ballot for 15 years finishing as high as 29.6% in 1993. He is ranked #29 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Jim Kaat, AL Minnesota Twins (7) (1968)

0.0 dWAR. Kaat did have a better Fielding Percentage than the year before with a .976 and he did have a much better Caught Stealing Percentage of 67% but there was only six attempts. Again, there was nothing spectacular in term of his numbers. Kaat was on the ballot for 15 years finishing as high as 29.6% in 1993. He is ranked #29 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Jim Kaat, AL Minnesota Twins (8) (1969)

0.0 dWAR. Jim Kaat’s Fielding Percentage plummeted to .826 and he had an American League leading 8 Errors for a Pitcher. He also had a 15% Caught Stealing Percentage with zero Pickoffs. There just doesn’t seem to be any statistical justification for this Gold Glove win, so what are we missing here? Kaat was on the ballot for 15 years finishing as high as 29.6% in 1993. He is ranked #29 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Jim Kaat, AL Minnesota Twins (9) (1970)

0.0 dWAR. Kaat would again have a low Fielding Percentage (.935) and Caught Stealing Percentage (20) there is not a lot here. Kaat was on the ballot for 15 years finishing as high as 29.6% in 1993. He is ranked #29 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Jim Kaat, AL Minnesota Twins (10) (1971)

0.0 dWAR. Kaat recorded a pair of Pickoffs this season with an improved Fielding Percentage of .982 but he did have a Caught Stealing Percentage of 20%. Kaat was on the ballot for 15 years finishing as high as 29.6% in 1993. He is ranked #29 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Jim Kaat, AL Minnesota Twins (11) (1972)

0.0 dWAR. Again we don’t see anything special here. He did have a Fielding Percentage of .923 and tied his career high of three Pickoffs but again he had a below league average Caught Stealing Percentage of 33%. Keep in mind that we haven’t in a while talked about his position in awhile in terms of Range Factor per Game because he was not in the top five. He won’t be again when we are done talking about him either. Kaat was on the ballot for 15 years finishing as high as 29.6% in 1993. He is ranked #29 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Jim Kaat, AL Minnesota Twins/Chicago White Sox (12) (1973)

0.0 dWAR. Kaat was traded to the Chicago White Sox midway through the season and while he had a .973 Fielding Percentage with a 20% Caught Stealing Percentage with no Pickoffs. Kaat was on the ballot for 15 years finishing as high as 29.6% in 1993. He is ranked #29 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Jim Kaat, AL Chicago White Sox (13) (1974)

0.0 dWAR. While it seems like we have been picking on the Gold Glove wins, there are some positives in this win. He tied his season high in Pickoffs (3) with a 69% Caught Stealing Percentage. Kaat was on the ballot for 15 years finishing as high as 29.6% in 1993.

Andy Messersmith, NL Los Angeles Dodgers (1974)

0.0 dWAR. Messersmith would lead the National League in Wins (20) and he was second in Cy Young voting, although his defensive numbers seemed below average with a .873 Fielding Percentage and 46% in Caught Stealing Percentage. Messersmith was on the ballot for 2 years finishing as high as 0.8% in 1985

Jim Kaat, AL Chicago White Sox (14) (1975)

0.0 dWAR. Kaat had a great season where he went to his third All Star Game and finished fourth in Cy Young voting and defensively he had two Pickoffs with a 75% Caught Stealing Percentage and .982 Fielding Percentage. Kaat was on the ballot for 15 years finishing as high as 29.6% in 1993. He is ranked #29 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Andy Messersmith, NL Los Angeles Dodgers (2) (1975)

0.0 dWAR. This would be the third and final time that Andy Messersmith would finish in the top five in Cy Young voting (he was fifth this year) and he would finish fourth in Assists, which was the only time that he ever did that. Worth mentioning is that Messersmith was in the top five in Errors seven times. Perhaps we don’t have a two time Gold Glove winner here? Messersmith was on the ballot for 2 years finishing as high as 0.8% in 1985

Jim Kaat, NL Philadelphia Phillies (15) (1976)

0.0 dWAR. While Jim Kaat was now in the National League his streak of consecutive Gold Gloves continued, though again there was not a lot to point at statistically to justify this win. He had no Pickoffs with a 33% Caught Stealing Percentage and a .949 Fielding Percentage. Kaat was on the ballot for 15 years finishing as high as 29.6% in 1993. He is ranked #29 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Jim Kaat, NL Philadelphia Phillies (16) (1977)

0.0 dWAR. We end our look at Jim Kaat who would win his sixteenth straight and final Gold Glove. We have certainly questioned many of those wins and this one is no different as his Fielding Percentage dipped back below .900 with .897%. A quick look overall sees that Kaat’s overall Range Factor per Game is not in the top 100 overall and over his career he had a below league average Caught Stealing Percentage of 34% compared to the rest of the league of 37%. He also had a career Defensive bWAR of -0.4. Honestly, does this seem like a 16 time Gold Glove winner to you? Kaat was on the ballot for 15 years finishing as high as 29.6% in 1993. He is ranked #29 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Mike Norris, AL Oakland Athletics (1980)

0.0 dWAR. Mike Norris was the runner-up for the Cy Young this season having by far his best season in the Majors with 22 Wins, leading the AL in H/9 and he was second in ERA. Defensively, he was good too as he led all of the American League Pitchers in Range Factor per Game and he was second in Assists and third in Putouts. Although Norris was Hall of Fame eligible in 1996 he was not on the ballot.

Mike Norris, AL Oakland Athletics (2) (1981)

0.0 dWAR. Mike Norris parlayed the success from the previous year to an All Star appearance, though his second Gold Glove was hard to find merit in. He was not in the top five in Range Factor per Game, Assists or Putouts and his decent .976 Fielding Percentage was offset by his 27 in Caught Stealing Percentage. They probably should have done better this year. Although Norris was Hall of Fame eligible in 1996 he was not on the ballot.

Ron Guidry, AL New York Yankees (1982)

0.0 dWAR. Oh Boy. This will be a bit of a mess in our eyes as Ron Guidry would go on a streak here that may be a little hard to justify, although we do our best. In 1982, Ron Guidry was already a Cy Young winner (1978) and in 1982 he would have his second perfect Fielding Percentage. He also had a 40% metric in Caught Stealing Percentage. Guidry was on the ballot for nine years and finished as high as 8.8% in 2000. Guidry is ranked #60 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Ron Guidry, AL New York Yankees (2) (1983)

0.0 dWAR. Finishing fifth in Cy Young voting this year, Guidry would have his third straight season where he had a perfect Fielding Percentage, although notably he was never in the top five in Range Factor per Game in ANY of his five Gold Glove wins. In this season, he would have a 34 in Caught Stealing Percentage. Guidry was on the ballot for nine years and finished as high as 8.8% in 2000. Guidry is ranked #60 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Ron Guidry, AL New York Yankees (3) (1984)

0.0 dWAR. This was the fourth straight and final time that “Louisiana Lightning” Ron Guidry would go perfect in Fielding Percentage. He would go 45% in Caught Stealing. Guidry was on the ballot for nine years and finished as high as 8.8% in 2000. Guidry is ranked #60 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Joaquin Andujar, NL St. Louis Cardinals (1984)

0.0 dWAR. This was arguably the best season of Joaquin Andujar’s career as he was a 20 Game Winner and he finished fourth in Cy Young Award voting. Andujar would finish first in Assists, third in Range Factor per Game and had 5 Pickoffs with a .954 Fielding Percentage. Although Andujar was eligible for the Hall of Fame in 1994 he was not on the ballot.

Ron Guidry, AL New York Yankees (4) (1985)

0.0 dWAR. The streak of perfect Fielding Percentage was over and Ron Guidry would finish with a .976. This season he was second in Cy Young voting and arguably this was his last really good season as a Pitcher. Again, he was not in the top five in Assists, Putouts and Range Factor per Game. Guidry was on the ballot for nine years and finished as high as 8.8% in 2000. Guidry is ranked #60 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Rick Reuschel, NL Pittsburgh Pirates (1985)

0.0 dWAR. Also the winner of the Hutch Award, Rick Reuschel was first in Range Factor per Game with a perfect Fielding Percentage. He was also second in Putouts and had a Caught Stealing Percentage of 47. Reuschel was on the ballot for one year in 1997 and received 0.4% of the vote. He is ranked #96 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Ron Guidry, AL New York Yankees (5) (1986)

0.0 dWAR. Like many of the Gold Glove wins by Ron Guidry, his fifth and final one probably should not have happened. Guidry (as you would expect from the previous wins) was not a top five finisher in Range Factor per Game, Assists and Putouts and his .968 and 28 in Fielding and Caught Stealing Percentage do not echo what a Gold Glove winner should have. Guidry was on the ballot for nine years and finished as high as 8.8% in 2000. Guidry is ranked #60 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Fernando Valenzuela, NL Los Angeles Dodgers (1986)

0.0 dWAR. Fernando Valenzuela was an above average defensive hurler and in 1986 he was the Cy Young runner-up while leading the NL in Wins. The popular Mexican led the league in Range Factor per Game, the third and final time that he did so and he was also the leader in Assists, which was the second time he did that. He was also second in Putouts and had a .987 Fielding Percentage with an above average 42 in Caught Stealing Percentage. Overall, it was good that Valenzuela won at least one Gold Glove and he probably should have won more. Valenzuela was on the ballot for two years and finished as high as 6.2% in 2004.

Mark Langston, AL Seattle Mariners (1987)

0.0 dWAR. Mark Langston was fifth in American League Cy Young voting but defensively he was not in the top five in Assists, Putouts or Range Factor per Game. His Fielding Percentage was a decent .961 and his Caught Stealing Percentage was 30, which was essentially the American League average. Langston was on the ballot for one year in 2005 but did not receive any votes.

Rick Reuschel, NL San Francisco Giants (2) (1987)

0.0 dWAR. Reuschel was named an All Star this year and he finished third in Cy Young Voting. Defensively, he was not in the top five in Range Factor per Game, but he was second in Putouts and had an excellent 67 in Caught Stealing Percentage. This would be the last Gold Glove for Reuschel who over his career was solid. Four times he would have a perfect Fielding Percentage and he would finish first in Range Factor per Game three times and was second twice. Reuschel was on the ballot for one year in 1997 and received 0.4% of the vote. He is ranked #96 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Orel Hershiser, NL Los Angeles Dodgers (1988)

0.0 dWAR. This was a dream season for Hershiser would win the Cy Young, the World Series and the World Series and NLCS MVP in 1988 and defensively he had a case here for what would be his only Gold Glove. While Hershiser led all National League Pitchers in Errors but he did finish first in Putouts, Assists and Range Factor per Game and had 5 Pickoffs. Hershiser was on the ballot for two year and finished as high as 11.2% in 2006. Hershiser is ranked #75 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Bret Saberhagen, AL Kansas City Royals (1989)

0.0 dWAR. Bret Saberhagen had an incredible pitching performance in 1989 where he would win his second Cy Young Award with an eighth place finish in American League MVP voting. That success apparently parlayed into a great defensive season but did he really have one? The Kansas City Royal would have 3 Pickoffs and a high 64% in regards to his Caught Stealing Percentage, however he was not in the top five in Assists, Putouts and Range Factor per Game. For that matter, he only ever had a top five finish once in Assists (3rd in 1994) and Range Factor per Game (4th in 1995). He did however have a career high 4 Errors and his Fielding Percentage of .934 was not special. This was clearly the wrong choice here. Saberhagen was on the ballot for one year and finished with 1.3% in 2001. Saberhagen is ranked #69 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Ron Darling, NL New York Mets (1989)

0.0 dWAR. This might be a little suspect as Darling was not in the top five in any significant defensive metrics and he had a pedestrian .929 and 30 Fielding Percentage and Caught Stealing Percentage respectively. Darling was on the ballot for one year and finished as high as 0.2% in 2001.

Mike Boddicker, AL Boston Red Sox (1990)

0.0 dWAR. Mike Boddicker has some seasons in the mid 1980’s where he should have won a Gold Glove or two but in 1990, while still decent was not at the level he had in previous season. In 1990 he would finish fifth in Range Factor per Game, third in Putouts and had a .966 Fielding Percentage with a Caught Stealing Percentage of 47%. At least he won one, albeit in the wrong year. Boddicker was on the ballot for one year in 1999 but did not receive any votes.

Mark Langston, AL California Angels (3) (1991)

0.0 dWAR. Mark Langston was an All Star for the second time in his career. Defensively he had a .942 Fielding Percentage but a solid 60% in Caught Stealing. The California Angel was fourth in Assists. Langston was on the ballot for one year in 2005 but did not receive any votes.

Mark Langston, AL California Angels (4) (1992)

0.0 dWAR. Langston regressed from the season before as he had a .941 Fielding Percentage and only a 32% in Caught Stealing. Langston was on the ballot for one year in 2005 but did not receive any votes.

Mark Langston, AL California Angels (5) (1993)

0.0 dWAR. For the third and final time Mark Langston would finish first in Assists among the American League Pitchers. He would have a .966 Fielding Percentage and a 55% in Caught Stealing. Langston was on the ballot for one year in 2005 but did not receive any votes.

Mark Langston, AL California Angels (6) (1994)

0.0 dWAR. Langston again was a strange winner for the American League Gold Glove for a Pitcher as not only he was not in the top five in any major defensive category for an AL Pitcher his .938 Fielding Percentage was nothing spectacular. Langston was on the ballot for one year in 2005 but did not receive any votes.

Mark Langston, AL California Angels (7) (1995)

0.0 dWAR. This was the final Gold Glove for Mark Langston and realistically we have to ask how he won one, let alone seven. He would have a solid 75% Caught Stealing Percentage this year. Langston was on the ballot for one year in 2005 but did not receive any votes.

Mike Mussina, AL Baltimore Orioles (1996)

0.0 dWAR. Mike Mussina would finish sixth in Cy Young voting in what would be his first Gold Glove win   Mussina would have a perfect Fielding Percentage this season, the third time he would do so. Buckle up, as we have a lot more to do with Mike Mussina to come. Mussina has been on the ballot for five years and finished as high as 63.5% in 2018.

Mike Mussina, AL Baltimore Orioles (2) (1997)

0.0 dWAR. This year Mike Mussina would finish sixth in Cy Young voting and for the fourth time he had a 1.000 Fielding Percentage.  Mussina also had a 40% in Caught Stealing. Mussina has been on the ballot for five years and finished as high as 63.5% in 2018.

Mike Mussina, AL Baltimore Orioles (3) (1998)

0.0 dWAR. For the third season in a row, Mussina would have a 1,000 Fielding Percentage while finishing fifth in Range Factor per Game. Mussina has been on the ballot for five years and finished as high as 63.5% in 2018.

Mike Mussina, AL Baltimore Orioles (4) (1999)

0.0 dWAR. An All Star for the fifth time of his career and the Cy Young Award runner-up, Mike Mussina had a good season in terms of his glove. Mussina was third in Range Factor per Game with a second place finish in Assists and he had a respectable 56% in Caught Stealing and a .984 Fielding Percentage. Mussina has been on the ballot for five years and finished as high as 63.5% in 2018.

Kenny Rogers, AL Texas Rangers (2000)

0.0 dWAR. “The Gambler” already had a case for Gold Gloves in the past and he was certainly worthy in 2000 when he won his first of five. Rogers would pick off nine runners, matching his career high and he had a decent .970 Fielding Percentage. For the second time (the first being 1998) he finished first in Assists and Range Factor per Game and he was also fifth in Putouts. Rogers was on the ballot for one year in 2014 and he finished with 0.2% of the ballot.

Mike Mussina, AL New York Yankees (5) (2001)

0.0 dWAR. This was the first Gold Glove for Mike Mussina as a New York Yankee and he was fifth place in Cy Young voting. Mussina was not in the top five in Range Factor per Game, Assists and Putouts and he had a strong Fielding and Caught Stealing Percentage of .977% and .59% respectively. Mussina has been on the ballot for five years and finished as high as 63.5% in 2018.

Kenny Rogers, AL Texas Rangers (2) (2002)

0.0 dWAR. Rogers again finished first in Range Factor per Game and he was second in Putouts and fifth in Assists. He had a .954 Fielding Percentage and NOBODY stole a base on him this year. Rogers was on the ballot for one year in 2014 and he finished with 0.2% of the ballot.

Mike Mussina, AL New York Yankees (6) (2003)

0.0 dWAR. Mike Mussina would return to the top of Fielding Percentage leaderboard as for the sixth time he was perfect. He had a respectable Caught Stealing Percentage of 53% but he was not in the top five in Assists, Putouts and Range Factor per Game. Mussina has been on the ballot for five years and finished as high as 63.5% in 2018.

Mike Hampton, NL Atlanta Braves (2003)

0.0 dWAR. Mike Hampton was the only National League Pitcher to win a Gold Glove in a nineteen year stretch who was not named Greg Maddux. Hampton, who was in his first season as an Atlanta Brave had a 67% Caught Stealing rate and a .985 Fielding Percentage and for the first and only time in his career was a first place finisher in Range Factor per Game. He was also second in Assists. Hampton was on the ballot for one year in 2000 but did not receive any votes.

Kenny Rogers, AL Texas Rangers (3) (2004)

0.0 dWAR. This was another good season with the glove for Kenny Rogers. He would finish fourth in both Range Factor per Game and Assists. This was a good match with his six Pickoffs, .985 Fielding Percentage and 71% Caught Stealing Percentage. Rogers was on the ballot for one year in 2014 and he finished with 0.2% of the ballot.

Kenny Rogers, AL Texas Rangers (4) (2005)

0.0 dWAR. For the first time, Rogers’ Catchers were unable to stop any runners from stealing bases (0 for 3) and also for the first time he recorded no Pickoffs in a Season. He did have a quality .985 Fielding Percentage and he was second in both Range Factor per Game and Assists. Rogers was on the ballot for one year in 2014 and he finished with 0.2% of the ballot.

Kenny Rogers, AL Detroit Tigers (5) (2006)

0.0 dWAR. Now a Detroit Tiger, Kenny Rogers had a fourth place finish in Range Factor per Game with a third place rank in Assists. “The Gambler” had a low .912 Fielding Percentage but he rebounded with a rate of 86% in Caught Stealing. It is also worth noting that Rogers was 41 and he had a fifth place finish in Cy Young voting, which was by far his best performance. This would be the final Gold Glove for Kenny Rogers and he finished his career with 79 Pickoffs and runners being Caught Stealing 59% of the time. This is definitely a worthy multi-time recipient of the Gold Glove. Rogers was on the ballot for one year in 2014 and he finished with 0.2% of the ballot.

Johan Santana, AL Minnesota Twins (2007)

0.0 dWAR. By this point, Johan Santana had already won his two Cy Young Awards however he never once finished in the top five in Assists, Putouts or Range Factor per Game. 2007 would be the first and only time he had a perfect Fielding Percentage, which coincidently was the only time he would win the Gold Glove. He had a 45% Caught Stealing Percentage this year. Santana was on the ballot for one year in 2018 and he finished with 2.4% of the ballot. Santana is ranked #64 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Mike Mussina, AL New York Yankees (7) (2008)

0.0 dWAR. This was Mike Mussina’s final season in the Majors and he ended on a great note with a sixth place Cy Young finish. He was decent this year defensively but he may not have been the best choice. Mussina again was not in the top five in Assists, Putouts and Range Factor per Game and he had a decent Fielding Percentage of .976. Overall, Mike Mussina was decent with his glove but we have to question whether he was worthy of seven Gold Gloves. Mussina has been on the ballot for five years and finished as high as 63.5% in 2018.

 

 

Let’s update our tally shall we?

Award in Question	Percentage of recipients who have entered the HOF	Percentage of recipients by year who have entered the HOF.
NBA MVP	100%	100%
NHL Norris	90.5%	96.4%
NBA All Star Game MVP	89.5%	91.7%
NHL Conn Smythe	74.2%	85.4%
NHL Lady Byng	63.8%	76.0%
NFL Super Bowl MVP	60.6%	64.9%
NBA Defensive Player of the Year	58.3%	56.5%
NBA Rookie of the Year	56.5%	56.5%
MLB/NL/AL Cy Young Award	44.4%	55.4%
NHL Frank J. Selke Trophy	33.3%	36.7%
NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year	28.6%	28.6%
MLB Edgar Martinez Award	26.7%	17.2%
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Designated Hitter)	25.0%	30.8%
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Shortstop)	23.5%	52.6%
MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove	21.7%	36.8%
NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year	20.6%	20.6%
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Catcher)	20.0%	22.5%
MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Second Base)	18.8%	39.8%
MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Shortstop)	18.2%	35.1%
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Pitcher)	18.2%	20.1%
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Second Base)	16.7%	32.7%
MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Outfield)	16.7%	30.1%
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Outfield)	15.7%	25.2%
MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Third Base)	14.3%	14.3%
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Third Base)	13.6%	14.3%
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (First Base)	13.6%	13.3%
MLB (NL/AL) Rookie of the Year	13.3%	13.3%
MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Catcher)	10.3%	15.2%
MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (First Base)	3.8%	3.2%
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Catcher)	20.0%	22.5%
MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Second Base)	18.8%	39.8%
MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Shortstop)	18.2%	35.1%
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Pitcher)	18.2%	20.1%
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Second Base)	16.7%	32.7%
MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Outfield)	16.7%	30.1%
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Outfield)	15.7%	25.2%
MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Third Base)	14.3%	14.3%
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Third Base)	13.6%	14.3%
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (First Base)	13.6%	13.3%
MLB (NL/AL) Rookie of the Year	13.3%	13.3%
MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Catcher)	10.3%	15.2%
MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (First Base)	3.8%	3.2%

So who is up next?

The following are the players who have won the Gold Glove at Pitcher who have retired but have not met the mandatory years out of the game to qualify for the Baseball Hall of Fame:

Mark Buehrle, AL Chicago White Sox (2009)

0.0 dWAR   Mark Buehrle went to his fourth All Star Game this year and the 2005 World Series winner would be first this season among the American League Pitchers in Range Factor per Game and Assists with a .982 Fielding Percentage. Buehrle will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2021.

Mark Buehrle, AL Chicago White Sox (2) (2010)

0.0 dWAR   In what would be his second Gold Glove win, Mark Buehrle would for the third time have a perfect Fielding Percentage and he was also third in Assists for an American League Pitcher. Buehrle will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2021.

Bronson Arroyo, NL Cincinnati Reds (2010)

0.0 dWAR   2010 was the best year of Bronson Arroyo’s career as he had a 12th place finish in Cy Young voting and had 17 Wins. He would have a perfect Fielding Percentage. Arroyo will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2023.

Mark Buehrle, AL Chicago White Sox (3) (2011)

0.0 dWAR   Mark Buehrle would for the second time in his career was the American League leader in Range Factor per Game and he was also second in Assists. Buehrle would have 6 Pickoffs with a 70% Caught Stealing Percentage with a .982 Fielding Percentage. Buehrle will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2021.

Jake Peavy, AL Chicago White Sox (2012)

0.0 dWAR   The National League Cy Young Award winner from 2007 would win his only Gold Glove as a member of the Chicago White Sox in the American League. Peavy would sport a .973 and 47 in Fielding and Caught Stealing Percentage but was not in the top five in Assists, Putouts or Range Factor per Game. Peavy will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2022.

Mark Buehrle, NL Miami Marlins (4) (2012)

0.0 dWAR   Buehrle was only in the National League for one season but he would go “one for one” in terms of Gold Gloves. He would finish this season with a perfect Fielding Percentage and he was the league leader in Assists. Beuhrle also second in Range Factor per Game with 4 Pickoffs and a Caught Stealing Percentage of 38%. Buehrle would record an even 100 Pickoffs of his career and his Caught Stealing Percentage of 58% percent was well above the league average of 29%. Buehrle will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2021.

R.A. Dickey, AL Toronto Blue Jays (2013)

0.0 dWAR   The knuckleballer was the surprise National League Cy Young Award winner the season before after seemingly coming out of nowhere. Dickey would win the Gold Glove in his first season as a Toronto Blue Jay and his resume showed him finish third in Range Factor per Game and was first in Assists. He had a .962 Fielding Percentage. Dickey will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2023.

 

 

The following are the players who have won the Gold Glove at Pitcher who are still active.

Adam Wainwright, NL St. Louis Cardinals (2009)

0.0 dWAR. Wainwright would finish among all of the National League Pitchers in Putouts and Field Percentage while ranking third in Range Factor per Game. 37 Years Old, Playing for the St. Louis Cardinals.

Clayton Kershaw, NL Los Angeles Dodgers (2011)

0.0 dWAR. To say that Clayton Kershaw would become one of the most dominant Pitchers form this point on and to the rest of the decade would be an understatement. Seriously, he was just that good! In regards to his season defensively in 2011, Kershaw would win his first Cy Young and he had a perfect Fielding Percentage with a fifth place finish in Assists. 31 Years Old, Playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Jeremy Hellickson, AL Tampa Bay Rays (2012)

0.0 dWAR. The co-winner of the Gold Glove, Hellickson won this Gold Glove the year after being named the Rookie of the Year. The Tampa Bay Ray had a .950 Fielding Percentage, although he would bookend those seasons with a perfect 1,000. He was not in the top five in Assists, Putouts or Range Factor per Game. 31 Years Old, Playing for the Washington Nationals.

Adam Wainwright, NL St. Louis Cardinals (2) (2013)

0.0 dWAR. Wainwright was the second place finisher in the Cy Young voting while having a 50% Caught Stealing Percentage. Wainwright would have a perfect Fielding Percentage, while finishing second in Range Factor per Game and third in Putouts. 37 Years Old, Playing for the St. Louis Cardinals.

Dallas Kuechel, AL Houston Astros (2014)

0.0 dWAR. This would be the first individual award for Kuechel and he really earned this Gold Glove. The Houston Astro was first in Range Factor per Game and Assists with a fourth place rank in Putouts. He had a .985 Fielding Percentage with only one runner successfully stealing a base on him (75% Caught Stealing Percentage rate). 30 Years Old, Playing for the Houston Astros.

Zack Greinke, NL Los Angeles Dodgers (2014)

0.0 dWAR. Greinke won a Cy Young Award with the Kansas City Royals in 2009, but it would not be until 2013 where he would receive votes again for that prestigious accolade. In 2014, Greinke finished with a .983 Fielding Percentage and he finished first in both Putouts and Range Factor per Game. He was seventh in Cy Young voting this year. 35 Years Old, Playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Dallas Kuechel, AL Houston Astros (2) (2015)

0.0 dWAR. Keuchel would win the Cy Young this year and he was the fifth place finisher in MVP voting. He would finish first in both Assists and Range Factor per Game with a fourth place finish in Putouts while having a .986 Fielding Percentage. He would however fail to have ant runner not steal a base. 30 Years Old, Playing for the Houston Astros.

Zack Greinke, NL Los Angeles Dodgers (2) (2015)

0.0 dWAR. Greinke was an All Star for the third time this year and he was the Cy Young Award runner-up. Greinke finished second in Range Factor per Game and was fourth in both Putouts and Assists. He would have a Fielding and Caught Stealing Percentage of .968 and 46 respectively. 35 Years Old, Playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Dallas Kuechel, AL Houston Astros (3) (2016)

0.0 dWAR. For the second time, Dallas Kuechel had a perfect Fielding Percentage and he would have a 50% record in Caught Stealing. He did however fail to finish in the top five in Assists, Putouts and Range Factor per Game. 30 Years Old, Playing for the Houston Astros.

Zack Greinke, NL Arizona Diamondbacks (3) (2016)

0.0 dWAR. Greinke would not finish in the top five in Range Factor per Game but he was named a Wilson Defensive Player. He had a Fielding Percentage of .980 and a Caught Stealing record of 57%. 35 Years Old, Playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Marcus Stroman, AL Toronto Blue Jays (2017)

0.0 dWAR. Stroman finished eighth in Cy Young voting this year and he was the leader in Assists while finishing second in Range Factor per Game. He had a .979 Fielding Percentage. 27 Years Old, Playing for the Toronto Blue Jays.

Zack Greinke, NL Arizona Diamondbacks (4) (2017)

This would be the third season that Zack Greinke would have a 0.0 dWAR.perfect Fielding Percentage, which was complimented by a second place finish in Range Factor per Game. His Caught Stealing Percentage was an excellent 64. 35 Years Old, Playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Dallas Kuechel, AL Houston Astros (4) (2018)

0.0 dWAR. Kuechel had a perfect Fielding Percentage again with a second place in both Range Factor per Game in Putouts. 30 Years Old, Playing for the Houston Astros.

Zack Greinke, NL Arizona Diamondbacks (5) (2018)

0.0 dWAR. Grienke would go back-to-back in terms of a perfect Fielding Percentage and he would also lead all of the National League Pitchers in Putouts and Range Factor per Game. Throw in a 71% in Caught Stealing and you are talking about an extraordinary defensive year! 35 Years Old, Playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

We have to be honest, as when we started this we never would have thought that the most successful Gold Glove position to enter the Baseball Hall of Fame would be the Pitcher!   We do however think that this could change with increased sabremetrics in the future!

Honestly, we are happy to be done with the Gold Glove and since we have worked on this for so long, we want leave Baseball for a while.

Up next we are going to the hard court and look at the NBA with a relatively new Award, the Most Improved Player of the Year.

Look for that soon!

We here at Notinhalloffame.com thought it would be fun to take a look at the major awards in North American team sports and see how it translates into Hall of Fame potential.

Needless to say, different awards in different sports yield hall of fame potential. In basketball, the team sport with the least amount of players on a roster, the dividend for greatness much higher. In baseball, it is not as much as a great individual season does not have the same impact.

We are now taking a look at the Gold Glove Award, given annually to the best defensive player in MLB in each respective position.

This will take awhile, so be patient with us!

We have just tackled Catcher, First, Second Base, Shortstop and Third Base

As you can imagine, we are continuing with Outfield and this will take a long time. Dig in your cleats for this one!

The following are the past players who have won the Gold Glove at Outfield who are eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame and have been enshrined.

Willie Mays, ML New York Giants (1957)

0.2 dWAR. “Say Hey!” The problem with running a website that discusses those who are not in the Hall of Fame is that you don’t get to discuss legends like Willie Mays often. Now we get too! By this time, Mays had already been cemented as one of the most complete baseball players in the game. Already a past MVP, this year he finished fourth. Having said that, this was just an average year defensively for a Centerfielder and sub par for Mays based on his history. In 1957, Mays did not finish first in any defensive statistic and was not in the top five in Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. Having said that, is it wrong here that our first instinct is to give this a pass because it is Willie Mays? Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979.

Al Kaline, ML Detroit Tigers (1957)

1.4 dWAR. The career Detroit Tiger finished tenth in MVP voting and was ninth in Defensive bWAR, As we look at Kaline (he won ten Gold Gloves) you will see some deserving, some not so deserving and some where the voters would have been blind and thought they were voting for either his bat, his legacy or a concoction of both. The first one we have no problem with, as not only did Kaline lead ALL Outfielders in Total Zone Runs, he was also first among the American League Rightfielders in Fielding Percentage. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1980.

Al Kaline, AL Detroit Tigers (2) (1958)

2.2 dWAR. In terms of Defensive bWAR, this would be tied for the best season that Al Kaline ever had (we will get to the other). The famed slugger would also be first amongst the American League Rightfieders in Putouts, Assists, Total Zone Runs, Range Factor per Game and Fielding Percentage. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1980.

Hank Aaron, NL Milwaukee Braves (1958)

0.2 dWAR. The season after “Hammerin” Hank Aaron won the National League MVP, he would win his first Gold Glove. He would finish second in Total Zone Runs and Fielding Percentage while also finishing third in Range Factor per Game among the National League Rightfielders. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1982.

Willie Mays, NL San Francisco Giants (2) (1958)

1.5 dWAR. Mays would finish second in MVP voting and 10th in Defensive bWAR in the 1958 season, the first for the Giants in San Francisco. Like ’57, Mays did not finish first in any defensive category at Centerfield but he was in the hunt for many of them. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979.

Frank Robinson, NL Cincinnati Reds (1958)

-0.1 dWAR. Frank Robinson was one of the greatest hitters of all-time but he was far from the best defensively. Robinson never had an outstanding defensive year and in the year he won his lone Gold Glove was no exception. The future two time MVP did not come close to appearing in the top five in any defensive category. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1982.

Al Kaline, AL Detroit Tigers (3) (1959)

0.4 dWAR. The first two Gold Gloves for Al Kaline were worthy. This wasn’t one of them. Kaline was not in the top five in any defensive category among the AL Rightfielders in any category. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1980.

Hank Aaron, NL Milwaukee Braves (2) (1959)

-1.1 dWAR. While Hank Aaron remained the offensive juggernaut that we remember this was not a season that showed off his defensive skills. Aaron would finish first in Assists and was also third in Fielding Percentage among the National League Rightfielders but he was not able to crack the top five in Total Zone Runs or Range Factor per Game. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1982.

Willie Mays, NL San Francisco Giants (3) (1959)

0.4 dWAR. In what would be his third consecutive Gold Glove win Mays would repeat more of 1957 as this was an average defensive season for anyone but not for Willie Mays. Finishing sixth in MVP voting, Mays was not a factor in any defensive lead among any National League Centerfielders. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979.

Hank Aaron, NL Milwaukee Braves (3) (1960)

0.8 dWAR. This would be the third and final Gold Glove for Hank Aaron and in this season he would finish first in Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game among the Rightfielders in the National League. He would do the same in 1961 but he would not win the Gold Glove that year or ever again. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1982.

Willie Mays, NL San Francisco Giants (4) (1960)

1.4 dWAR. Mays finished third in National League MVP voting and he was fourth in Defensive bWAR in the NL. This year he was first in Assists and Total Zone Runs at Centerfield (in the NL) and was and in Range Factor per Game. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979.

Al Kaline, AL Detroit Tigers (4) (1961)

2.2 dWAR. Kaline made a huge defensive comeback this season as in 1960 (Kaline had a negative Defensive bWAR and did not win a Gold Glove) and finished third overall in the AL in Defensive bWAR. This would be the last time that Kaline would be a top ten finisher in that stat. Kaline was first among his American League peers in Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game and was also first overall among all of the AL Outfielders in Total Zone Runs. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1980.

Roberto Clemente, NL Pittsburgh Pirates (1961)

-0.6 dWAR. Roberto Clemente is the most important Latino player of all-time, there is no doubt of that and he was a good defensive player. Saying all of that this was not the season for him to receive what would be the first of twelve straight Gold Gloves. Clemente, who had already established himself as an excellent offensive player and in 1961 he won his first Batting Title. Somehow this translated into a Gold Glove though he did play the most games at Right, which aided him in finishing first in Assists and Putouts at his position. Still, he was not in the top five in Total Zone Runs though he was second in Range Factor per Game. Based on traditional metrics, this made sense. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1973.

Willie Mays, NL San Francisco Giants (5) (1961)

1.4 dWAR. In what would be his fifth straight Gold Glove win the Say Hey kid would finish tenth in Defensive bWAR in the NL. Mays did not top the National League Centerfielders in any defensive metric but was third in Total Zone Runs. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979.

Al Kaline, AL Detroit Tigers (5) (1962)

0.3 dWAR. Kaline dropped significantly in Defensive bWAR but he was still the first place finisher among the American League Rightfielders in Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. This win might be more of a reflection of the existing competition. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1980.

Mickey Mantle, AL New York Yankees (1962)

-1.8 dWAR. Mickey Mantle was one of the greatest offensive baseball players of all time but defensively this wasn’t the case at all. In 1962, Mantle would win his third American League MVP and came off a pair of runner-ups to his teammate, Roger Maris, however he was nowhere close to finishing anywhere near the top of any defensive stat for a Leftfielder. This feels like a gift. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1980.

Roberto Clemente, NL Pittsburgh Pirates (2) (1962)

1.0 dWAR. Clemente did not lead the National League Rightfielders in Assists and Putouts like he did in 1961, but he was a far more efficient defensive player in 1962. The legend from Puerto Rico was at the top in Total Zone Runs for NL Rightfielders and was third overall among all Outfielders in the league. He was again second in Range Factor per Game. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1973.

Willie Mays, NL San Francisco Giants (6) (1962)

2.1 dWAR. Mays was second overall in the National League in Defensive bWAR, which was the highest of his career. The “Say Hey Kid” was first amongst the NL Centerfielders in Putouts, Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game and was tops in the latter two among all of the National League Outfielders. Arguably, this was his finest defensive season. He would finish second in National League MVP voting. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979.

Al Kaline, AL Detroit Tigers (6) (1963)

-0.4 dWAR. Kaline was the runner-up for the American League MVP this year though he had much better years in his career offensively. He also had much better years with the glove, though he did finish atop the AL Rightfielders in Fielding Percentage. Having said that, Kaline was not a top five finisher in Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1980.

Roberto Clemente, NL Pittsburgh Pirates (3) (1963)

-0.6 dWAR. Clemente may have won his first Gold Glove with a -0.6 Defensive bWAR but his accumulation of games allowed him to lead in some traditional defensive metrics. That did not happen in 1963 where his highest finish in any defensive stat was third (Assists and Putouts) and he led the NL Rightfelders in Errors. This was a poor choice. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1973.

Willie Mays, NL San Francisco Giants (7) (1963)

1.4 dWAR. While Willie Mays did not finish first in any defensive category among the National Centerfielders, he was in contention for many of them. This was a decent season by any defensive category. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979.

Willie Mays, NL San Francisco Giants (7) (1963)

1.4 dWAR. While Willie Mays did not finish first in any defensive category among the National Centerfielders, he was in contention for many of them. This was a decent season by any defensive category. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979.

Carl Yastrzemski, AL Boston Red Sox (1963)

0.4 dWAR. 1963 would be the year of many first for Carl Yaztrzemski. He would win his first Batting Title, his first On Base Percentage Title, lead the league in Hits for the first time, go to his first All Star Game and win his first Gold Glove. The latter might be considered a little suspect as though he did finish first among the American League Leftfielders in Assists while finishing second in Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. Realistically based on his competition Yaz was a perfectly fine choice. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983.

Al Kaline, AL Detroit Tigers (7) (1964)

0.9 dWAR. This was certainly a better Gold Glove winning season for the Hall of Famer as Kaline finished first at his position in Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. Notably, he was first in Total Zone Runs among all of the Outfielders in the American League. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1980.

Roberto Clemente, NL Pittsburgh Pirates (4) (1964)

0.2 dWAR. Clemente finished second amongst the NL Rightfieders in Total Zone Runs however again was first in Errors. This would be the fourth time he would do so. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1973.

Willie Mays, NL San Francisco Giants (8) (1964)

1.9 dWAR. Once again Willie Mays finished sixth in MVP voting and was a third place finisher in Defensive bWAR. Like the season before, Mays was not first in any defensive category amongst National League Centerfielders (though he was second in Total Zone Runs) but this was still a very good season with his glove. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979.

Al Kaline, AL Detroit Tigers (8) (1965)

-1.3 dWAR. Horrible. Just horrible. While we love Kaline, we do not have any respect for his Gold Glove win of 1965. The Detroit Tiger was not in the top five in any defensive metric among the AL Rightfielders. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1980.

Carl Yastrzemski, AL Boston Red Sox (2) (1965)

-1.0 dWAR. While Yastrzemski would still have an overall good year and again finish first among his league peers in Assists he was not in the top five in Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. His second Gold Glove should not have happened this year. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983.

Roberto Clemente, NL Pittsburgh Pirates (5) (1965)

1.2 dWAR. While Roberto Clemente would once again suffer a National League Rightfield lead in Errors, he was also the leader in Total Zone Runs not only among NL Rightfielders but all Outfielders. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1973.

Willie Mays, NL San Francisco Giants (9) (1965)

1.6 dWAR. Willie Mays would win his second and final National League MVP award in 1965, though under modern thinking he likely would have won more. This year Mays finished eighth in Defensive bWAR and again was not the first place finisher though again was not the National League leader in any defensive statistic among the National League Centerfielders. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979.

Al Kaline, AL Detroit Tigers (9) (1966)

-0.5 dWAR. Kaline again had another season where he was not close to the league lead in any defensive category. Perhaps, they forgot to refresh the ballot from the previous years. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1980.

Roberto Clemente, NL Pittsburgh Pirates (6) (1966)

1.3 dWAR. Clemente would repeat with the same amount of Total Zone Runs (17) that he did in ’65, though this time it was only enough for second among all National League Outfielders, though first for Rightfielders. He also would lead in Assists, though again in Errors. It also needs to be noted that this year Clemente was named the National League MVP. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1973.

Willie Mays, NL San Francisco Giants (10) (1966)

2.1 dWAR. Arguably this was the last great season for Willie Mays defensively but not the last time he would win a Gold Glove, though this is far from a pattern. Finishing third in Defensive bWAR in the National League, Mays would top the Centerfielders in the NL in Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. It would actually be the final year where he would finish first defensively in any category. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979.

Al Kaline, AL Detroit Tigers (10) (1967)

0.4 dWAR. With the tenth and final Gold Glove of Al Kaline’s career we can safely say that he probably deserved three of them or five at the most, though he bucked the trend of a legend usually saving his worst Gold Glove winning performance as his last. 1967 would see Kaline lead the AL Rightfielders in Total Zone Runs, the last time he would in his career. The next season, he would win his first and only World Series. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1980.

Carl Yastrzemski, AL Boston Red Sox (3) (1967)

1.7 dWAR. This would be the first of two times where Yastrzemski would finish in the top ten in the AL in Defensive bWAR (he was seventh) and would also finish first among the Leftfielders in Total Zone Runs and was second overall in the league. Notably Yastrzemski would win the Triple Crown and would be named the American League Most Valuable Player. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983.

Roberto Clemente, NL Pittsburgh Pirates (7) (1967)

-0.1 dWAR. Clemente dropped to fourth in Total Zone Runs but did finish first in Assists. Still, this was not one of those seasons where he should have won a Gold Glove. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1973.

Willie Mays, NL San Francisco Giants (11) (1967)

0.3 dWAR. As you could wager by the 1966 paragraph, the 1967 defensive campaign from Mays would be sub-par…and it was. Mays was also regressing at this stage with his bat and was not in the mix for any top metric in defense. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979.

Carl Yastrzemski, AL Boston Red Sox (4) (1968)

2.0 dWAR. 1968 would arguably be the best defensive season of Yastrzemski’s career as he had career highs in defensive bWAR and Total Zone Runs (25), the former being good enough for eighth in the latter positioning him third in those respective stats in the AL. Yaz was also first at his league position in Putouts. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983.

Roberto Clemente, NL Pittsburgh Pirates (8) (1968)

2.5 dWAR. This was a strange year for Roberto Clemente as for the first time since 1960 he was not named an All Star. He also did not receive any votes for MVP and batted under .300, the first time since 1959 (though his .291 was still good enough for 10th in the NL). Still he was still good enough offensively and put up a career high 2.5 in Defensive bWAR, which actually made 1968 the only year that finished first and only time in bWAR in the league! Clemente would put up a career high 25 Total Zone Runs, which was the most among everyone in the NL and he also finished first among all National League Outfielders in Range Factor per Game. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1973.

Willie Mays, NL San Francisco Giants (12) (1968)

0.4 dWAR. In what was Willie Mays’ final season as a Gold Glove recipient, it was also his last year that the legend had a positive Defensive bWAR, albeit a 0.4. Like 1967, Mays probably should not have won this Gold Glove but his overall defensive metrics were strong and when Mays is spoke of as one of the best defensive players ever a case can be made. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979

Carl Yastrzemski, AL Boston Red Sox (5) (1969)

0.4 dWAR. In terms of Defensive bWAR Yastrzemski tumbled from the previous year and also did so in Total Zone Runs. However his 11 TZR was still decent enough for a third place finish among the American League Leftfielders and he was first in Assists. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983.

Roberto Clemente, NL Pittsburgh Pirates (9) (1969)

0.7 dWAR. Roberto Clemente could not duplicate defensively what he did the season before (though his offense returned to form) but his 11 Total Zone Runs were still enough to lead all National League Rightfielders in that stat. This would be the only defensive metric he would. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1973.

Roberto Clemente, NL Pittsburgh Pirates (10) (1970)

0.1 dWAR. This was definitely one of those incorrect selections of a Gold Glove recipient, as Clemente would become one of the many winners of this award to do so on reputation. He would not finish in the top three in any defensive statistic. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1973.

Carl Yastrzemski, AL Boston Red Sox (6) (1971)

0.8 dWAR. Yaz was first at his league position in Assists with a second place finish in Total Zone Runs. It was not a spectacular year defensively but he did play the most games at this position and it was not a terrible win. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983.

Roberto Clemente, NL Pittsburgh Pirates (11) (1971)

1.8 dWAR. Clemente rebounded with his glove as he finished eighth in the National League in Defensive bWAR. The future Hall of Famer would also again lead the National League Outfielders in Total Zone Runs (20) while also finishing first in Range Factor per Game among the NL Rightfielders. Far more important to Clemente, he would lead his Pittsburgh Pirates to a World Series (his second) and was named the World Series MVP. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1973.

Roberto Clemente, NL Pittsburgh Pirates (12) (1972)

1.1 dWAR. In what would be his final year in baseball, Roberto Clemente would have a good year defensively as he finished first amongst the National League Rightfielders in Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. As baseball fans know, Clemente’s career ended after the 1972 season as he died in a plane crash while on his way to bring relief and aid to the victims of an earthquake in Nicaragua. Clemente probably should not have won a dozen Gold Gloves but overall the Hall of Famer was well above average in terms of defensive acumen. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1973.

Carl Yastrzemski, AL Boston Red Sox (7) (1977)

0.5 dWAR. In between what would be his final Gold Glove and the one he won in 1971 Yastrzemski would play both Leftfield and in First Base. 1977 would see a full time return to Left and would again lead in Assists. He would also finish first amongst his AL contemporaries in Total Zone Runs and for the first and only time he would be a top Leftfield leaderboard in Fielding Percentage, where had a perfect 1.000. Overall Carl Yastrzemski had a decent defensive career though seven Gold Gloves was a little excessive. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983.

Dave Winfield, NL San Diego Padres (1979)

0.6 dWAR. To be clear, we are fans of Dave Winfield as an entrant to the Baseball Hall of Fame, though it may not seem that way after we talk about his seven Gold Glove wins, none of which we think he should have won. For what it is worth his first Gold Glove win would at least see him do so with a positive Defensive bWAR, something he did not do in the next six. In 1979 the then San Diego Padre Winfield did finish first in Putouts and was second among the National League Rightfielders in Total Zone Runs. Overall, this is not bad, but not Gold Glove worthy and sadly the best of his seven. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001.

Andre Dawson, NL Montreal Expos (1980)

0.9 dWAR. This would be the first of eight Gold Gloves for the “Hawk” and this was not a terrible way to start. Dawson was second in Assists and Putouts while finishing fourth at his league position in Total Zone Runs. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010.

Dave Winfield, NL San Diego Padres (2) (1980)

-1.4 dWAR. Winfield played more games than anyone else in the National League at Rightfield and he would lead all in his position at Assists. Saying that he was not in the top five in Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game, which will be a pattern as we continue to look at Winfield’s defense. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001.

Rickey Henderson, AL Oakland Athletics (1981)

2.0 dWAR. When you think of Rickey Henderson, you think of his speed, his unequaled eccentricity and his longevity. You generally don’t think of his defensive skills and with a career Defensive bWAR in the negative that makes sense. However, we have a case here of a Hall of Famer who had a great (and rare) defensive gem of a campaign and was rewarded for that season and that season only. In 1981, Henderson’s 2.0 Defensive bWAR was good enough for fourth overall in the AL and he would also finish second overall in the League in Total Zone Runs. In terms of his position (Leftfield) Henderson was first in Putouts, Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009.

Andre Dawson, NL Montreal Expos (2) (1981)

2.2 dWAR. While it was a strike-shortened season, Andre Dawson still netted a Defensive WAR over 2.0! In what could be argued as the Hawk’s best defensive year, he would finish first in the NL in Total Zone Runs while also leading his position in Putouts, Assists and Range Factor per Game. Notably this was his first All Star game and he would finish second in MVP voting. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010.

Dave Winfield, AL New York Yankees (3) (1982)

-1.3 dWAR. This was Dave Winfield’s first Gold Glove in the American League and he failed to finish in the top five in any significant defensive stat among the Rightfielders. Why is this happening other than rewarding a great offensive player? Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001.

Andre Dawson, NL Montreal Expos (3) (1982)

2.1 dWAR. Dawson would rank sixth in Defensive WAR in the National League while finishing second in Total Zone Runs in the NL and first at his position. Dawson was also first at his position in Range Factor per Game. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010.

Dave Winfield, AL New York Yankees (4) (1983)

-2.2 dWAR. Not only did Dave Winfield not finish in the top five in any defensive category, he played multiple positions in the Outfield that year and was mediocre everywhere. His -2.2 is one of the worst Defensive bWARs to win a Gold Glove. This is horrible. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001.

Andre Dawson, NL Montreal Expos (4) (1983)

1.2 dWAR. Andre Dawson finished second in the National League MVP race and with his glove he had a respectable third and fourth place at his position in Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. Perhaps this was not a Gold Glove worthy season but it is in terms of what was typical! Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010.

Dave Winfield, AL New York Yankees (5) (1984)

-1.1 dWAR. Winfield at least finished first among the American League Rightfielders in Fielding Percentage but was not in the top five in anything else. For a Winfield Gold Glove win, this is actually good, not that we expected much. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001.

Andre Dawson, NL Montreal Expos (5) (1984)

0.7 dWAR. Dawson had moved to Rightfield this season and was second in Total Zone Runs and overall among all Outfielders was fifth. Perhaps this wasn’t the net win that should occur, but intangibles might allow this to be not be a mess of a win like we will see later. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010.

Dave Winfield, AL New York Yankees (6) (1985)

-0.7 dWAR. Dave Winfield played more games in the American League at Rightfield but he was not first at his position in any defensive stat. He finished second in Assists and Fielding Percentage, was fifth in Range Factor per Game but as expected (especially if you have been following here) was not in the mix in Total Zone Runs. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001.

Andre Dawson, NL Montreal Expos (6) (1985)

-0.1 dWAR. We now have our first Andre Dawson Gold Glove as a Montreal Expo that is impossible to defend. Dawson not only had a negative Defensive WAR but also was not in the top five in any defensive category. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010.

Kirby Puckett, AL Minnesota Twins (1986)

-0.5 dWAR. This one is going start a little strange. Kirby Puckett’s rookie year did not set anyone on fire, although he did finish third in American League Rookie of the Year voting and while he did not display the offense he would late in his career he had an exemplary 3.3 Defensive bWAR. He would never come close to that again. While his offense exploded in 1986 with a 30 Home Run and .300 season, his defense was not great but the fact that he was now an All Star and Silver Slugger did not hurt. Again we have offense rewarding defense in the Gold Glove awards. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001.

Tony Gwynn, NL San Diego Padres (1986)

0.7 dWAR. Tony Gwynn proved to be one of the greatest spray hitters in Baseball and in 1986 after already establishing himself as a multi-time All Star he would lead the NL on Putouts among the National League Outfielders and was also first in Fielding Percentage at his outfield position at Right. He was however first among those in the National League in regards to Outfielders in Total Zone Runs. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007.

Kirby Puckett, AL Minnesota Twins (2) (1987)

-0.7 dWAR. Puckett’s defense did not improve in his second Gold Glove win as among all of the American League Centerfielders he was not in the top five in Total Zone Runs, Range Factor per Game or Fielding Percentage. Still, this was a star, which was cemented by taking Minnesota to their first World Series win. Ask anyone in Minnesota if they care that Puckett was not a legit Gold Glover in 1987. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001.

Dave Winfield, AL New York Yankees (7) (1987)

-1.5 dWAR. This would be the seventh and final Gold Glove for Winfield and the last of these abominations. Sorry, but it was. Winfield’s overall Defensive bWAR was a disgusting -22.7 and he is a seven time Gold Glove winner? Appalling! The only top five finish was third in Fielding Percentage for American League Rightfielders and nowhere in any other top five in a defensive stat. Again, et us state that Winfield BELONGS in the Baseball Hall of Fame, but his trophy case should have never obtained one Gold Glove Award. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001.

Andre Dawson, NL Chicago Cubs (7) (1987)

-0.6 dWAR. The 1987 MVP Award for Andre Dawson was honestly a bit fraudulent. This was the year of collusion where Dawson took a substantially lower pay as a Free Agent that he should have receiver and put forth an exceptional offensive season…though it was not great with the glove. Dawson had great offensive metrics but was not a top five finisher in any defensive one other than a second place one in Fielding Percentage. This felt like an apology on behalf of the colluding owners. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010.

Tony Gwynn, NL San Diego Padres (2) (1987)

0.1 dWAR. This was the second Gold Glove for Tony Gwynn and while he proved himself to be an offensive juggernaut his defensive statistics at this stage was not Gold Glove worthy. He finished fourth in Range Factor per Game and Total Zone Runs among the National League Rightfielders, so at least there is that. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007.

Kirby Puckett, AL Minnesota Twins (3) (1988)

1.0 dWAR. This was the third of six Gold Gloves that Puckett would win and sadly his 1.0, which while decent should not be the best Defensive bWAR season when you win six. Still, this is what it is and Puckett finished second among the American League Centerfielders in Range Factor per Game and Fielding Percentage and was fourth in Total Zone Runs. At least a case can be made this season. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001.

Andre Dawson, NL Chicago Cubs (8) (1988)

-0.4 dWAR. Again we state how much we love Andre Dawson for the Baseball Hall of Fame, but he should not have been an eight time Gold Glove winner, and maybe four at tops. In what would be his last award he was not in the mix for any Defensive title but he did have some good will that carried over. Make no mistake as this helped him here! Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010

Kirby Puckett, AL Minnesota Twins (4) (1989)

-0.1 dWAR. While Puckett had a negative bWAR in terms of his defense he actually was his league’s position leader in Range Factor per Game. This would also be the third and final time he would finish first in Putouts. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001.

Tony Gwynn, NL San Diego Padres (3) (1989)

-2.8 dWAR. What a mess. Let us first state how much we love Tony Gwynn as a hitter but this Gold Glove win marks one of the worst Defensive bWARs ever to win a Gold Glove with a sad -2.8. While Gwynn was coming off his third straight Batting Title, his highest defensive finish was fourth in Assists and he was not close to the top five among his league peers in anything else. This was an atrocious choice. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007.

Ken Griffey Jr., AL Seattle Mariners (1990)

0.5 dWAR. Ken Griffey Jr. began his decade of domination where not only would he be named an All Star throughout the 1990’s he would also named a Gold Glove winner each year. Some were more deserving then others, in the future first ballot Hall of Famer did not get off to the best start as in 1990 he did not finish in the top five in Range Factor per Game, Total Zone Runs and Fielding Percentage. Watch this as this will be a pattern for the first few Ken Griffey Jr. Gold Glove wins. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016.

Tony Gwynn, NL San Diego Padres (4) (1990)

0.3 dWAR. This was certainly a lot better than his last Gold Glove win, but again we don’t have a Gold Glove worthy season from Gwynn, although he was the leader among the National League Rightfielders in Range Factor per Game. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007.

Ken Griffey Jr., AL Seattle Mariners (2) (1991)

1.0 dWAR. Griffey Jr.’s second season would also see him not finish in the top five among his league position in Range Factor per Game, Total Zone Runs and Fielding Percentage but he showcased his powerful arm with 15 Assists. That netted him the American League lead among the Centerfielders. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016.

Kirby Puckett, AL Minnesota Twins (5) (1991)

0.1 dWAR. In 1991, Kirby Puckett was not able to crack the top five in Range Factor Per Game, Fielding Percentage, Total Zone Runs or even Putouts. This was not a spectacular season for Puckett with his glove but again his bat was string and more importantly he led the Twins to their second World Series where he was the ALCS MVP. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001.

Tony Gwynn, NL San Diego Padres (5) (1991)

2.6 dWAR. Based on the first four Gold Gloves that Tony Gwynn won, did you think that he had this defensive season in him? In 1991, Gwynn led everyone in the National League with 28 Total Zone Runs and his 2.6 Defensive bWAR placed him second overall in the National League. Interestingly enough Tony Gwynn had another good defensive campaign in 1992 with 19 Total Zone Runs (third overall) and a Defensive bWAR of 1.7 (seventh overall). That season warranted a Gold Glove, so of course he did not get one. This was the last of five Gold Gloves he would win. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007.

Ken Griffey Jr., AL Seattle Mariners (3) (1992)

-0.1 dWAR. While Ken Griffey Jr. continued to provide great offense his defense was not impeccable. He did for the first and only time finish first at his position in Fielding Percentage but again he was absent in the top five in Range Factor per Game and Total Zone Runs. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016.

Kirby Puckett, AL Minnesota Twins (6) (1992)

0.6 dWAR. This would be the final Gold Glove win of Kirby Puckett’s career and again we state that he was only worthy of one, which was in the rookie season that he didn’t win the award. Puckett was the runner-up for the American League MVP award this year (his highest) was fourth among the AL Centerfielders in Fielding Percentage did not finish in the top five in any other category. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001.

Ken Griffey Jr., AL Seattle Mariners (4) (1993)

0.9 dWAR. This was the first season that Griffey Jr. would finish in the top five at his position in Total Zone Runs and it was also his first of seven 40 Home Run seasons. The Seattle Mariner was about to hit is stride defensively but arguably he went four for four in curious Gold Glove selections up until tis point. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016.

Ken Griffey Jr., AL Seattle Mariners (5) (1994)

1.2 dWAR. In the strike-shortened 1994 season Ken Griffey Jr. finished ninth overall in Defensive bWAR, which as he first time he finished in the top ten in that sabremetric category. Griffey Jr. He would finish in second among the AL Centerfielders in Total Zone Runs. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016.

Ken Griffey Jr., AL Seattle Mariners (6) (1995)

1.5 dWAR. This one is fascinating. In regards to Defensive bWAR he recorded what was then a career high 1.5 and his 15 Total Zone Runs led the American League Centerfielders. Amazingly, he did this in only 72 Games played yet this was to date the easiest Gold Glove win to defend. Only a freak athlete like Ken Griffey Jr. can accomplish this. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016.

Ken Griffey Jr., AL Seattle Mariners (7) (1996)

3.4 dWAR. Without question there is no doubt that this was the best defensive season of the career of Ken Griffey Jr. He would be the American League leader in Total Zone Runs with 32, which would be by far the highest of his career. Griffey Jr. was also first among all of the AL Outfielders in Range Factor per Game. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016.

Ken Griffey Jr., AL Seattle Mariners (8) (1997)

1.9 dWAR. Ken Griffey Jr. was named the American League MVP where he set career highs in Home Runs (56), Runs Batted In (147) and Slugging Percentage .646). Defensively he was strong with a second place at his league position in Total Zone Runs and third in Range Factor per Game. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016.

Ken Griffey Jr., AL Seattle Mariners (9) (1998)

0.1 dWAR. While Griffey’s offense remained on an elite level (he equaled the 56 Home Runs from the year before) his defense took a tumble as he fell out of the top five in Total Zone Runs though he was second in Range Factor per Game. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016.

Ken Griffey Jr., AL Seattle Mariners (10) (1999)

-0.9 dWAR. Griffey slid defensively again with a -.0.9 and a failure to reach the top ten among the AL Centerfielders in Range Factor per Game, Total Zone Runs and Fielding Percentage. While we feel that Griffey Jr. should be a three time Gold Glove winner as opposed to a ten time recipient he did have an overall Defensive bWAR as a Mariner of 9.2, so he was certainly more than adequate with his glove. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016.

The following are the players who have won the Gold Glove at Outfield who are eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame and have not been selected:

Minnie Minoso, ML Chicago White Sox (1957)

-0.2 dWAR. Finishing 8th in MVP voting, Minoso was an All Star for the fifth time in 1957. Minoso did not exactly put up good defensive metrics but in terms of his peers at Leftfield he was second in Total Zone Runs, third in Range Factor per Game and second in Assists. He did play the most games at Left, which at least showed he finished first at something. Minoso was on the ballot for fifteen years and finished as high as 21.1% of the ballot.  Ranked #23 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Jim Piersall, AL Boston Red Sox (1958)

1.5 dWAR. Piersall was the American League leader in Defensive bWAR in both 1955 and 1956 and was the fifth place finisher in 1958. Piersall was first among the AL Centerfielders in Total Zone Runs and was second in Range Factor per Game. Despite being eligible for the Hall of Fame in 1973 he was not on the ballot.  

Norm Siebern, AL New York Yankees (1958)

0.6 dWAR. In terms of Defensive bWAR, this was the best season of Norm Siebern’s career, however it was the only one where he had a positive number and it was only 0.6. Siebern would finish first among the AL Leftfielders in Total Zone Runs but this was hardly a great defensive year. It likely didn’t hurt that he was a popular rookie on what would be a World Series Championship team. Despite being eligible for the Hall of Fame in 1974 he was not on the ballot.  

Jackie Jensen, AL Boston Red Sox (1959)

0.3 dWAR. Jackie Jensen (historically speaking anyway) was a surprise MVP winner the year before and Jensen would win his only Gold Glove the year after. While the 0.3 Defensive bWAR isn’t great, it was actually the highest of his career and he would finish first in Range Factor per Game and second in Total Zone Runs among the AL Rightfielders. Jensen would retire the year after, though would make a comeback for one season in 1961. Jensen was on the ballot for six years and finished as high as 1.1% in 1968.  

Minnie Minoso, AL (2) Cleveland Indians (1959)

0.7 dWAR. Minoso would finish first amongst American League Leftfielders in Assists and Total Zone Runs while being second in Range Factor per Game and Fielding Percentage. Minoso was on the ballot for fifteen years and finished as high as 21.1% of the ballot.  Ranked #23 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Jackie Brandt, NL San Francisco Giants (1959)

-0.6 dWAR. This was a very strange Gold Glove win as Jackie Brandt was not exactly a superstar and only led the National League Leftfielders in Fielding percentage. This was not a special defensive year and realistically Brandt never had one with the possible exception of 1964 as a Baltimore Oriole. Despite being eligible for the Hall of Fame in 1973 he was not on the ballot.  

Jim Landis, AL Chicago White Sox (1960)

0.4 dWAR. Jim Landis had a case for the Gold Glove in 1959 where he finished 7th in MVP voting and led the AL in Total Zone Runs while finishing second in Defensive bWAR. This would not be the case for any of Landis’ five Gold Glove wins. In his first win Landis was not in the top two in any defensive stat for an American League Centerfielder. Despite being eligible for the Hall of Fame in 1973 he was not on the ballot.  

Roger Maris, AL New York Yankees (1960)

1.4 dWAR. Roger Maris was known for a lot of things but his defensive skills were not often talked about. Maris’ best year with the glove was in fact this year, which was also his first of two straight MVPs. He would finish first among the AL Leftfielders in Total Zone Runs and Fielding Percentage and if he was ever going to be a Gold Glove winner, this was the year.  Maris was on the ballot for fifteen years and finished as high as 43.1% of the ballot in 1988.  Ranked #25 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Minnie Minoso, AL (3) Chicago White Sox (1960)

-1.5 dWAR. This definitely was not a Gold Glove worthy season and overall his career Defensive bWAR was -5.7, a number that does not scream defensive excellence. The only metric that Minoso finished first in 1960 was Assists and he was not a top five finisher in Total Zone Runs. A better choice could have been made here. Minoso was on the ballot for fifteen years and finished as high as 21.1% of the ballot.  Ranked #23 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Wally Moon, NL Los Angeles Dodgers (1960)

0.4 dWAR. Wally Moon won the World Series was named an All Star and finished 4th in National League MVP voting and that might have bled into a strange Gold Glove win for him in 1960. This wasn’t the best year that a Leftfielder had but Moon led the National League Leftfielders in Total Zone Runs and Fielding Percentage. Moon was on the ballot for one year in 1971 and received 0.6% of the ballot.  

Jim Landis, AL Chicago White Sox (2) (1961)

0.0 dWAR. Although Landis had a lower Defensive bWAR (0.0 from 0.4, he did finish first at his position in Range Factor per Game. Despite being eligible for the Hall of Fame in 1973 he was not on the ballot.  

Jim Piersall, AL Cleveland Indians (2) (1961)

1.6 dWAR. Piersall finished ninth in the AL in Defensive bWAR and was also 13th overall in MVP voting. In terms of his position, he was first in Total Zone Runs, Range Factor per Game and Fielding Percentage. Despite being eligible for the Hall of Fame in 1973 he was not on the ballot.  

Vada Pinson, NL Cincinnati Reds (1961)

1.8 dWAR. In terms of Defensive bWAR this was by far the best season defensively that Vada Pinson would have in his career. He finished first amongst the National League Centerfielders in Range Factor per Game and Total Zone Runs. He would never come close to doing that again. While Pinson will never be known for his defense this was the season he should have been. Pinson was on the ballot for fifteen years and finished as high as 15.7% in 1988. Pinson is ranked #85 on Notinhalloffame.com.  

Jim Landis, AL Chicago White Sox (3) (1962)

0.0 dWAR. Landis did not finish at the top among the American League Centerfielders but he was second in Range Factor per Game and Fielding Percentage. Notably, this was the only year where he was named an All Star. Despite being eligible for the Hall of Fame in 1973 he was not on the ballot.  

Bill Virdon, NL Pittsburgh Pirates (1962)

0.3 dWAR. Bill Virdon was the National League Rookie of the Year for the Cardinals in 1955 and this would be his second and final individual accolade as a player. Virdon was a decent player over his long career but if he was meant to be a Gold Glove winner, this wasn’t the year. He was not in the mix to lead any Rightfielders in any defensive metric. Virdon was on the ballot for two years and finished as high as 0.8% in 1974.  

Jim Landis, AL Chicago White Sox (4) (1963)

0.5 dWAR. For the first and only time in his career, Jim Landis would lead the American League Centerfielders in Fielding Percentage. Despite being eligible for the Hall of Fame in 1973 he was not on the ballot.  

Curt Flood, NL St. Louis Cardinals (1963)

1.8 dWAR. While this was the first Gold Glove for Curt Flood, this was the fourth time he finished in the top ten in Defensive bWAR; this year he was eighth. Flood finished first amongst the National League Centerfielders in Putouts, Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. Flood was on the ballot for fifteen years and finished as high as 15.1% in 1996.  

Vic Davalillo, AL Cleveland Indians (1964)

-0.7 dWAR. There might have been some seasons where Vic Davalillo was Gold Glove material but 1964 was not one of them. While he did finish first among the American League Centerfielders in Fielding Percentage he would also finish first in Errors. He was also not in the top four in Range Factor Per Game or Total Zone Runs. Ideally, the bookend years (1963 or 1965) he might have had a case for the trophy. Davalillo was on the ballot in 1986 but did not receive any votes.  

Jim Landis, AL Chicago White Sox (5) (1964)

0.2 dWAR. In what would be the last Gold Glove of Jim Landis’ career, the Centerfielder failed to finish in the top five in any significant defensive statistic, which has been a trend in Gold Glove recipients. We will see this again soon. Despite being eligible for the Hall of Fame in 1973 he was not on the ballot.  

Curt Flood, NL St. Louis Cardinals (2) (1964)

1.4 dWAR. 1964 was a special year for Curt Flood as he went to his first All Star Game, won his first World Series and finished eleventh in MVP voting, Defensively Flood finished eighth overall in the NL in Defensive bWAR but did not finish first in any defensive category. He did however finish second amongst his peers in Total Zone Runs, Range Factor per Game and Fielding Percentage. Flood was on the ballot for fifteen years and finished as high as 15.1% in 1996.  

Tom Tresh, AL New York Yankees (1965)

-1.4 dWAR. A former Rookie of the Year (1962) Tresh would have a few good defensive seasons in baseball but 1965 was not one and he was nowhere close to finishing in the top three in any major defensive metric. This was a horrible choice and you have to wonder if there was a Yankee bias in play. Tresh did not play the mandatory ten seasons to qualify for Hall of Fame consideration.  

Curt Flood, NL St. Louis Cardinals (3) (1965)

-0.2 dWAR. While Curt Flood was a deserving winner for his two Gold Gloves, Flood did not really earn this one. The St. Louis Cardinal was nowhere near the top in any defensive statistic. Flood was on the ballot for fifteen years and finished as high as 15.1% in 1996.  

Tony Oliva, AL Minnesota Twins (1966)

0.8 dWAR. Tony Oliva is accurately applauded for his offensive skills but there were a few seasons where his defensive metrics were pretty good. The Minnesota Twin would win his only Gold Glove in 1966 where he was tops among the American League Rightfielders in Putouts, Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. Oliva was on the ballot for fifteen years and finished as high as 47.3% in 1988.  Ranked #31 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Tommie Agee, AL Chicago White Sox (1966)

1.7 dWAR. Named the American League Rookie of the Year Agee finished ninth overall in Defensive bWAR in the league. Agee finished first in Putouts and Total Zone Runs. Agee was on the ballot for one year in 1979 but did not receive any votes.  

Curt Flood, NL St. Louis Cardinals (4) (1966)

1.2 dWAR. Flood would go to his second All Star Game and he would rebound defensively. He would lead the Centerfielders in the NL in Putouts and Fielding Percentage. Flood was on the ballot for fifteen years and finished as high as 15.1% in 1996.  

Paul Blair, AL Baltimore Orioles (1967)

2.4 dWAR. Paul Blair had already assisted the Baltimore Orioles in winning the World Series the year before but it was in ’67 where he cemented himself as an everyday player. Blair would finish third overall in the AL in Defensive bWAR and in Total Zone Runs. At his league position he was first in Putouts, Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. Blair was on the ballot for one year and finished in 1986 and received 1.9% of the vote.  

Curt Flood, NL St. Louis Cardinals (5) (1967)

0.6 dWAR. This year would see Flood finish first in Range Factor per Game among not only the National League Centerfielders but all NL Outfielders. Flood was on the ballot for fifteen years and finished as high as 15.1% in 1996.  

Reggie Smith, AL Boston Red Sox (1968)

0.7 dWAR. Reggie Smith would become a feared power hitter but he wasn’t considered a defensive superstar. He did however in 1968 lead all of the American League Outfielders in Putouts and had a respectable second place finish in Total Zone Runs among those at his position in the AL. Smith was on the ballot for one year in 1988 and finished with 0.7% of the vote.

Mickey Stanley, AL Detroit Tigers (1968)

1.0 dWAR. Everything was coming up Detroit in 1968 and Mickey Stanley would ride that to his first Gold Glove and a World Series ring. Stanley had a perfect Fielding Percentage and finished third in Total Zone Runs. Stanley was on the ballot for one year in 1984 and finished with 0.5% of the vote.  

Curt Flood, NL St. Louis Cardinals (6) (1968)

-0.4 dWAR. Arguably, this would be the best season of Curt Flood’s career as in 1968 he was named to his third (and final) All Star Game, would help the Cardinals win the World Series and was fourth in MVP voting. Although Flood had a negative Defensive bWAR he was still first among all of the National League Centerfielders in Putouts and Range Factor per Game. Flood was on the ballot for fifteen years and finished as high as 15.1% in 1996.  

Paul Blair, AL Baltimore Orioles (2) (1969)

2.8 dWAR. Arguably this was the best season of Paul Blair’s career. He would set career highs in bWAR, Hits and Home Runs and would go to jhis first of two All Star Games. He would also finish eleventh in MVP voting (another career high). Specifically in regards to his defensive statistics Blair was fourth overall in Defensive bWAR and was first overall in the American League in Total Zone Runs. In terms of American League Centerfielders he was the leader in Putouts, Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. Blair was on the ballot for one year and finished in 1986 and received 1.9% of the ballot.  

Mickey Stanley, AL Detroit Tigers (2) (1969)

0.2 dWAR. While it would be possible to defend the Mickey Stanley’s first Gold Glove, his second one is difficult to justify. He did not finish in the top five in any defensive category. Stanley was on the ballot for one year in 1984 and finished with 0.5% of the vote.  

Curt Flood, NL St. Louis Cardinals (7) (1969)

0.7 dWAR. This would be the seventh and final Gold Glove for Flood and overall he was a decent defensive player he was not worth a touchdown worth of defensive hardware. In this year he would finish first in Putouts and Fielding Percentage. Now we have to look at doing a piece on players who were more influential than you think! Free agency is because of Curt Flood! But that is another story… Flood was on the ballot for fifteen years and finished as high as 15.1% in 1996.  

Pete Rose, NL Cincinnati Reds (1969)

-1.1 dWAR. Anyone who has visited this site on even a semi-regular basis knows that we are huge advocates of Pete Rose entering the Baseball Hall of Fame. At no point have we ever said it was because of his defense. Rose played multiple positions in the field and bluntly he was not a great player with the glove during the bulk of his career. In what would be his first of two Gold Gloves. Rose would finish second among the National League Rightfielders in Range Factor per Game, but he was not in the mix anywhere else. Pete Rose is currently banned from the Baseball Hall of Fame. Rose is ranked #1A on Notinhalloffame.com.  

Ken Berry, AL Chicago White Sox (1970)

0.2 dWAR. This was a very strange selection as Ken Berry was not in the top five in any defensive statistic, nor was he basking in the glow of a championship team or the overflow of an All Star year. We will need a lot of help to understand what went wrong here. Berry was on the ballot for one year in 1981 but did not receive any votes.  

Paul Blair, AL Baltimore Orioles (3) (1970)

2.7 dWAR. Paul Blair has another incredible year with his glove and would finish third overall in Defensive WAR and was second in Total Zone Runs. Amongst the AL Centerfielders Blair would be atop the leaderboard in Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. More importantly to Blair and the Baltimore Orioles, he would win the World Series for the second time. Blair was on the ballot for one year and finished in 1986 and received 1.9% of the ballot.  

Mickey Stanley, AL Detroit Tigers (3) (1970)

-0.4 dWAR. Despite the negative Defensive bWAR Stanley had a perfect Fielding Percentage, the second of his career. This was however a player who could not save runs by doing anything extraordinary in the field. This does, and should matter. Stanley was on the ballot for one year in 1984 and finished with 0.5% of the vote.  

Tommie Agee, NL New York Mets (1970)

1.3 dWAR. Winning his second and final Gold Glove the year after he was part of the Miracle Mets, Tommie Agee would actually lead the National League Centerfielders in Errors but was also the top finisher in Putouts and Total Zone Runs. Agee was on the ballot for one year in 1979 but did not receive any votes.  

Pete Rose, NL Cincinnati Reds (2) (1970)

-0.3 dWAR. Rose would win his second straight (and final) Gold Glove where he was not exactly a worthy recipient, though this was light years better than the first. He would actually finish first among all National League Outfielders in Fielding Percentage and was a respectable third amongst the NL Rightfielders in Total Zone Runs. It is certainly worth noting that when he switched to Leftfield, he would drastically improve with a first place finish in Total Zone Runs in 1973, which was bookended by third place finishes. All of these years also had a positive Defensive bWAR. Essentially what we are saying is that if you are to give Pete Rose two Gold Gloves you picked the wrong two years. Pete Rose is currently banned from the Baseball Hall of Fame. Rose is ranked #1A on Notinhalloffame.com.  

Paul Blair, AL Baltimore Orioles (4) (1971)

0.8 dWAR. While this was statistically a down year for Paul Blair defensively, he would be named an All Star for the second and final time. While he had much fewer Total Zone Runs (8 from 26 from the previous year), it was still enough to lead all the Centerfielders of the American League. He would also finish first for the second time in Fielding Percentage (the first being 1965). Blair was on the ballot for one year and finished in 1986 and received 1.9% of the ballot.  

Amos Otis, AL Kansas City Royals (1971)

0.7 dWAR. In the early 1970’s Amos Otis became a popular player despite being on an awful Kansas City team, and offensively he was very good…however his speed masked a defensive career that was average at best. 1971 would mark Otis’ first Gold Glove and it wasn’t a bad year for the Kansas City Royal with the glove. He would lead all American League Outfielders in Putouts, while also finishing second in Range Factor per Game among Centerfielders. This was not a Gold Glove worthy year, bit we have seen worse…and will from Otis himself. Otis was on the ballot for one year in 1990

Willie Davis, NL Los Angeles Dodgers (1971)

0.7 dWAR. Before we talk about Willie Davis’s 1971 defensive season, there are two things that stand out. The first is that in 1964 he was first overall in the National League in Defensive WAR and Total Zone Runs and he did not win the Gold Glove. Ok…those were not stats yet, but even more notable is that Willie Davis who has over 2,500 career Hits and a bWAR over 60 never even made the Hall of Fame ballot! This makes Davis the best player ever not to make a Baseball Hall of Fame ballot. In regards to 1971 Davis would go to his first All Star Game and was first among the National League Centerfielders in Putouts and was second in Total Zone Runs. This was not a bad year, but not the campaign where he broke his Gold Glove cherry! Although Davis was eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1985, he was not on the ballot.

Ken Berry, AL California Angels (2) (1972)

0.8 dWAR. The second and final Gold Glove win of Ken Berry’s career at least had something you could argue for. Berry had a perfect 1.000 Fielding Percentage and he had a league leading 13 Assists among all American League Outfielders. He should not have won this one either, but at least a statistical argument could be made from some point of view. Berry was on the ballot for one year in 1981 but did not receive any votes.  

Paul Blair, AL Baltimore Orioles (5) (1972)

2.1 dWAR. Once again, Paul Blair finished in the top five in the American League in Defensive bWAR (fourth) and Total Zone Runs (third) though this would be the last time he would accomplish either. For the sixth season in a row he was number one amongst the AL Centerfielders in Total Zone Runs. Blair was on the ballot for one year and finished in 1986 and received 1.9% of the ballot.  

Bobby Murcer, AL New York Yankees (1972)

0.1 dWAR. Huh? Bobby Murcer had a career Defensive bWAR of -15.8 and all of the pertinent statistics show that at his best he could only be considered average. This was one of those “average” seasons actually as Murcer would have the most Putouts among all American League Outfielders and he was fourth amongst the Centerfielders in Range Factor per Game but he was also not in the top five in Total Zone Runs. In fact, he never was. Notably, 1972 was one of his best offensive seasons where he finished second in Home Runs (33) and fourth in OPS (.898) and finished fifth in MVP voting. Apparently this made him a better fielder too. Murcer was on the ballot for one year in 1989 and received 0.7% of the vote.  

Cesar Cedeno, NL Houston Astros (1972)

0.3 dWAR. Cesar Cedeno was certainly the spark plug of the Astros’ offense in the 1970’s and in 1972 he had one of his best seasons posting career highs in Hits (179), Batting Average (.320), Slugging Percentage (.537) and OPS (.921) en route to a sixth place finish in National League MVP voting (also a career high). He was however just average in the outfield and the excitement of his offense brought him an award on defense. His highest defensive stat was a third place finish in Putouts for National League Centerfielders. Cedeno was on the ballot for one year in 1992 and finished with 0.5% of the vote.

Willie Davis, NL Los Angeles Dodgers (2) (1972)

1.5 dWAR. David finished tenth overall in Defensive bWAR and second in Total Zone Runs in the National League. At his position, he would finish first in Total Zone Runs. Although Davis was eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1985, he was not on the ballot.

Paul Blair, AL Baltimore Orioles (6) (1973)

2.2 dWAR. While we said previously that he would never again crack the top five in American League Defensive bWAR he was still good enough for seventh overall. Amongst his league peers at his position Blair was second in Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. Blair was on the ballot for one year and finished in 1986 and received 1.9% of the ballot.  

Amos Otis, AL Kansas City Royals (2) (1973)

-1.3 dWAR. While Amos Otis would go to his fourth All Star Game and post some of his best offensive numbers, his defense was not anywhere close to what a Gold Glove recipient should be. Otis did not even sniff the top of any defensive metric for AL Centerfielders and again might have won this based on his overall athleticism and not actual defensive performance. Otis was on the ballot for one year in 1990 but did not receive any votes.  

Mickey Stanley, AL Detroit Tigers (4) (1973)

-0.3 dWAR. Stanley’s highest finish was second among his position in Fielding Percentage but again this was not a dynamic defensive player by any means. While he did win four Gold Gloves it was four too many. Stanley was on the ballot for one year in 1984 and finished with 0.5% of the vote.  

Cesar Cedeno, NL Houston Astros (2) (1973)

0.9 dWAR. Cedeno would go to his second of four All Star Games but this is the first and only time he would be voted in. Cedeno posted a very similar offense to the year before. Defensively Cedeno was third amongst the National League Centerfielders in Fielding Percentage and Total Zone Runs and second in Range Factor per Game. Cedeno was on the ballot for one year in 1992 and finished with 0.5% of the vote.

Willie Davis, NL Los Angeles Dodgers (3) (1973)

1.0 dWAR. For what would be his third and final Gold Glove, Willie Davis would finish second among all of the NL Centerfielders in Total Zone Runs, which would be his highest finish. Three Gold Gloves for Davis seems accurate, though like so many here we have to dispute the years in which we won them. Although Davis was eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1985, he was not on the ballot.

Paul Blair, AL Baltimore Orioles (7) (1974)

1.7 dWAR. For the seventh and final time Paul Blair would be first among all of the AL Centerfielders in Total Zone Runs. He would also finish second in Range Factor per Game. Blair was on the ballot for one year and finished in 1986 and received 1.9% of the ballot.  

Amos Otis, AL Kansas City Royals (3) (1974)

0.6 dWAR. In what was the third and final Gold Glove win for Amos Otis, we again see a player who was nowhere close to being at the top of his peers in a defensive category. This was a case of looking good, but not necessarily performing good. Incidentally, had he won this in 1978 where he was the league leaser in Total Zone Runs he would at least have a Gold Glove in his trophy case that was warranted. Otis was on the ballot for one year in 1990 but did not receive any votes.  

Joe Rudi, AL Oakland Athletics (1974)

-0.5 dWAR. The Oakland A’s in 1974 won their third straight World Series and Joe Rudi might have benefited from this success by winning a trio of Gold Gloves. Rudi may have been the American League MVP runner-up but defensively he wasn’t up to snuff. He was second overall in Fielding Percentage among the Leftfielders of the AL but he was not in the top five in any other category. Rudi was on the ballot for one year in 1988 but did not receive any votes.  

Cesar Cedeno, NL Houston Astros (3) (1974)

0.9 dWAR. Cedeno would lead all National League Outfielders in Putouts while finish second in Range Factor per Game and third in Total Zone Runs among those playing Center. This was not a terrible year but not exactly screaming Gold Glove either. Cedeno was on the ballot for one year in 1992 and finished with 0.5% of the vote.

Cesar Geronimo, NL Cincinnati Reds (1974)

2.4 dWAR. A member of Cincinnati’s famed “Big Red Machine”, Cesar Geronimo won his first of four Gold Gloves in convincing fashion. He would place fifth and first in Defensive bWAR and Total Zone Runs respectively while also finishing first among all National League Outfielders in Range Factor per Game. Geronimo was on the ballot for one year in 1989 but did not receive any votes.

Paul Blair, AL Baltimore Orioles (8) (1975)

1.4 dWAR. It can certainly be argued that Paul Blair should not have won all eight of his Gold Gloves, there was still no bad win like others who have won as many Gold Gloves as he did. In regards to 1975, Blair finished first among the Centerfielders of the AL in Fielding Percentage with a second place rank in Total Zone Runs. Overall, Paul Blair is tenth all-time in Total Zone Runs, sixtieth in Defensive bWAR and has a claim as being one of the elite defensive outfielders in the game’s history. Blair was on the ballot for one year and finished in 1986 and received 1.9% of the ballot.  

Fred Lynn, AL Boston Red Sox (1975)

0.9 dWAR. This was Fred Lynn’s famed rookie season where he won not only the Rookie of the Year but was named the American League Most Valuable Player. Lynn’s hype may have led him to a Gold Glove that he wasn’t quite ready for as he finished fifth in Total Zone Runs among the American League Centerfielders and was third in Range Factor per Game. This isn’t bad, but not exactly Gold Glove worthy. Lynn was on the ballot for two years finishing as high as 5.5% in 1996.  

Joe Rudi, AL Oakland Athletics (2) (1975)

-0.5 dWAR. Rudi’s second Gold Glove win was just as inexplicable as his first as he did not finish in the top five in any defensive statistic. Rudi was on the ballot for one year in 1988 but did not receive any votes.  

Cesar Cedeno, NL Houston Astros (4) (1975)

-0.5 dWAR. This was a terrible choice. Cedeno finished fifth in Range Factor per Game among his NL peers but was in no other top five defensive list. This is another example of winning a Gold Glove on reputation though Cedeno probably never should have such a reputation in the first place. Cedeno was on the ballot for one year in 1992 and finished with 0.5% of the vote.

Cesar Geronimo, NL Cincinnati Reds (2) (1975)

2.7 dWAR. Geronimo had an even better defensive season with Cincinnati than in his first win in ’74. Geronimo increased his Defensive bWAR from 2.4 to 2.7 while also increasing his Total Zone Runs from 22 to 25. This put him second and first respectively in those statistics in the National League. In addition he was second among his league position (Centerfield) in Range Factor per Game and Fielding Percentage. However, most important for Geronimo, the Reds would win the World Series this year. Geronimo was on the ballot for one year in 1989 but did not receive any votes.

Garry Maddox, NL San Francisco Giants/Philadelphia Phillies (1975)

1.3 dWAR. Garry Maddox would be traded early in the season from the Giants to Philadelphia and thus would begin eight straight Gold Gloves. In what would be his first Gold Glove, Maddox would finish first among the National Centerfielders in Assists while finishing second in Range Factor per Game and Total Zone Runs. Maddox was on the ballot for one year in 1992 but did not receive any votes.

Dwight Evans, AL Boston Red Sox (1976)

1.1 dWAR. Buckle up buckaroo...We love Dwight Evans but not his eight Gold Gloves. Evans would have a plus 2 Defensive bWAR in both 1974 and 1975 so of course he did not win a Gold Glove in those seasons. 1976, which was his first Gold Glove win was still decent defensively. Splitting time between Rightfield and Centerfield, he was fourth overall among all Outfielders in Total Zone Runs and had the highest Fielding Percentage at Right. Evans was on the ballot for three years and finished as high as 10.4% in 1998. He is ranked #21 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Rick Manning, AL Cleveland Indians (1976)

-0.2 dWAR. Rick Manning’s best season in baseball was in 1976 but to say that this was a great defensive year would be a fallacy. Actually Rick Manning was never a very good defensive player. In what would be his only Gold Glove, Manning would finish in the top five in only one stat, Fielding Percentage where he was fourth among American League Centerfielders. Although Manning was eligible for the Hall of Fame in 1993 he was not on the ballot.

Joe Rudi, AL Oakland Athletics (3) (1976)

-0.6 dWAR. At least in 1976 Joe Rudi is the American League Leftfielder leader in Fielding Percentage. That is the good news, but you probably see where we are going here. Rudi failed to crack the top five in Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. For what it is worth, Rudi DID lead the AL Leftfielders in Total Zone Runs (1971 & 1973), years in which he had a positive Defensive bWAR and you could have made a stronger case. Such is life for the Gold Glove. Rudi was on the ballot for one year in 1988 but did not receive any votes.  

Cesar Cedeno, NL Houston Astros (5) (1976)

-0.1 dWAR. 1976 would see Ceasr Cedeno go to his last All Star Game and win his fifth and final Gold Glove, though this would be another suspect win. He played the most games defensively at Center and also made the most Errors. He also failed to land in the top five at his position in Range Factor per Game and Total Zone Runs. With a career Defensive bWAR of -4.3 and -0.5 as an Astro it is difficult to justify Cedeno as a five time Gold Glove recipient. Cedeno was on the ballot for one year in 1992 and finished with 0.5% of the vote.

Cesar Geronimo, NL Cincinnati Reds (3) (1976)

-0.7 dWAR. This was actually a good year overall for Cesar Geronimo. He batted over .300 for the first and only time and also had career highs in OBP (.382), Slugging Percentage (.414), Hits (149) and Stolen Bases (22). He actually received a vote for the MVP Award and the Reds repeated as World Series Champions. This did however cloud the fact that his 1976 season was not great defensively and apart from a third place finish in Fielding Percentage among the National League Centerfielders there was nothing remotely good here. Geronimo was on the ballot for one year in 1989 but did not receive any votes.

Garry Maddox, NL Philadelphia Phillies (2) (1976)

2.3 dWAR. 1976 was Garry Maddox’ first full season and it was arguably his best. This would see Maddox set career highs in all Slash Line components (.330/.377/.456) Hits (175) and Doubles (37) while solidifying himself as one of the elite defensive Outfielders in the game. Maddox become known in Philadelphia as the “Secretary of Defense” and a famed line emerged that “two thirds of the planet are covered by water and the rest by Garry Maddox”. Finishing fifth in MVP voting and first in Defensive WAR, Maddox also was the National League leader in Total Zone Runs. At his position he also was tops in Putouts, Assists and Range Factor per Game. Maddox was on the ballot for one year in 1992 but did not receive any votes.

Juan Beniquez, AL Texas Rangers (1977)

1.0 dWAR. In 1976, Juan Beniquez had the best defensive season of his career. He finished fifth in the AL in Defensive bWAR and would lead all of the American League Centerfielders in Total Zone Runs. So of course, he would win the Gold Glove in the SEASON AFTER, where he did not accomplish those feats. Instead in 1977 he was decent defensively with a fourth place finish among Centerfielders in Total Zone Runs. This win was clearly one year too late! Although Beniquez was Hall of Fame eligible in 1993 he was not on the ballot.

Al Cowens, AL Kansas City Royals (1977)

0.2 dWAR. 1977 was by far the greatest offensive season that Al Cowens would have as he would be the American League MVP runner-up and set career highs in Hits (189), Home Runs (23) Runs Batted In (112) and every aspect of the Slash Line (.312/.361/525). Apparently this meant that he was better with his glove that season though he was essentially average at playing Rightfield. That was however good enough to lead the AL in that position in Total Zone Runs, which can somewhat justify this award. Although Cowens was Hall of Fame eligible in 1992 he was not on the ballot.

Cesar Geronimo, NL Cincinnati Reds (4) (1977)

0.3 dWAR. The goodwill of the Reds success continued as Geronimo obtained a fourth Gold Glove, the second straight one that was unwarranted. Like his last win, the defensive highlight here was a third place finish among his league peers in Fielding Percentage. This would be the final Gold Glove of Cesar Geronimo’s career. Geronimo was on the ballot for one year in 1989 but did not receive any votes.

Garry Maddox, NL Philadelphia Phillies (3) (1977)

1.4 dWAR. While this wasn’t that close to what Garry Maddox accomplished in the previous season this was still a good defensive campaign. Maddox still was second in Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game among all of the Centerfielders of the National League. Maddox was on the ballot for one year in 1992 but did not receive any votes.

Dave Parker, NL Pittsburgh Pirates (1977)

2.0 dWAR. When you think of Dave Parker you think of the Pittsburgh Pirates, offense and cocaine, though probably not in that order. Defense is not something Parker was known for and with a career Defensive WAR of -14.3 he shouldn’t be, though this did not stop him from winning three Gold Gloves, though the first of which was completely earned. In 1977 “The Cobra” had a Defensive bWAR of 2.0, which was only one of three positive seasons in that metric he had. He was first in the National League in Total Zone Runs, sixth in Defensive WAR and was first among the RIghtfielders in the NL in Range Factor per Game. To ice the cake he was also first at his league position in Putouts and Assists. These however are all things we won’t be able to say again. Parker was on the ballot for fifteen years and finished as high as 24.5% in 1998. He is ranked #24 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Dwight Evans, AL Boston Red Sox (2) (1978)

-0.1 dWAR. 1978 would see Dwight Evans go to his first All Star Game and defensively he would finish first among all of the AL Rightfielders in Putouts but was only fifth in Range Factor per Game and did not place in the top five in Total Zone Runs. This is a hard one to justify. Evans was on the ballot for three years and finished as high as 10.4% in 1998. He is ranked #21 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Fred Lynn, AL Boston Red Sox (2) (1978)

-0.3 dWAR. While Fred Lynn’s bat remained strong in the 70’s, his defense was still average on a good day. Lynn’s highest defensive stat was second among AL Centerfielders in Assists. There was not anything else close. This isn’t exactly a Gold Glove season is it? Lynn was on the ballot for two years finishing as high as 5.5% in 1996.  

Rick Miller, AL California Angels (1978)

0.1 dWAR. There are some players who win a Gold Glove because they are offensive superstars and it floats over to Gold Glove voting. This isn’t the case for Rick Miller who did not display anything in any season to warrant a Gold Glove. In this season, Miller was third amongst the American League Rightfielders but that was about it. This is one of the stranger Gold Glove wins in an award that excels at finding strange homes. Although Miller was Hall of Fame eligible in 1991 he was not on the ballot.

Garry Maddox, NL Philadelphia Phillies (4) (1978)

2.2 dWAR. For the third and final time Maddox would receive MVP votes (21st overall) and he was fourth in the NL in Defensive bWAR and second in Total Zone Runs. Amongst the National League Centerfielders Maddox was the leader in Putouts, Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. Maddox was on the ballot for one year in 1992 but did not receive any votes.

Dave Parker, NL Pittsburgh Pirates (2) (1978)

-0.6 dWAR. This would be the season where Dave Parker won the National League MVP Award and some of that shine extended to an unwarranted second Gold Glove. Parker was second at Range Factor per Game but was not a top five finisher in Total Zone Runs. Parker was on the ballot for fifteen years and finished as high as 24.5% in 1998. He is ranked #24 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Ellis Valentine, NL Montreal Expos (1978)

1.4 dWAR. An All Star in 1977, Ellis Valentine had an even better 1978 as he recorded career highs in both Offensive (3.5) and Defensive bWAR (1.4). The Montreal Expos Rightfielder led all NL Outfielders with 25 Assists and was position leader in Total Zone Runs. Valentine would never have a season like this again. Valentine was on the ballot for one year in 1991 and received 0.2% of the vote.

Dwight Evans, AL Boston Red Sox (3) (1979)

1.5 dWAR. Evans rebounded defensively leading all of the AL Rightfielders in Putouts, Assists, Fielding Percentage and Total Zone Runs. Evans would actually finish fourth overall in the American League in Total Zone Runs. Evans was on the ballot for three years and finished as high as 10.4% in 1998. He is ranked #21 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Sixto Lezcano, AL Milwaukee Brewers (1979)

-1.1 dWAR. 1979 would see Sixto Lezcano post career highs offensively in Hits (152), Home Runs (28) and the triumvirate of the Slash Line (.321/.414/.573) and he finished fifteenth in American League MVP voting. You already know where we are going here don’t you? Lezcano also set a career low in Defensive bWAR and he failed to finish in the top five in Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. This award almost feels like it was a consolation prize. Although Lezcano was Hall of Fame eligible in 1991 he was not on the ballot.

Fred Lynn, AL Boston Red Sox (3) (1979)

1.0 dWAR. Fred Lynn’s 1975 rookie season might be the most ballyhooed but his best year was actually 1979 where he set career highs in Home Runs (39), Runs Batted In (122), Batting Average (.333), On Base Percentage (.423), Slugging Percentage (.637), WAR (8.9) and even Defensive WAR (1.0). Lynn probably should not have won this Gold Glove either but he was second overall among the AL Centerfielders in Total Zone Runs and with the success of his overall year you could see how he won this award. Lynn was on the ballot for two years finishing as high as 5.5% in 1996.  

Garry Maddox, NL Philadelphia Phillies (5) (1979)

2.8 dWAR. In terms of his overall defensive play, 1979 was the best ever for Garry Maddox. For the second time he was the National League leader in Defensive WAR and Total Zone Runs, but he had approximately 25 percent higher numbers than he did when he first accomplished that in 1976. Topping it off for the sixth (and final) time he was first among all of the NL Outfielders in Range Factor per Game. Sadly, when you say this was the “best season of a career” you know it can only go down from there. Maddox was on the ballot for one year in 1992 but did not receive any votes.

Dave Parker, NL Pittsburgh Pirates (3) (1979)

-0.5 dWAR. 1979 wasn’t much different than the year before as Parker had good offense, the Pirates were good and Parker did not do much defensively. His highlight was a third place finish in Range Factor per Game among the National League Rightfielders but this was the year of Pirates, as the team would win the World Series. Parker would decline until a two year rejuvenation with Cincinnati took place in the mid-80’s but he would never win another Gold Glove again. Parker was on the ballot for fifteen years and finished as high as 24.5% in 1998. He is ranked #24 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Fred Lynn, AL Boston Red Sox (4) (1980)

0.9 dWAR. In what was Fred Lynn’s fourth and final Gold Glove he would finish first in Fielding Percentage amongst the American League Centerfielders and was also second in Assists and Total Zone Runs. Arguably this is his best Gold Glove win and possibly the only one that can be justified. Lynn was on the ballot for two years finishing as high as 5.5% in 1996.  

Dwayne Murphy, AL Oakland Athletics (1980)

2.5 dWAR. Dwayne Murphy would have what has to be regarded as his finest defensive campaign of his career and he was second overall in the AL in Defensive bWAR with his career high of 2.5. In this season he would also have a career high 22 Total Zone Runs (good enough for second overall in the AL) and he would also lead the American League Centerfielders in Range Factor per Game. This was his first of six Gold Gloves and as we will see by far the most deserving. Although Murphy was Hall of Fame eligible in 1995 he was not on the ballot.

Willie Wilson, AL Kansas City Royals (1980)

2.2 dWAR. Willie Wilson finished fourth in American League MVP voting and he earned it as he led the AL in Hits (230), Runs Scored (130), Triples (15) and he batted .326. Defensively, he was also excellent with a career high Defensive bWAR of 2.2, which was good enough for third overall and he led the AL in Total Zone Runs with a career high of 24. Wilson was on the ballot for one year in 2000 and finished with 2.0% of the vote.

Garry Maddox, NL Philadelphia Phillies (6) (1980)

1.3 dWAR. While he did drop off defensively his defensive campaign was nothing to sneeze at. While he dropped from 26 to 12 Total Zone Runs, that still led all of the National League Centerfielders. In addition Maddox was a more than respectable second at his league position in Range Factor per Game. However the most important factor of all was that the Philadelphia Phillies finally put it altogether and won the World Series. Fittingly it was Garry Maddox who recorded the final out. Maddox was on the ballot for one year in 1992 but did not receive any votes.

Dwight Evans, AL Boston Red Sox (4) (1981)

1.1 dWAR. Even though this was a strike-shortened season, 1981 might have been the best of “Dewey’s” career. Evans won the Home Run and OPS Title while going to his second All Star Game and finishing a career high third in American League MVP voting. In terms of his glove, Evans would finish second in Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game at his league position. Evans was on the ballot for three years and finished as high as 10.4% in 1998. He is ranked #21 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Dwayne Murphy, AL Oakland Athletics (2) (1981)

1.1 dWAR. In the strike-shortened season of 1981, Dwayne Murphy would have his only season where he received MVP votes (he finished eleventh). He would again lead the AL Centerfielders in Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. Although Murphy was Hall of Fame eligible in 1995 he was not on the ballot.

Dusty Baker, NL Los Angeles Dodgers (1981)

-0.7 dWAR. Dusty Baker would have a solid career in Major League Baseball but there is no reason to think that he was ever a Gold Glove worthy Outfielder. Baker went to the All Star Game and helped the Dodgers win the World Series but he did not do anything that should have helped him win Gold Glove hardware. Sometimes, the good guys win! Davis was on the ballot for one year in 1992 and finished with 0.9% of the ballot.

Garry Maddox, NL Philadelphia Phillies (7) (1981)

0.7 dWAR. This was the season where Maddox’s skills were in obvious decline but he still had the name value to get a seventh (and as will be mentioned an eighth) Gold Glove. His Total Zone Runs dropped in half (12 to 6) from the previous year yet this was still good enough for second at his league position. He was also third at Range Factor per Game. Maddox was on the ballot for one year in 1992 but did not receive any votes.

Dwight Evans, AL Boston Red Sox (5) (1982)

-0.5 dWAR. This would begin a four year run of negative bWAR Gold Glove wins by Evans. While he finished 7th in MVP voting and did play the most games in the AL at Rightfield he would lead his peers in only two categories: Putouts and Errors. Evans was on the ballot for three years and finished as high as 10.4% in 1998. He is ranked #21 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Dwayne Murphy, AL Oakland Athletics (3) (1982)

1.3 dWAR. For the third season in a row, Dwayne Murphy would lead the American League Centerfielders in Putouts, Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. He would also for the first and only time finish first among his league peers in Assists. Although Murphy was Hall of Fame eligible in 1995 he was not on the ballot.

Garry Maddox, NL Philadelphia Phillies (8) (1982)

0.3 dWAR. In 1982 Garry Maddox would for the first and only time in his career lead his position in Fielding Percentage, but this was a far more careful Garry Maddox who took far less chances. He was no longer in the top five in Total Zone Runs or Range Factor per Game and never would be again. This would be his last Gold Glove and while he didn’t win this award at the top of his defensive game, he earned a lot of these awards, which is more than be can said about many other eight or more time Gold Glove winners. Maddox was on the ballot for one year in 1992 but did not receive any votes.

Dale Murphy, NL Atlanta Braves (1982)

0.0 dWAR. Oh boy. Buckle up, as this one is about to get messy, especially considering he won five Gold Gloves and should not have won any of them!   Don’t get us wrong as we love Murphy but it was his offense that stirred his drink and he was not an exceptional defensive player. Murphy was named the National League Most Valuable Player but defensively he was not in the top five in any category. Get used to that as we continue. Murphy was on the ballot for fifteen years and finished as high as 23.2% in 2000. He is ranked #33 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Dwight Evans, AL Boston Red Sox (6) (1983)

-1.0 dWAR. Dwight Evans would finish second in Range Factor per Game but that was it as he was not in the top five in any other category among the American League Rightfielders. Evans was on the ballot for three years and finished as high as 10.4% in 1998. He is ranked #21 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Dwayne Murphy, AL Oakland Athletics (4) (1983)

0.7 dWAR. Murphy regressed defensively in 1983 and he did not finish first in any major defensive category. That being said, Murphy was still second among the American League Centerfielders in Range Factor per Game and he was fourth in Total Zone Runs. Although Murphy was Hall of Fame eligible in 1995 he was not on the ballot.

Willie McGee, NL St. Louis Cardinals (1983)

0.3 dWAR. Willie McGee of the St. Louis Cardinals went to his first All Star Game in 1983 and would also earn his first Gold Glove this year. McGee was not exactly worthy this year as his best defensive statistic was finishing fifth in Range Factor per Game amongst the National League Centerfielders. McGee was on the ballot for two years and finished as high as 5.0% in 2005.

Dale Murphy, NL Atlanta Braves (2) (1983)

0.1 dWAR. Murphy repeated as the National League MVP in 1983 but he also repeated with mediocre defensive play. This season he would at least finish fifth among the National League Centerfielders in Total Zone Runs (with a whopping 3) and was also fifth in Fielding Percentage. Let’s just say that it this point Murphy was two for two in unwarranted Gold Gloves. Murphy was on the ballot for fifteen years and finished as high as 23.2% in 2000. He is ranked #33 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Dwight Evans, AL Boston Red Sox (7) (1984)

-1.6 dWAR. Evans played the most game at Rightfield and expectedly led everyone in the AL at that position in Putouts and was second in Fielding Percentage. While he did finish fourth in Total Zone Runs (remember he played the most games) he failed to crack the top five in Range Factor per Game. Evans was on the ballot for three years and finished as high as 10.4% in 1998. He is ranked #21 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Dwayne Murphy, AL Oakland Athletics (5) (1984)

-0.1 dWAR. Murphy regressed again and with a negative Defensive bWAR if you assumed that he did not finish first in any Defensive metric you would be right. He also did not finish in the top five in among the AL Centerfielders in Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game and of the six Gold Gloves he would win, this is one he should return. Although Murphy was Hall of Fame eligible in 1995 he was not on the ballot.

Bob Dernier, NL Chicago Cubs (1984)

0.2 dWAR. Relatively speaking this would be the only season of note for Bob Dernier as he accumulated 149 Hits and won a Gold Glove, which was by far the best season he had in the Majors. How he won the Gold Glove in 1984 (or really any season) is a mystery as he did not do anything defensively worthy. While Bernier was eligible for the Hall of Fame in 1995 he was not on the ballot.

Dale Murphy, NL Atlanta Braves (3) (1984)

-0.7 dWAR. While Dale Murphy played the most games in the National League at Centerfield, beyond a first place finish in Assists he was not in the top five in anything else. Offensively, he was still excellent and he was good enough to finish ninth in MVP voting. Murphy was on the ballot for fifteen years and finished as high as 23.2% in 2000. He is ranked #33 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Dwight Evans, AL Boston Red Sox (8) (1985)

-0.9 dWAR. Wrapping up Dwight Evans’ final Gold Glove we see him finish third in Fielding Percentage but again fail to make the top five in Range Factor per Game and Total Zone Runes. Evans overall eight Gold Gloves probably should have been three at best and that might be generous. Dwight, we love you for Cooperstown but not a mantle full of Gold Gloves. Evans was on the ballot for three years and finished as high as 10.4% in 1998. He is ranked #21 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Dwayne Murphy, AL Oakland Athletics (6) (1985)

0.4 dWAR. While Dwayne Murphy had a better season (marginally) defensively than he did the year before, this was also not a Gold Glove worthy season and we will argue that his last two Gold Gloves should not have found his way to his trophy case. The best defensive stat he had was a second place finish in Putouts among his American League peers. For what it is worth, his next season was in fact Gold Glove worthy as he had 17 Total Zone Runs with a 1.9 Defensive bWAR. Although Murphy was Hall of Fame eligible in 1995 he was not on the ballot.

Gary Pettis, AL California Angels (1985)

1.4 dWAR. This would be the first of many Gold Glove wins by the fleet footed Gary Pettis. In this season, Pettis was second in Stolen Bases and he finished second in Total Zone Runs amongst the American League Centerfielders. He was also first in Range Factor per Game. Although Pettis was Hall of Fame Eligible in 1998 he was not on the ballot.

Willie McGee, NL St. Louis Cardinals (2) (1985)

0.7 dWAR. In 1985, Willie McGee was named the National League MVP and took the Cards to the World Series. Defensively, McGee was OK, though a Gold Glove win might seem a little peculiar here. He would finish this season third among the NL Centerfielders in Total Zone Runs. McGee was on the ballot for two years and finished as high as 5.0% in 2005.

Dale Murphy, NL Atlanta Braves (4) (1985)

-2.2 dWAR. With a -2.2 Defensive bWAR, Dale Murphy sabremetrically posted one of the worst defensive seasons that ever won a Gold Glove. The Atlanta Brave still finished seventh in MVP voting based on his offensive strength but his defense was horrific and despite playing the most games in the Outfield in all of the National League he was not able to finish in the top ten in any defensive metric. This is one of the worst choices of all time! Murphy was on the ballot for fifteen years and finished as high as 23.2% in 2000. He is ranked #33 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Jesse Barfield, AL Toronto Blue Jays (1986)

1.7 dWAR. Jesse Barfield would become the first Toronto Blue Jay to sack 40 Home Runs and he would also lead the AL in that category while going to his first All Star Game. He would finish fifth in MVP voting. Defensively, Barfield was also good and he finished second overall in the American League in Total Zone and along with leading his position in that metric he was also the top finisher in Putouts, Assists and Range Factor per Game. Although he was eligible for the Hall of Fame in 1998 he was not on the ballot.

Gary Pettis, AL California Angels (2) (1986)

2.4 dWAR. In terms of Defensive bWAR Gary Pettis would have his best defensive season with his 2.4 and fourth place finish in that metric. The California Angel was the American League leader in Total Zone Runs (22) and was also the AL Leader among all of the Outfielders in Range Factor per Game. Although Pettis was Hall of Fame Eligible in 1998 he was not on the ballot.

Willie McGee, NL St. Louis Cardinals (3) (1986)

1.0 dWAR. This would be the third and final Gold Glove win for Willie McGee and in this season McGee would lead the National League Centerfielders in Putouts, Range Factor per Game and Fielding Percentage. Arguably, this was the best defensive season that Willie McGee would have. McGee was on the ballot for two years and finished as high as 5.0% in 2005.

Dale Murphy, NL Atlanta Braves (5) (1986)

-1.8 dWAR. This was the fifth and final Gold Glove win for Dale Murphy and we can firmly state that he went five for five in unwarranted Gold Glove wins. Murphy was again terrible this season and he failed to finish in the top five in any defensive statistic. In his overall five Gold Glove seasons Dale Murphy posted a -4.0 Defensive bWAR, one of the worst in that period yet apparently Gold Glove worthy. Again, we love you Dale, but not for these awards. Murphy was on the ballot for fifteen years and finished as high as 23.2% in 2000. He is ranked #33 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Jesse Barfield, AL Toronto Blue Jays (2) (1987)

1.9 dWAR. While this was till a decent offensive season for Barfield (28 Home Runs with 84 RBI) his defensive season was still good and his 1.9 Defensive bWAR equaled the mark he set in 1985 (when he didn’t win) and was good enough for fourth overall in the AL. Barfield had a career high Total Zone Runs of 25 (which was third overall) and like 1986 he was second among his league position in Fielding Position. Although he was eligible for the Hall of Fame in 1998 he was not on the ballot.

Eric Davis, NL Cincinnati Reds (1987)

0.9 dWAR. Eric Davis went to his first All Star Game in 1987, which would be largely based on his offensive production. Davis blasted 37 Home Runs and defensively he was adequate this year as he led the National League Centerfielders in Putouts, Assists and Range Factor per Game. Davis was on the ballot for one year in 2007 and received 0.6% of the vote.

Gary Pettis, AL Detroit Tigers (3) (1988)

1.3 dWAR. In 1987, Gary Pettis finished eighth in Defensive bWAR (1.7) and fifth in Total Zone Runs but was not named a Gold Glove recipient. Those were the last two season in which Pettis would be in the top ten in either category. Now a Detroit Tiger, he would still have a decent season with a second place finish among his league peers in Total Zone Runs, but it wasn’t what he accomplished the year before. Although Pettis was Hall of Fame Eligible in 1998 he was not on the ballot.

Devon White, AL California Angels (1988)

1.4 dWAR. Devon White probably should have won his first Gold Glove in his rookie season (he had a 2.3 Defensive bWAR) but this is not bad especially considering many of the other first time Gold Glove winners on this list. White was first among all of the American League Centerfielders in Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. White was on the ballot for one year in 2007 but did not receive any votes.

Eric Davis, NL Cincinnati Reds (2) (1988)

-0.6 dWAR. While Davis remained a potent force with his bat, his defensive season was not great in 1988. Davis was at least fifth in Fielding Percentage but he was not in the top five in Range Factor per Game and Total Zone Runs. This was a bad choice but it will get worse. Davis was on the ballot for one year in 2007 and received 0.6% of the vote.

Andy Van Slyke, NL Pittsburgh Pirates (1988)

0.9 dWAR. Andy Van Slyke went to his first All Star Game and he finished fourth in National League MVP voting. This wasn’t a bad season defensively for Van Slyke as he led the National League Centerfielders in Putouts, Assists and Range Factor per Game with a second place finish in Total Zone Runs. Van Slyke was on the ballot for one year in 2001 but did not receive any votes.

Gary Pettis, AL Detroit Tigers (4) (1989)

0.3 dWAR. While the 0.3 in Defensive bWAR is not the greatest, he did at least finish third among the AL Centerfielders in Range Factor per Game. This would be the best finish defensively for Gary Pettis and of his five Gold Gloves the least deserved one. Although Pettis was Hall of Fame Eligible in 1998 he was not on the ballot.

Devon White, AL California Angels (2) (1989)

2.8 dWAR. White put forth another good defensive season and his speed and skill helped him finish second overall in the AL in Defensive bWAR. He finished second overall in Total Zone Runs with 22 and also led his league position (and of course in TZR) in Range Factor per Game. White was on the ballot for one year in 2007 but did not receive any votes.

Eric Davis, NL Cincinnati Reds (3) (1989)

-2.2 dWAR. As we said in the last Eric Davis entry, it got worse. Davis returned to the All Star Game in 1989 and that year he would return to the 30 Home Run and 100 RBI club. Defensively however he was atrocious and was not in the top five in any defensive category. He wasn’t even close. Having said that, he was an integral part of Cincinnati’s surprise 1989 World Series win, an accolade he did deserve. Davis was on the ballot for one year in 2007 and received 0.6% of the vote.

Andy Van Slyke, NL Pittsburgh Pirates (2) (1989)

1.6 dWAR. Andy Van Slyke would post career highs in Defensive bWAR (1.6) and Total Zone Runs (13), though the latter was not good enough for first among his league position, rather it netted him third. He was also second in Range Factor per Game. Van Slyke was on the ballot for one year in 2001 but did not receive any votes.

Ellis Burks, AL Boston Red Sox (1990)

-0.6 dWAR. Ellis Burks was a good baseball player over his career but should he have won a Gold Glove? Probably not, but even more strange was the season in which he did win it where he had a negative Defensive bWAR and he was not in the top five in Range Factor per Game or Total Zone Runs. He was first among all of the American League Centerfielders in Fielding Percentage, which might have been enough for some to have voted for him in the first place. Burks was on the ballot for one year in 2010 and received 0.4% of the ballot.

Gary Pettis, AL Detroit Tigers (5) (1990)

0.6 dWAR. This would be the fifth and final Gold Glove win for Gary Pettis and while he was the American League leader among the Centerfielders with 10 Assists and second in Fielding Percentage, he was not in the top five in Total Zone Runs or Range Factor per Game. While he is a five time Gold Glove recipient realistically he should have been a three time winner at best. Although Pettis was Hall of Fame Eligible in 1998 he was not on the ballot.

Barry Bonds, NL Pittsburgh Pirates (1990)

2.5 dWAR. This is actually refreshing for us to talk about his glove rather than his bat and well…other things. At this point, Bonds already had two seasons where he finished in the top ten in Defensive bWAR (1987 & 1989) the latter of which saw him accrue a career high of 3.6. In 1990, he finished at 2.5, which was good enough for second overall in the National League and he exploded offensively where he would win his first MVP Award. Bonds would for the third (and final) time lead the National League in Total Zone Runs and at his league position (Leftfield) in Putouts, Assists and Range Factor per Game. Frankly his first Gold Glove should have been his third, but as you will see it will even out at the end. Bonds has been on the ballot for six years and finished as high as 56.4% in 2018. He is ranked #2 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Andy Van Slyke, NL Pittsburgh Pirates (3) (1990)

0.0 dWAR. Andy Van Slyke did not have a great season with his glove as the only thing he could point to was a third place finish in Putouts and fifth place finish in Fielding Percentage among National League Centerfielders. Van Slyke was on the ballot for one year in 2001 but did not receive any votes.

Devon White, AL Toronto Blue Jays (3) (1991)

2.8 dWAR. White put forth another good defensive season and his speed and skill helped him finish second overall in the AL in Defensive bWAR. He finished second overall in Total Zone Runs with 22 and also led his league position (and of course in TZR) in Range Factor per Game. Not bad for his first season with the Toronto Blue Jays. White was on the ballot for one year in 2007 but did not receive any votes.

Barry Bonds, NL Pittsburgh Pirates (2) (1991)

1.5 dWAR. The 1.5 Defensive bWAR of Barry Bonds was good enough for ninth overall in the NL, though this would be the last time that he would finish in the top ten. Bonds would also for the final time that he would finish in the top ten in Total Zone Runs with his fourth place finish with 19. At his position, Bonds again led the National League Leftfielder in Putouts and Assists and he was second in Range Factor per Game and Fielding Percentage. He would finish second in MVP voting this year. Bonds has been on the ballot for six years and finished as high as 56.4% in 2018. He is ranked #2 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Andy Van Slyke, NL Pittsburgh Pirates (4) (1991)

-0.3 dWAR. Andy Van Slyke finished second in Fielding Percentage among the Centerfielders in the National League but that was about it. He was not able to finish in the top five in any other defensive category. Van Slyke was on the ballot for one year in 2001 but did not receive any votes.

Devon White, AL Toronto Blue Jays (4) (1992)

3.9 dWAR. With an incredible 3.9 in Defensive bWAR, Devon White was the American League leader in that metric. What else did he do? His 33 Total Zone Runs led the AL and most importantly he helped Toronto win their first World Series. White was on the ballot for one year in 2007 but did not receive any votes.

Barry Bonds, NL Pittsburgh Pirates (3) (1992)

0.0 dWAR. This would be the beginning of Bonds’ run of questionable Gold Glove wins and while his hitting was reaching the stratosphere, his defense was clearly in decline. He would fail to reach the top five among National League Leftfielders in Total Zone Runs and was only fourth in Range Factor per Game. He would however finish first in Putouts. Bonds would win his second MVP this season. Bonds has been on the ballot for six years and finished as high as 56.4% in 2018. He is ranked #2 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Andy Van Slyke, NL Pittsburgh Pirates (5) (1992)

-0.1 dWAR. This would be the final of five Gold Gloves that Andy Van Slyke would win and it can be easily argued that the last three were certainly not up to the par of what should be a Gold Glove winning season. Van Slyke finished fifth among National League Centerfielders in both Range Factor per Game and Fielding Percentage but again did not have a top finish in Total Zone Runs. Van Slyke was on the ballot for one year in 2001 but did not receive any votes.

Kenny Lofton, AL Cleveland Indians (1993)

2.2 dWAR. In 1992, Kenny Lofton was the runner-up for the American League Rookie of the Year and he was the league leader in Stolen Bases. He also should have won a Gold Glove as he had a 2.3 Defensive bWAR and finished third overall in the AL. In 1993, Lofton was an All Star, again led the AL in swipes and had a Defensive bWAR over 2 (2.2, which was good enough for fifth in the American League). The Centerfielder would also lead his position in Total Zone Runs (18) and was third in Range Factor per Game. Lofton was on the ballot for one year in 2013 and received 3.2% of the ballot. He is ranked #51 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Devon White, AL Toronto Blue Jays (5) (1993)

2.1 dWAR. This was the second time (and final) that Devon White would be named an All Star. He would also help the Jays win their second World Series. Defensively speaking, Devon White was still strong with an eighth place finish in Defensive bWAR in the AL and he was third in his position in Total Zone Runs. White was on the ballot for one year in 2007 but did not receive any votes.

Barry Bonds, NL San Francisco Giants (4) (1993)

0.4 dWAR. Now a San Francisco Giant, Bonds would win the National League MVP award for the third time in a four year period though perhaps the Gold Glove for this season should not have joined the MVP award in the trophy case. Bonds was fourth among all of the National League Leftfielders in Total Zone Runs, Range Factor per Game and Fielding Percentage which isn’t bad but it doesn’t scream defensive excellence. Bonds has been on the ballot for six years and finished as high as 56.4% in 2018. He is ranked #2 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Marquis Grissom, NL Montreal Expos (1993)

1.8 dWAR. In the two seasons prior to his first Gold Glove win Marquis Grissom was the National League Stolen Base leader. While he would never lead the league in that category again he used his speed in Centerfield and in this season he would finish eighth in Defensive bWAR in the NL while finishing first in Total Zone Runs. Grissom was on the ballot for one year in 2011 and received 0.7% of the vote.

Kenny Lofton, AL Cleveland Indians (2) (1994)

1.5 dWAR. Lofton’s 1.5 was enough for fourth overall in the AL during the strike-shortened season of ’94. Lofton, who again repeated as the American League Stolen Base leader and also was first among all of the Centerfielders in his league in Total Zone Runs. He was also first in Assists. Lofton was on the ballot for one year in 2013 and received 3.2% of the ballot. He is ranked #51 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Devon White, AL Toronto Blue Jays (6) (1994)

1.0 dWAR. White regressed somewhat this year with his defense and he was ok with a fifth place and third place finish among AL Centerfielders in Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game respectively. Basically this was decent but there were better choices this year for a Gold Glove. White was on the ballot for one year in 2007 but did not receive any votes.

Barry Bonds, NL San Francisco Giants (5) (1994)

0.1 dWAR. Bonds won his fifth Gold Glove in a row and while this still wasn’t stellar with his defense, his 5 Total Zone Runs was still good enough to finish second overall among National League Leftfielders in that stat. He did however finish first in Assists this year and he was also third at his league position in Range Factor per Game. Bonds has been on the ballot for six years and finished as high as 56.4% in 2018. He is ranked #2 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Marquis Grissom, NL Montreal Expos (2) (1994)

2.2 dWAR. 1994 would be by far the best defensive season of his career and considering it was reduced due to the strike it makes it far more impressive. Grissom had a career high of 2.2 Defensive bWAR (2nd overall in the NL) and his 19 Total Zone Runs was league leading. He would also finish first in Putouts and Range Factor per Game among the Centerfielders of the National League. Grissom was on the ballot for one year in 2011 and received 0.7% of the vote.

Darren Lewis, NL San Francisco Giants (1994)

0.0 dWAR. Darren Lewis only won one major award, but that was more than he should have…or at least not in the year he did win it. Lewis would have some good defensive numbers in 1995 and 1999. Lewis was the leader among all of the NL Centerfielders in Fielding Percentage he was not in the top five in Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. Had this been 1995, it would have made more sense. Although Lewis was Hall of Fame eligible in 2008, he was not on the ballot.

Kenny Lofton, AL Cleveland Indians (3) (1995)

1.1 dWAR. In 1995, Lofton again was the Stolen Base leader and an All Star but while he did win his third Gold Glove, perhaps he should not have. Lofton would lead all of the Centerfielders in Assists but was not a top five finisher in Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. Despite this, Lofton still had a decent season with his glove but there were more successful players at his position this year. Lofton was on the ballot for one year in 2013 and received 3.2% of the ballot. He is ranked #51 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Devon White, AL Toronto Blue Jays (7) (1995)

-0.2 dWAR. This would be Devon White’s final Gold Glove, but it should not have been as he should not have been awarded this year. With a sub zero Defensive bWAR and only 101 Games Played, White was not in the top five in any defensive category and this was clearly an oversight. Still he earned five of those seven, which for a Gold Glove is more than decent. White was on the ballot for one year in 2007 but did not receive any votes.

Steve Finley, NL San Diego Padres (1995)

-1.8 dWAR. Wow. Just Wow. For a first time Gold Glove winner, Steve Finley’s -1.8 Defensive bWAR is pretty bad. Finley’s defensive career was all over the place but this beginning is about as bad is gets for a multiple Gold Glove winner. Prior to this season, Steve Finley had respectable defensive seasons in MLB but this was not one of them. Considering this debut on the Gold Glove scene, it is surprising that we will see him again more than once. Finley was on the ballot for one year in 2013 and received 0.7% of the votes.

Marquis Grissom, NL Atlanta Braves (3) (1995)

0.7 dWAR. Marquis Grissom was now an Atlanta Brave but he regressed from his previous two All Star seasons both offensively and defensively. Grissom dropped to fourth in Total Zone Runs at his Centerfield position and was not in the top five in Range Factor per Game. That being said, Grissom also celebrated his third Gold Glove with a World Series ring. Grissom was on the ballot for one year in 2011 and received 0.7% of the vote.

Raul Mondesi, NL Los Angeles Dodgers (1995)

0.5 dWAR. Raul Mondesi was the National League Rookie of the Year in 1994 and in 1995 he would go to his first and only All Star Game while also earning what would be his first of two Gold Gloves. Mondesi did not always possess the full compliment of defensive skills but he did have a cannon for an arm. In 1995, he would lead all National League Outfielders in Assists and was third in Range Factor per Game at his Rightfield position. Mondesi was on the ballot for one year in 2011 but did not receive any votes.

Jay Buhner, AL Seattle Mariners (1996)

-0.7 dWAR   Jay Buhner was a star at this stage (especially if you ask George Costanza’s dad) but realistically he was not a Gold Glove winner despite what occurred this season. An All Star for the first and only time this year, Buhner’s popularity allowed him to win an award that he should not have based on his defensive metrics.. Buhner was on the ballot for one year in 2007 and received 0.2% of the votes.

Kenny Lofton, AL Cleveland Indians (4) (1996)

0.6 dWAR. 1996 was a lot like 1995 in that Lofton again used his speed to lead the AL in Stolen Bases but again his defense was ok but he did not land in the top five in Range Factor per Game or Total Zone Runs among the Centerfielders. Lofton would again exceed the 2.0 mark in Defensive bWAR in 1997 and 1998 but as his offence slid a bit, this apparently affected his defense, at least in the eyes of some of those who voted for the Gold Glove. This was the final Gold Glove for Kenny Lofton retired with an overall Defensive bWAR of 15.5. Lofton was on the ballot for one year in 2013 and received 3.2% of the ballot. He is ranked #51 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Barry Bonds, NL San Francisco Giants (6) (1996)

0.3 dWAR. While this was again was not spectacular he was second among all of the National League Leftfielders in Total Zone Runs (12) and had a third place finish in Range Factor per Game. Bonds has been on the ballot for six years and finished as high as 56.4% in 2018. He is ranked #2 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Steve Finley, NL San Diego Padres (2) (1996)

-0.1 dWAR. Steve Finley’s second Gold Glove win was light years better than his first but if you look at his 1995 win it doesn’t say that much. The second Gold Glove win of Steve Finley’s career was not spectacular but like the year previous it was not worthy of a Gold Glove. We will come back to Finley again. Finley was on the ballot for one year in 2013 and received 0.7% of the votes.

Marquis Grissom, NL Atlanta Braves (4) (1996)

0.9 dWAR. This would be the fourth and final Gold Glove for Grissom but like the last one it was a little suspect. He was second in Fielding Percentage but was not a top five finisher in Total Zone Runs or Range Factor per Game. Still his “two out of four” are not bad based on what we have seen here. Grissom was on the ballot for one year in 2011 and received 0.7% of the vote.

Jim Edmonds, AL Anaheim Angels (1997)

0.5 dWAR. This one will be interesting overall. Jim Edmonds had a decent career in terms of his offense and defense, but as we will see his defensive Gold Glove acumen might be a little suspect. In what was first Gold Glove, Edmonds he would finish second in Range Factor per Game but was not a top five finisher in any other category. Edmonds was on the ballot for one year in 2016 and received 2.5% of the ballot. He is ranked #50 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Bernie Williams, AL New York Yankees (1997)

-0.3 dWAR. For the record, we have always been a fan of the bat of Bernie Williams and his work during the Yankees dynasty of the late 90’s. Having said that, there was nothing special about his defense and in all four Gold Glove wins, he was rewarded for his offense and overall skill of the team. In his first Gold Glove (and also first All Star season) Williams was second in Fielding Percentage among American League Centerfielders but was not a top five finisher in Range Factor per Game or Total Zone Runs. Williams was on the ballot for two years and finished as high as 9.6% in 2012. He is ranked #38 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Barry Bonds, NL San Francisco Giants (7) (1997)

0.7 dWAR. Bonds would finish first in Total Zone Runs among the National League Leftfielders and was first in Putouts. He would also finish third in Range Factor per Game. Bonds has been on the ballot for six years and finished as high as 56.4% in 2018. He is ranked #2 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Raul Mondesi, NL Los Angeles Dodgers (2) (1997)

0.4 dWAR. Raul Mondesi’s second and final Gold Glove probably should not have occurred. While he still had that stellar arm he did not finish first in any defensive statistic among the National League Rightfielders, and was not in the top five in Total Zone Runs. He did however finish second in Range Factor per Game. Mondesi was on the ballot for one year in 2011 but did not receive any votes.

Larry Walker, NL Colorado Rockies (3) (1997)

0.3 dWAR. 1997 would be a magical year for the Canadian as he would not only win his first Gold Glove with Colorado but would also win the National League Most Valuable Player of the Year. While he won the Gold Glove in 1997 he did not exactly light up the league with his defensive skills. He was fifth among the NL Rightfielders in Total Zone Runs but was not top five in Range Factor per Game. He did however for the first and only time he finished first at his league position in Fielding Percentage. Walker has been on the ballot eight years and finished as high as 34.1% in 2018. He is ranked #13 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Jim Edmonds, AL Anaheim Angels (2) (1998)

0.0 dWAR. Look for a pattern here as this what will see. Edmonds hat a flat Defensive bWAR in 1998 where he was neither spectacular nor crap in regards to his defensive acumen. We have a lot more to go with Jim Edmonds so buckle up buttercup! Edmonds was on the ballot for one year in 2016 and received 2.5% of the ballot. He is ranked #50 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Bernie Williams, AL New York Yankees (2) (1998)

-1.1 dWAR. Bernie Williams did not finish in the top five in any defensive metric among the Centerfielders of the AL but in 1998 he would win the Batting Title and finished with a career high 7th place finish in MVP voting. More importantly, he helped the Bronx Bombers win the World Series, which was his second. Williams earned many accolades in ’98 but this wasn’t one of them. Williams was on the ballot for two years and finished as high as 9.6% in 2012. He is ranked #38 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Barry Bonds, NL San Francisco Giants (8) (1998)

0.3 dWAR. This would be the last Gold Glove of Barry Bonds career, and there were some other lasts of Bonds’ defensive career. This was the final time that he would lead the National League Leftfielders in Total Zone Runs, Range Factor per Game and Putouts. Arguably, he would never have any season with his glove that could even be described as decent. However following this season, Bonds’s offense would reach Playstation numbers, while his defensive skills became lumbering “Cansecolike”. Bonds would not win another Gold Glove and realistically he should not have won that many but for those who remember the last five years of his career and can’t imagine how he would have won so many, this was a player who deserved to me a multi-time winner when he was a Pittsburgh Pirate. Eight however doesn’t compute but he is a lot closer to it than many others who won five or more. Bonds has been on the ballot for six years and finished as high as 56.4% in 2018. He is ranked #2 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Andruw Jones, NL Atlanta Braves (1998)

3.9 dWAR. This will be a joy. Andruw Jones won ten Gold Gloves and he is a player who deserved to win that amount though perhaps the years could have been different but no matter…as this is a player who was far more deserving than almost everyone else we spoke about in terms of Gold Glove winning Outfielders. Jones had a strong case in his rookie of year (1997) as he had a 2.5 Defensive bWAR but in 1998 his 3.9 was league leading and was the best of his career. The Atlanta Brave would also have a career high (and league leading among NL Outfielders) 20 Assists and was also the National League Leader in Total Zone Runs with 35. This is a great start for a decade of defensive excellence. Jones has been on the ballot for one year and received 7.3% of the vote. He is ranked #46 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Larry Walker, NL Colorado Rockies (4) (1998)

-0.5 dWAR. Walker would repeat as the National League Batting Champion and also the Gold Glove winner. The former he earned, the latter he didn’t. While you could find some case to be made for the first three, you can’t for this one. Walker was not in the top five in Range Factor per Game, Total Zone Runs or Putouts. The best he had was a fourth place finish in Fielding Percentage. This is still better than his next Gold Glove win. Walker has been on the ballot eight years and finished as high as 34.1% in 2018. He is ranked #13 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Shawn Green, AL Toronto Blue Jays (1999)

0.1 dWAR. In 1999, Shaun Green was in his last year as a Toronto Blue Jay and he had his first of three 40 Home Run seasons with a career high .309 Batting Average and would be chosen for his first of two All Star Games. He would also have a career high 0.1 Defensive bWAR, which as you are reading isn’t that great. Green likely won based on his American League Rightfield leading Fielding Percentage. He was also fifth in Total Zone Runs. While this wasn’t great, this was his best defensive season in the American League.  Green was on the ballot for one year in 2013 and he received 0.4% of the vote.

Bernie Williams, AL New York Yankees (3) (1999)

-1.1 dWAR. Williams would win his third World Series ring in 1999 and he would post a career high .342 Batting Average. Williams was again great offensively but his skills with the glove were nothing special as once again he was not in the top five in Total Zone Runs or Range Factor per Game. The best he could say that among his league position he was third in Putouts and fifth in Fielding Percentage. Williams was on the ballot for two years and finished as high as 9.6% in 2012. He is ranked #38 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Steve Finley, NL Arizona Diamondbacks (3) (1999)

1.9 dWAR. Steve Finley had no business winning his first two Gold Gloves but his third win was certainly reasonable. Finley, who was now an Arizona Diamondback would have a career high 1.9 Defensive bWAR and 17 Total Zone Runs though based on his league position he still may not have been the most worth recipient of the Gold Glove. Finley was on the ballot for one year in 2013 and received 0.7% of the votes.

Andruw Jones, NL Atlanta Braves (2) (1999)

3.8 dWAR. Jones retuned with another monster defensive season with a 3.8 Defensive bWAR that had him finish second overall in the National League. Jones would also have a career high of 36 Total Zone Runs, which unsurprisingly was National League Leading. Jones would again the lead all of the National League Centerfielders in Assists and for the third season in a row he was the league leader at his position in Putouts and was also first among all of the NL Outfielders in Range Factor per Game. Jones has been on the ballot for one year and received 7.3% of the vote. He is ranked #46 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Larry Walker, NL Colorado Rockies (5) (1999)

-1.2 dWAR. Walker’s third straight Gold Glove with the Rockies showed his continued defensive decline but unlike his fourth place finish in Fielding Percentage in 1998, he didn’t accomplish that in 1999. He again failed to reach the top five in Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. Walker has been on the ballot eight years and finished as high as 34.1% in 2018. He is ranked #13 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Jermaine Dye, AL Kansas City Royals (2000)

-0.6 dWAR. Jermaine Dye went to his first All Star Game and had a career high Batting Average of .321 with his first 30 Home Run season. Dye’s offense was good, but again this is a case where he was rewarded with a Gold Glove because of offensive accomplishments.   The Kansas City Royal actually had the most errors of any American League Rightfielder and was nowhere near close to get to the top five in Range Factor per Game and Total Zone Runs. He also was not in the top five in Fielding Percentage. Dye was on the ballot for one year in 2015 but did not receive any votes.

Darin Erstad, AL Anaheim Angels (2000)

2.3 dWAR   2000 was arguably the best season of his career as he had career highs in Hits (240), Home Runs (25), Runs Batted In (100) and all parts of the Slash Line (.355/.409/.541). He also went to All Star Game for the second time, but more importantly this was not the case of increased offensive numbers leading to an unwarranted Gold Glove win. Erstad finished third in the American League in Defensive bWAR and was the league leader in Total Zone Runs. He would also lead everyone in his league position in Range Factor per Game.  Erstad was on the ballot for one year in 2015 and received 0.2% of the ballot.

Bernie Williams, AL New York Yankees (4) (2000)

0.0 dWAR. Again an All Star (this would be his fourth of five straight appearances), Bernie Williams again won the World Series and had a Batting Average over .300. He also failed to be in the top five at his position in Range Factor per Game and Total Zone Runs. He would however finish first in Fielding Percentage with a perfect 1.000. Perhaps that can justify to some this win, which is more than can be said in the previous three. This was the fourth and final Gold Glove for Bernie. Williams was on the ballot for two years and finished as high as 9.6% in 2012. He is ranked #38 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Jim Edmonds, NL St. Louis Cardinals (3) (2000)

0.4 dWAR   Hmmm. Jim Edmonds had already proved himself to be a star player but was he a third time Gold Glove recipient at this stage? Probably not but either way, he was at that place and had more to prove. Edmonds was on the ballot for one year in 2016 and received 2.5% of the ballot. He is ranked #50 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Steve Finley, NL Arizona Diamondbacks (4) (2000)

0.0 dWAR. Finley won his fourth Gold Glove, though this one probably should not have given to him just like the first two. The then Arizona Diamondback would go this year to his second (and final All Star Game) but defensively he was not worthy. In 2000, he was not in the top five in Total Zone Runs nor Range Factor per Game. Finley was on the ballot for one year in 2013 and received 0.7% of the votes.

Andruw Jones, NL Atlanta Braves (3) (2000)

2.7 dWAR. For the second time, Andruw Jones finished atop the National League in Defensive bWAR and for the first time he was named an All Star. For the fourth consecutive season he finished first in Total Zone Runs (25) and he would lead all of the National League Centerfielders in Putouts and Range Factor per Game. Jones has been on the ballot for one year and received 7.3% of the vote. He is ranked #46 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Jim Edmonds, NL St. Louis Cardinals (4) (2001)

0.7 dWAR   While this was relatively a decent defensive campaign for Jim Edmonds like every other Gold Glove winning season for Edmonds there were certainly defensive metrics that would reflect why he should not have won it.   Again, this was not terrible, but not Gold Glove worthy. This will be a pattern as we continue with Edmonds.   Edmonds was on the ballot for one year in 2016 and received 2.5% of the ballot. He is ranked #50 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Andruw Jones, NL Atlanta Braves (4) (2001)

3.0 dWAR. Jones does it again! For the third time in four years the Atlanta Brave would lead the National League in Defensive bWAR and for the fifth consecutive season he was first amongst everyone in the NL in Total Zone Runs. He also continued his streak with his fourth straight year leading the NL Centerfielders in Putouts. He was also first among his position and all Outfielders in Range Factor per Game. Jones has been on the ballot for one year and received 7.3% of the vote. He is ranked #46 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Larry Walker, NL Colorado Rockies (6) (2001)

0.8 dWAR. Larry Walker returned to the Gold Glove circle with a decent positive Defensive bWAR. The Colorado Rockie went to his fifth and final All Star Game and he would also win his third and final Batting Title. This was somewhat of a rebound defensively as Walker finished second among all of the National League Rightfielder in Total Zone Runs. Walker has been on the ballot eight years and finished as high as 34.1% in 2018. He is ranked #13 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Mike Cameron, AL Seattle Mariners (2001)

1.5 dWAR   Mike Cameron went to one All Star Game, and this was the year.   Cameron was third among the American League Centerfielders in Total Zone Runs and second in Range Factor per Game. He was also 16th in American League MVP voting. Cameron was on the ballot for one year in 2017 but did not receive any votes.

Jim Edmonds, NL St. Louis Cardinals (5) (2002)

1.2 dWAR   Edmonds would secure a Defensive bWAR over 1.0 and while that is decent the St. Louis Cardinal was not in the top three at his position in Range Factor per Game or Total Zone Runs. Edmonds was on the ballot for one year in 2016 and received 2.5% of the ballot. He is ranked #50 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Darin Erstad, AL Anaheim Angels (2) (2002)

2.3 dWAR   This would be by far the greatest defensive season of Darin Erstad’s career and one of the best one by an Angel period. Erstad had a career high 4.2 Defensive bWAR and 39 Total Zone Runs, all of which were enough to lead the American League. Erstad played Centerfield this season and he would also finish first at his league position in Fielding Percentage and Range Factor per Game. Erstad would win a third Gold Glove in 2004 at First Base. Erstad was on the ballot for one year in 2015 and received 0.2% of the ballot.

Andruw Jones, NL Atlanta Braves (5) (2002)

2.3 dWAR. For the fourth and final time, Andruw Jones would lead the National League in Defensive bWAR. While he would never finish first again, there is a lot of good defense from Jones to come! This season would see Jones continue his streaks, but they would all come to an end after this year. For the sixth and final year he would lead the league in Total Zone Runs and for the fifth and final year he would finish first in Putouts among the Outfielders. He was also second in Range Factor per Game among the NL Centerfielders in Range Factor per Game. Jones has been on the ballot for one year and received 7.3% of the vote. He is ranked #46 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Larry Walker, NL Colorado Rockies (7) (2002)

0.3 dWAR. This would be the seventh and final Gold Glove of Larry Walker’s career and frankly this is not the defensive resume of a seven time Gold Glove winner, thought as you have read there have been worse at the Outfield position and realistically the Canadian should have won maybe three at best. No matter. In this last win he would finish fourth in Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game among the National League Rightfielders and was first in Assists. Walker has been on the ballot eight years and finished as high as 34.1% in 2018. He is ranked #13 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Mike Cameron, AL Seattle Mariners (2) (2003)

1.5 dWAR   While Mike Cameron had the exact same Defensive bWAR that he had in his first 2001 Gold Glove win, he increased his other sabremetric numbers with a first place finish among American League Centerfielders in both Range Factor per Game and Total Zone Runs. He was also the leader among AL Outfielders in Putouts. Cameron was on the ballot for one year in 2017 but did not receive any votes.

Jose Cruz, NL San Francisco Giants (2003)

0.9 dWAR   In the lone season he was a Giant, this would be without question the best defensive season of Jose Cruz’s career. While he was not a top ten performer in terms of Defensive bWAR, he had an incredible National League leading 38 Total Zone Runs. He would also finish first in Double Plays among all of the National League Outfielders and was his position leader in Putouts and Range Factor per Game. We have to say this, if they were only going to give Cruz one Gold Glove (which was the correct amount he deserved) they picked the correct year to do it. Although Cruz was eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2014 he was not on the ballot

Jim Edmonds, NL St. Louis Cardinals (6) (2003)

1.0 dWAR   This would be the first time that Jim Edmonds would finish first among all of the National League Centerfielders in Total Zone Runs. This was also the first and only season where Edmonds would land first among his position in Range Factor per Game. Edmonds was on the ballot for one year in 2016 and received 2.5% of the ballot. He is ranked #50 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Andruw Jones, NL Atlanta Braves (6) (2003)

1.7 dWAR. While we mentioned in Jones’ 2002 Gold Glove win that some impressive defensive streaks ended, the “regression” of Andruw Jones was still better than most of the Majors. Jones still finished seventh in the NL in Defensive bWAR (1.7) and was second in Total Zone Runs among the National League Centerfielders (19). He was also fourth in Range Factor per Game at his position. Jones has been on the ballot for one year and received 7.3% of the vote. He is ranked #46 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Jim Edmonds, NL St. Louis Cardinals (7) (2004)

0.4 dWAR   Edmonds would finish first among Assists and fifth in Total Zone Runs among all of the National League Centerfielders. Edmonds was on the ballot for one year in 2016 and received 2.5% of the ballot. He is ranked #50 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Steve Finley, NL Arizona Diamondbacks/Los Angeles Dodgers (5) (2004)

0.8 dWAR. This was the fifth and final Gold Glove of Steve Finley’s career which probably should not have had won one. Finley did not finish first in any significant defensive statistic. Finley was on the ballot for one year in 2013 and received 0.7% of the votes.

Andruw Jones, NL Atlanta Braves (7) (2004)

1.1 dWAR. For the first time in his Gold Glove wins, Andruw Jones was not in the top ten in Defensive bWAR and based on other statistics, if Jones was omitted from winning a Gold Glove it would not have been a crime. It wasn’t a crime that he won it either. In 2004 his 17 Total Zone Runs were good enough for fourth in the National League and second amongst the Centerfielders. Jones was fourth at his position in Range Factor per Game. Jones has been on the ballot for one year and received 7.3% of the vote. He is ranked #46 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Jim Edmonds, NL St. Louis Cardinals (8) (2005)

0.5 dWAR   This was the eighth and final time that Jim Edmonds won the Gold Glove and realistically it could be argued that he never should have won any of them. Edmonds was slightly above average defensively in his seasons but in all eight? He probably wasn’t but there likely have been worse eight time Gold Glove winners. The main difference is that they probably at least warranted one of them. Edmonds was on the ballot for one year in 2016 and received 2.5% of the ballot. He is ranked #50 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Andruw Jones, NL Atlanta Braves (8) (2005)

2.0 dWAR. Before we get to the defensive accomplishments this was the best offensive year for Andruw Jones as he led the NL in Home Runs (51) and Runs Batted In (128). As a result he was the runner-up for the MVP Award and he would also win his first and only Silver Slugger. Defensively he was tenth overall in Defensive bWAR with a third place finish at Centerfield in Total Zone Runs (19). He was also fourth in Range Factor per Game and for the final time he led his position in Assists. Jones has been on the ballot for one year and received 7.3% of the vote. He is ranked #46 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Mike Cameron, NL San Diego Padres (3) (2006)

1.5 dWAR   This would be the third and final Gold Glove for Mike Cameron and the only one in the National League. Realistically there should not have been any in the NL. Cameron was second among National League Centerfielders in Range Factor per Fame but was not a top five finisher in Total Zone Runs or Fielding Percentage. Cameron was on the ballot for one year in 2017 but did not receive any votes.

Andruw Jones, NL Atlanta Braves (9) (2006)

1.5 dWAR. While Jones was not league leading in any defensive statistic he still had a decent year with the glove. He would finish second among the NL Centerfielders in Total Zone Runs (19) and was third in Range Factor per Game. Jones has been on the ballot for one year and received 7.3% of the vote. He is ranked #46 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Andruw Jones, NL Atlanta Braves (10) (2007)

2.2 dWAR. This was the last Gold Glove win of Andruw Jones’ career and unlike other double digit Gold Glove winners his last win was decent. Jones finished sixth overall in Defensive bWAR in the National League and he would again finish first in Putouts among the NL Centerfielders and was third in Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. Jones has been on the ballot for one year and received 7.3% of the vote. He is ranked #46 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Aaron Rowand, NL Philadelphia Phillies (2007)

0.7 dWAR. Aaron Rowand was also named an All Star this season and had he would have his best offensive season of his career with a .309 Batting Average with 27 Home Runs. Defensively however, he was just average. He was first amongst the Centerfielders in the National League in Fielding Percentage and was fifth in Range Factor per Game. Rowand was eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2017 but was not on the ballot.

 

Let’s update our tally shall we?

Award in Question	Percentage of recipients who have entered the HOF	Percentage of recipients by year who have entered the HOF.
NBA MVP	100%	100%
NHL Norris	90.5%	96.4%
NBA All Star Game MVP	89.5%	91.7%
NHL Conn Smythe	74.2%	85.4%
NHL Lady Byng	63.8%	76.0%
NFL Super Bowl MVP	60.6%	64.9%
NBA Defensive Player of the Year	58.3%	56.5%
NBA Rookie of the Year	56.5%	56.5%
MLB/NL/AL Cy Young Award	44.4%	55.4%
NHL Frank J. Selke Trophy	33.3%	36.7%
NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year	28.6%	28.6%
MLB Edgar Martinez Award	26.7%	17.2%
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Designated Hitter)	25.0%	30.8%
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Shortstop)	23.5%	52.6%
NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year	20.6%	20.6%
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Catcher)	20.0%	22.5%
MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Second Base)	18.8%	39.8%
MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Shortstop)	18.2%	35.1%
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Pitcher)	18.2%	20.1%
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Second Base)	16.7%	32.7%
MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Outfield)	16.7%	30.1%
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Outfield)	15.7%	25.2%
MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Third Base)	14.3%	14.3%
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Third Base)	13.6%	14.3%
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (First Base)	13.6%	13.3%
MLB (NL/AL) Rookie of the Year	13.3%	13.3%
MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Catcher)	10.3%	15.2%
MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (First Base)	3.8%	3.2%

So who is up next?

The following are the players who have won the Gold Glove at Third Base who have retired but have not met the mandatory years out of the game to qualify for the Baseball Hall of Fame:

Torii Hunter, AL Minnesota Twins (2001)

2.4 dWAR   This would be the first of nine straight Gold Gloves for Torii Hunter and he started it off with a bang. Hunter’s Defensive bWAR of 2.4 would be a career high and food enough for second overall in the American League. Hunter had 14 Assists, which led the American League Centerfielders and he would also finish first in Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game.   Hunter will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2021.

Ichiro Suzuki, AL Seattle Mariners (2001)

1.0 dWAR   It is not erroneous to suggest that Ichiro Suzuki took the North American baseball world by storm the second he arrived. In his “rookie” year, he would not only win the American League Rookie of the Year, he would lead his league in Hits, Batting Average and Stolen Bases while also capturing the Silver Slugger and MVP. Should he have won the Gold Glove?   This year (and there will be many we will talk about) we will say yes as he led the American League Rightfielders in Total Zone Runs, Range Factor per Game, Putouts and Fielding Percentage, so by those accounts it is a good start for what will be a ten year streak.  Suzuki will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2024.

Torii Hunter, AL Minnesota Twins (2) (2002)

-0.2 dWAR   Torii Hunter duplicated (actually improved on what was already good) his offensive performance but his defense tumbled quite a bit and his second Gold Glove was certainly suspect. The Centerfielder was fifth in Range Factor per Game and Fielding Percentage but that was about it. Hunter would however finish sixth in MVP voting, which would be his highest ever.   Hunter will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2021.

Ichiro Suzuki, AL Seattle Mariners (2) (2002)

-0.7 dWAR  Perhaps the mania surrounding Ichiro Suzuki was still strong as his defense was not the same as it was in his rookie year. While he was the American League Rightfield leader in Putouts he was not in the top five in Total Zone Runs though he was first in Fielding Percentage and Range Factor per Game. The latter two notes likely won Suzuki this award. Suzuki will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2024.

Torii Hunter, AL Minnesota Twins (3) (2003)

2.0 dWAR   In terms of defensive statistics, this was a little strange as his 2.0 Defensive bWAR was strong and was good enough for fourth overall in his league. Having said that he was not in the top five in Total Zone Runs at his position and he was only fifth in Range Factor per Game. Hunter will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2021.

Ichiro Suzuki, AL Seattle Mariners (3) (2003)

1.0 dWAR   Ichiro returned as a Gold Glove winner and at his American League position he was first in Total Zone Runs and in Fielding Percentage. He was also second in Range Factor per Game and notably his 23 TZR was second overall in the AL. Suzuki will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2024.

Torii Hunter, AL Minnesota Twins (4) (2004)

2.1 dWAR   In what would be Torii Hunter’s fourth Gold Glove win, this would be his last top ten finish in Defensive bWAR with a third place finish. Again, like the year before despite the solid number in Defensive bWAR he was not a top five finisher at his position in Total Zone Runs, though he was fifth in Range Factor per Game. Hunter will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2021.

Ichiro Suzuki, AL Seattle Mariners (4) (2004)

2.5 dWAR   In terms of Defensive bWAR, this was by far the greatest defensive season of Ichiro’s career with a 2.5 that landed him second overall. This was also the first and only season where the superstar from Japan finished first in Total Zone Runs with 27 and he was also first among AL Rightfielders in Range Factor per Game. Suzuki will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2024.

Vernon Wells, AL Toronto Blue Jays (2004)

1.7 dWAR   While Vernon Wells was not in the top five in Total Zone Runs (likely because he did not play 135 Games) his 1.7 Defensive bWAR was a career high. Wells was first among American League Centerfielders in Fielding Percentage and fourth in Range Factor per Game. He was notably eighth in Defensive bWAR in the AL. Wells will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2019.

Torii Hunter, AL Minnesota Twins (5) (2005)

1.1 dWAR   While this was not a bad season defensively for Hunter he only played 98 Games and was not in the top five in any defensive category making this a difficult one to justify. Hunter will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2021.

Ichiro Suzuki, AL Seattle Mariners (5) (2005)

2.5 dWAR   In terms of Defensive bWAR, this was by far the greatest defensive season of Ichiro’s career with a 2.5 that landed him second overall. This was also the first and only season where the superstar from Japan finished first in Total Zone Runs with 27 and he was also first among AL Rightfielders in Range Factor per Game. Suzuki will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2024.

Vernon Wells, AL Toronto Blue Jays (2) (2005)

0.9 dWAR   Wells had a perfect Fielding Percentage in this season but in terms of any other stat, he was nowhere close to the top. Having said that, the Toronto Blue Jay had a respectable defensive season though it may not have been Gold Glove worthy. Wells will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2019.

Bobby Abreu, NL Philadelphia Phillies (2005)

-1.5 dWAR   Hmmmm. While Bobby Abreu was known for his plate patience his defense was not spectacular especially in the season where he win a Gold Glove. Abreu, who was at this time a second time All Star was not in the midst of any glove related season that made sense. With all due respect to Bobby Abreu, his career was solid bit not in respect to his defensive skill. Abreu will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2020.

Torii Hunter, AL Minnesota Twins (6) (2006)

0.1 dWAR   Torii Hunter again won the Gold Glove, but this is was another win where the defensive metrics don’t justify the trophy. Again, Hunter failed to finish in the top five in any defensive statistic, although he would finish first in Assists among American League Centerfielders with 8. Hunter will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2021.

Ichiro Suzuki, AL Seattle Mariners (6) (2006)

1.0 dWAR   While Suzuki’s Defensive bWAR went up, for the first time as a Gold Glove winner he was not in the top five in Total Zone Runs among the American League Rightfielders, although he was second in Range Factor per Game. Suzuki will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2024.

Vernon Wells, AL Toronto Blue Jays (3) (2006)

1.5 dWAR   This would be the third and final Gold Glove for Vernon Wells and he would finish tenth in Defensive bWAR in the American League. Wells would finish first among all of the AL Centerfielders in Total Zone Runs. Wells will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2019.

Carlos Beltran, NL New York Mets (2006)

1.6 dWAR   Often when a player significantly increases their offensive output they can get rewarded with an unwarranted Gold Glove. In the case of Carlos Beltran’s first Gold Glove it took place in a season where he achieved many offensive highs, but his defense really stepped this year as well. Beltran was the National League Centerfielder leader in Range Factor per Game and he had a respectable 15 Total Zone Runs, which was good enough for fourth at his position. He would finish a career high fourth in MVP voting. Beltran will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2023.

Torii Hunter, AL Minnesota Twins (7) (2007)

0.3 dWAR   Hunter’s final season as a Twin and second All Star nod likely should not have saw him win this Gold Glove…much like some of the others before. Again, Hunter was not in the top five in Range Factor per Game or Total Zone Runs at his position, though he was fourth in Fielding Percentage. Hunter will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2021.

Grady Sizemore, AL Cleveland Indians (2007)

0.1 dWAR   With all due respect to Grady Sizemore, we have another situation where there a player who had an All Star season based on his offense who was rewarded for his defense. Having said that, this is not exactly a horrible choice as he played the most defensive games in the Outfield in ’07, and he was second among the American League Centerfielders in Total Zone Runs.   Sizemore will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2022.

Ichiro Suzuki, AL Seattle Mariners (7) (2007)

0.8 dWAR   This would be the only season where Ichiro would win the Gold Glove after predominantly playing Centerfield as opposed to Rightfield and it was not a bad defensive season as he was the league leader in Fielding Percentage and was second in Range Factor per Game. Suzuki will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2024.

Carlos Beltran, NL New York Mets (2) (2007)

1.3 dWAR   Beltran would go to his fourth straight All Star Game this year and would also win his second straight Silver Slugger. Defensively speaking he repeated leading the National League Centerfielders in Range Factor per Game and was again fourth in Total Zone Runs. Beltran will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2023.

Jeff Francouer, NL Atlanta Braves (2007)

1.3 dWAR   With what was arguably his best offensive season of his career, Jeff Franceour had a good defensive one in 2007 too. This was the third season in a row that he would finish first amongst the National League Rightfielders in Total Zone Runs and he was also the leader among all of the National League Outfielders in Assists. Francouer will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2022.

Torii Hunter, AL Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (8) (2008)

0.0 dWAR   Hunter’s first season as an Angel saw him continue his Gold Glove streak, but it also continued his run of undeserving hardware. While he was again not a top five finisher at his position in Total Zone Runs and was fifth in Range Factor per Game, those who defend this can point to a perfect Fielding Percentage, and his first and only positional win for this stat. Hunter will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2021.

Grady Sizemore, AL Cleveland Indians (2008)

0.2 dWAR   The second and final Gold Glove of Grady Sizemore’s career saw a repeat of the year before, where he had a low Defensive bWAR but played a lot to accumulate a lot of statistics. An All Star for the third time, Sizemore was not a top five finisher in Total Zone Runs but he was second in Fielding Percentage at his position. Sizemore deserved all three of his trips to the All Star Game, but realistically he probably should not have been a two time Gold Glove recipient.   Sizemore will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2022.

Ichiro Suzuki, AL Seattle Mariners (8) (2008)

0.9 dWAR   Ichiro returned to Right and would have an average season, though this was not Gold Glove worthy. He was not in the top five in Total Zone Runs at his league position but was fifth in Range Factor per Game. Suzuki will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2024.

Carlos Beltran, NL New York Mets (3) (2008)

2.0 dWAR   This would be Carlos Beltran’s third and final Gold Glove win and he finished well with a fifth place finish overall in the National League. He would finish first among the NL Centerfielders in Putouts and Total Zone Runs and was second in Range Factor per Game. Beltran will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2023.

Carlos Beltran, NL New York Mets (3) (2008)

2.0 dWAR   This would be Carlos Beltran’s third and final Gold Glove win and he finished well with a fifth place finish overall in the National League. He would finish first among the NL Centerfielders in Putouts and Total Zone Runs and was second in Range Factor per Game. Beltran will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2023.

Nate McLouth, NL Pittsburgh Pirates (2008)

-2.1 dWAR   This is very interesting. In terms of offense, this was by far the best season of Nate McLouth’s career where he was an All Star, the National League leader in Doubles and had a career high 26 Home Runs, 94 RBI and .276 Batting Average. Somehow despite a horrific -2.1 Defensive bWAR and a complete failure to come close to the top five in Total Zone Runs or Range Factor per Game he won the Gold Glove. Again, offense trumped defensive for a Gold Glove. Beltran will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2022.

Shane Victorino, NL Philadelphia Phillies (2008)

1.2 dWAR   Shane Victorino had a high profile season as his Philadelphia Phillies won the World Series. Victorino probably should not have won the Gold Glove but it was still a decent year where his Defensive bWAR was OK and he finished fifth in Total Zone Runs among National League Centerfielders. It was good, but not great. Victorino will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2021.

Torii Hunter, AL Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (9) (2009)

1.5 dWAR   Torii Hunter would win his ninth and final Gold Glove and while we have ragged on many of the wins, he finished reasonably well. With a decent Defensive bWAR of 1.5, he also returned to the top five in Total Zone Runs among American League Centerfielders with a third place finish and he was fourth in Range Factor per Game. He was also second in Fielding Percentage. Overall, Hunter was a good defensive player but he should never have won nine Gold Gloves. Hunter will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2021.

Ichiro Suzuki, AL Seattle Mariners (9) (2009)

-0.2 dWAR   Ichiro Suzuki may have had a negative Defensive bWAR but in terns of other advanced defensive metrics he had some positive attributes. Ichiro was second in Total Zone Runs and was third in Range Factor per Game and in the regular stats he was first in Putouts and fourth in Fielding Percentage. Suzuki will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2024.

Michael Bourn, NL Houston Astros (2009

1.5 dWAR This would be the first of three straight seasons where Michael Bourn would lead the National League in Stolen Bases. This was actually a decent season defensively for Bourn but he was not in the top five in Total Zone Runs and was only fifth in Range Factor per Game. Bourn will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2022.

Shane Victorino, NL Philadelphia Phillies (2) (2009)

0.2 dWAR   Victorino would be named an All Star for the first time in his career and he would also finish first in Fielding Percentage among National League Centerfielders though again he was not in the top five in Range Factor per Game and Total Zone Runs. Victorino will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2021.

Carl Crawford, AL Tampa Bay Rays (2010)

0.3 dWAR Carl Crawford had a solid career in Baseball, but was it Gold Glove worthy? It might not be as the four time All Star never had a Defensive bWAR over 1.2 and this season he had only a 0.3 although he was third in Total Zone Runs and second in Range Factor per Game among American League Leftfielders, however he had much better seasons in those metrics and was not awarded with a Gold Glove, however you know what is coming. This was his best offensive season and he finished seventh place in MVP voting and won the Silver Slugger, which magically made him a better fielder. Crawford will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2022.

Franklin Gutierrez, AL Seattle Mariners (2010)

0.4 dWAR Franklin Gutierrez would have his best overall season in MLB in terms of his offense, but in regards to hos defense he lands here as a one off. This won’t be the only time where this occurs. Gutierrez will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2023.

Ichiro Suzuki, AL Seattle Mariners (10) (2010)

-0.7 dWAR   2010 was truly the end of an era for the Japanese superstar as not only was this his last Gold Glove, but his last trip to the All Star Game. 10 in a row was pretty impressive right?   In terms of his last Gold Glove win, he probably should not have won it as he was the American League Rightfielder leader in Putouts he was only third in Total Zone Runs, was second in Range Factor per Game, though despite the negative Defensive bWAR, it was not the worst win of his career. Having said all of this, Ichiro was a solid defensive player but he never should have came close to the ten Gold Gloves he won. We guess when you know you have a future Hall of Famer, you tend to be generous with the Gold Gloves. Suzuki will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2024.

Michael Bourn, NL Houston Astros (2) (2010)

3.5 dWAR Bourn’s second and final Gold Glove would see him post a career high Defensive bWAR of 3.5, which would also land him the National League lead. Bourn would also lead everyone in the National League in Total Zone Runs with 22 and he would also be named an All Star. Pretty good, right? It is however definitely worth noting that in 2012 he had a 2.9 Defensive bWAR, a league leading 32 Total Zone Runs and was the first recipient of the Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Award (shared with Mike Trout). Bourn would of course NOT win the Gold Glove that year. Can we say again that this is a flawed award? Bourn will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2022.

Shane Victorino, NL Philadelphia Phillies (3) (2010)

0.4 dWAR   This would be the third National League Gold Glove for Shane Victorino though arguably he would go “0 for 3” in regards to deserving it. In this season Victorino would lead the National League Outfielders in Assists (11) and was second in Fielding Percentage among the NL Centerfielders. Victorino will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2021.

Andre Ethier, NL Los Angeles Dodgers (2011)

-0.5 dWAR   Andre Ethier never really had a stellar defensive season in his career and while he went to his second straight All Star Game, this was not a case where he had a great offensive season and it bled into Gold Glove votes. Ethier, who was not in the top five in Assists, Putouts, Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game did have a perfect Fielding Percentage. That is likely how he managed to win this Gold Glove. Ethier will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2023.

Shane Victorino, AL Boston Red Sox (4) (2013)

2.2 dWAR   Shane Victorino would win four Gold Gloves over his career, but it was his last where he had an arguable claim for the trophy. That year, he was an integral part of the Red Sox World Series win he was first by a mile in Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game among all of the AL Rightfielders, which were both stats he would never come close to again. Victorino will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2021.

 

 

 

The following are the players who have won the Gold Glove at Outfield who are still active.

Adam Jones, AL Baltimore Orioles (2009)

0.5 dWAR. 2009 saw Adam Jones go to his first All Star Game and also win his first Gold Glove. This season, Jones would finish first among all of the American League Centerfielders in Range Factor per Game and was second in Assists, however he was not a top five finisher in Total Zone Runs at his position. 33 Years Old, Playing for the Baltimore Orioles.

Matt Kemp, NL Los Angeles Dodgers (2009)

0.0 dWAR Matt Kemp was hardly a defensive star in 2009, and frankly he wasn’t in any season. Kemp also won the Silver Slugger (a case can be made for that) but this Gold Glove was not warranted. He would however play the most games in the National League at Centerfield and was first in Assists and Double Plays Turned though was not in the top five in Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. 33 Years Old, Playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Matt Kemp, NL Los Angeles Dodgers (2009)

0.0 dWAR Matt Kemp was hardly a defensive star in 2009, and frankly he wasn’t in any season. Kemp also won the Silver Slugger (a case can be made for that) but this Gold Glove was not warranted. He would however play the most games in the National League at Centerfield and was first in Assists and Double Plays Turned though was not in the top five in Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. 33 Years Old, Playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Carlos Gonzalez, NL Colorado Rockies (2010)

-0.1 dWAR This would be by far the best offensive season of Carlos Gonzalez’ career where he would win the Batting Title (.336) lead the NL in Hist (197) and would have 34 Home Runs with 117 RBI. The Outfielder would also finish third in MVP voting. This however did not mean he had a great defensive seasons as he split the season in three ways almost evenly at all three Outfield positions although he was second overall in Fielding Percentage among all National League Outfielders. 32 Years Old, Playing for the Colorado Rockies.

Jacoby Ellsbury, AL Boston Red Sox (2011)

1.4 dWAR. By far and away, this was the best offensive season of Jacoby Ellsbury’s career as the Centerfielder had career highs in Hits (212), Home Runs (32), RBI (105) and Batting Average (.321) and he was named an All Star, a Silver Slugger and was the runner-up for the MVP Award. He was also the league leader in WAR and was the American League Comeback Player of the Year. He had a good season defensively as he finished first among American League Centerfielders in Putouts and Fielding Percentage though he was not in the top five in Total Zone Runs. This would be his only Gold Glove win. 33 Years Old, Playing for the New York Yankees.

Alex Gordon, AL Kansas City Royals (2011)

1.4 dWAR. In what would be his first Gold Glove win Gordon would lead his league position (Leftfield) in Putouts, Assists, Range Factor per Game and Fielding Percentage while finishing second in Total Zone Runs. Not a bad start! 34 Years Old, Playing for the Kansas City Royals.

Nick Markakis, AL Baltimore Orioles (2011)

-0.1 dWAR. This was a strange choice but arguably safe as Nick Markakis did not make a lot of mistakes though he never took a lot of chances either. Markakis played the most defensive games among all of the American League Outfielders and he had a perfect Fielding Percentage, however he was not a top five finisher in Total Zone Runs and was only fourth in Range Factor per Game. Notably, Markakis would also have a 1.000 Fielding Percentage in 2013.  34 Years Old, Playing for the Atlanta Braves.

Matt Kemp, NL Los Angeles Dodgers (2) (2011)

-3.5 dWAR Before we get into Kemp’s 2011 defensive season, it is worth noting that this was by far his best offensive one. Kemp would lead the National League in Home Runs (39), Runs Batted In (126), Runs Scored (115) and he had a Slash Line of .324/.399/.586. He would win the Silver Slugger and he was second overall in MVP voting. That being said, a -3.5 Defensive bWAR can only be classified as abysmal. He somehow managed a fourth place finish in Total Zone Runs among National League Rightfielders but while he had a good throwing arm it wasn’t always accurate and he had horrible range. 33 Years Old, Playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Gerardo Parra, NL Arizona Diamondbacks (2011)

0.9 dWAR   Gerardo Parra had a special season in terms of having moments in that his 12 Assists and 5 Double Plays were tops in the National League among the Leftfielders. He would finish first in Range Factor per Game and second in Total Zone Runs. 31 Years Old, Playing for the Colorado Rockies.

Alex Gordon, AL Kansas City Royals (2) (2012)

1.9 dWAR. Gordon repeated as the American League Leftfield leader in Assists, Putouts and Range Factor per Game though he was not in the top five in Total Zone Runs. 34 Years Old, Playing for the Kansas City Royals.

Adam Jones, AL Baltimore Orioles (2) (2012)

-1.0 dWAR. Despite having a negative Defensive bWAR, there were some positives to Adam Jones’s defensive campaign. The Baltimore Oriole would finish second in Range Factor per Game and was third in Total Zone Runs at his league position. The now second time All Star also led the AL Outfielders in Putouts. 33 Years Old, Playing for the Baltimore Orioles.

Josh Reddick, AL Oakland Athletics (2012)

0.9 dWAR. Josh Reddick received a sprinkling of MVP votes this year and in addition to his Gold Glove he would also win the Wilson Defensive Player Award. In terms of his American League position (Rightfield) he was second in Range Factor per Game. 31 Years Old, Playing for the Houston Astros.

Carlos Gonzalez, NL Colorado Rockies (2) (2012)

-1.9 dWAR Unlike in 2010 where Gonzalez played all over the Outfield, 2012 would see him stay in Leftfield but it was not a season where he did have a fifth place finish in Fielding Percentage, he did not accomplish anything else with his glove. 32 Years Old, Playing for the Colorado Rockies.

Jason Heyward, NL Atlanta Braves (2012)

1.3 dWAR. Jason Heyward was an All Star in 2010 and the runner-up for the Rookie of the Year was first in 2012 among National League Rightfielders in Putouts, Assists and Total Zone Runs, the latter of which saw him finish second in the National League. He was also second at his position in Range Factor per Game and third in Fielding Position. 28 Years Old, Playing for the Chicago Cubs.

Andrew McCutcheon, NL Pittsburgh Pirates (2012)

-0.2 dWAR. Hmmm. Andrew McCutcheon had proven himself to be a major star on the rise at this point but realistically his defensive skills were never more than average, although he did also win the Wilson Defensive Award this year. While he did have a negative Defensive bWAR he was third among the National League Centerfielders in Total Zone Runs. He would be named the National League MVP the next year. 31 Years Old, Playing for the New York Yankees.

Alex Gordon, AL Kansas City Royals (3) (2013)

1.4 dWAR. For the first time in his career Alex Gordon was an All Star and he repeated with another good defensive season. Gordon repeated as the AL Leftfield leader in Assists, Putouts and Range Factor per Game but for the first time he would finish first in Total Zone Runs. 34 Years Old, Playing for the Kansas City Royals.

Adam Jones, AL Baltimore Orioles (3) (2013)

0.5 dWAR. This was a little strange in comparison to the season previously as Jones had a positive Defensive bWAR but was not in the top five in either Range Factor per Game or Total Zone Runs although he was first in Putouts and Assists. 33 Years Old, Playing for the Baltimore Orioles.

Carlos Gomez, NL Milwaukee Brewers (2013)

3.9 dWAR This was the first of two All Star campaigns for Carlos Gomez although it was the only Gold Glove win for him, although the second Wilson Defensive Award. Having said that, this was an incredible defensive season for the Milwaukee Brewer and he would finish second in Defensive bWAR, while finishing first in Putouts and Range Factor per Game among all of the National League Outfielders. 32 Years Old, Playing for the Tampa Bay Rays.

Carlos Gonzalez, NL Colorado Rockies (3) (2013)

0.7 dWAR In terms of Defensive bWAR, this was the best defensive campaign that Carlos Gonzalez would ever have, although this was not spectacular by any means. Gonzalez would lead the National League Leftfielders in Assists and was third in Range Factor per Game but he was not in the top five in Total Zone Runs or Fielding Percentage. 32 Years Old, Playing for the Colorado Rockies.

Gerardo Parra, NL Arizona Diamondbacks (2) (2013)

3.6 dWAR   This was far and away the best season of Gerardo Parra’s career where he would not only win the Gold Glove but would win both the Wilson Defensive Player and Wilson Overall Defensive Player Award. The Venezuelan was third overall in the National League in Defensive bWAR and was first overall among all National League Outfielders in Assists (17). 31 Years Old, Playing for the Colorado Rockies.

Alex Gordon, AL Kansas City Royals (4) (2014)

2.4 dWAR. This was the best season for Gordon as he not only finished 12th in MVP voting he was also a repeat All Star. Defensively, he was never better as his 2.4 Defensive bWAR was good enough for fifth overall in the AL. He would again finish first in Total Zone Runs (24) at his position and he was second overall in the league. Gordon also finished first in Putouts, Range Factor per Game and Fielding Percentage and he also won the Wilson Defensive Player and Platinum Glove Award. 34 Years Old, Playing for the Kansas City Royals.

Adam Jones, AL Baltimore Orioles (4) (2014)

0.9 dWAR. Jones would again be named an All Star (his fourth) and in what was also his fourth Gold Glove season, he did not do anything remarkable, or terrible for that matter. He wasn’t in the top five in anything other than Putouts (fifth) at his position, but his errors were way down and he was efficient, although not extraordinary. 33 Years Old, Playing for the Baltimore Orioles.

Nick Markakis, AL Baltimore Orioles (2) (2014)

-0.5 dWAR. The second Gold Glove win of Nick Markakis’ career was a lot like his first in that he again had a negative Defensive bWAR but had a perfect Fielding Percentage and was not a top five finisher in Total Zone Runs. He would finish third among American League Rightfielders in Range Factor per Game. 34 Years Old, Playing for the Atlanta Braves

Jason Heyward, NL Atlanta Braves (2) (2014)

2.2 dWAR. Heyward finished seventh in the National League in Defensive bWAR and was also named a Wilson Defensive Player and a Wilson Overall Defensive Player of the Year. Heyward’s 27 Total Zone Runs would also top the National League and at his position he was first in Putouts, Assists, Range Factor per Game and Fielding Percentage. 28 Years Old, Playing for the Chicago Cubs.

Juan Lagares, NL New York Mets (2014)

3.2 dWAR. Juan Lagares had an incredible rookie year in terms of his glove with a 3.3 Defensive bWAR and a Wilson Defensive Player Award, but that was in 2013, the year he did not win a Gold Glove. The year he did he would have a similar Defensive bWAR (3.2) and was second overall in the National League (although he was not a Wilson Defensive Player winner). At his National League Position (Centerfield) he finished second in Total Zone Runs and first in Range Factor per Game. 29 Years Old, Playing for the New York Mets.

Christian Yelich, NL Miami Marlins (2014)

0.5 dWAR. Christian Yelich had proved to be a baseball star on the rise but in terms of him being a Gold Glove winner the jury was certainly out on that one. In 2014 he was not on the top five in any defensive metric of note. 26 Years Old, Playing for the Milwaukee Brewers.

Kole Calhoun, AL Los Angeles Angels (2015)

0.1 dWAR. As of this writing this is the only individual award that Kole Calhoun would win. Calhoun did play the most games defensively in the American League at Rightfield and he would lead his league at his position in Putouts, Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. He was not actually the best Outfielder, but he was good enough and played the most. Sometimes that is all you need. 30 Years Old, Playing for the Los Angeles Angels.

Yoenis Cespedes, AL Detroit Tigers (2015)

0.8 dWAR. This was very unique, but what else is new in regards to the Gold Glove! The Cuban born Outfielder was traded midway through the season to the New York Mets, but he would still win the Gold Glove in the American League based on the 102 Games he played there. In that timeframe, he had a case as he was first in Range Factor per Game among the AL Leftfielders and was also third in Total Zone Runs, but based on only 102 Games, does this make sense? 32 Years Old, Playing for the New York Mets.

Kevin Kiermaier, AL Tampa Bay Rays (2015)

5.0 dWAR. Wow. In 2015, Kevin Kiermaier had an out of this world 5.0 Defensive bWAR, which made him only the fourth player in Major League Baseball to do that. The Tampa Bay Ray would also win the American League Platinum Glove. He would finish first among all American League Centerfielders in Assists, Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. If only he was a good hitter! 28 Years Old, Playing for the Tampa Bay Rays.

Jason Heyward, NL St. Louis Cardinals (3) (2015)

2.0 dWAR. In his lone season with the St. Louis Cardinals, Jason Heyward finished eighth overall in Defensive bWAR while also being a Wilson Defensive Player. Heyward may not have had an impressive total in Total Zone Runs but he was second at his position in Range Factor per Game. 28 Years Old, Playing for the Chicago Cubs.

Starling Marte, NL Pittsburgh Pirates (2015)

2.0 dWAR. Also a Wilson Defensive Player in 2015, Starling Marte was only fourth at Leftfield among those in National League in Total Zone Runs, but he was first in Fielding Percentage and he led all National League Outfielders in Assists with 16. He was seventh overall in the NL in Defensive bWAR. 29 Years Old, Playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

A.J. Pollock, NL Arizona Diamondbacks (2015)

1.9 dWAR. This was definitely the best season of A.J. Pollock’s career as he was an All Star, a 20 Home Run hitter, a .300 Batter and also a Gold Glove winner who finished ninth overall in the NL in Defensive bWAR. At his Centerfield position, he would finish first in Putouts and Total Zone Runs. 30 Years Old, Playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Mookie Betts, AL Boston Red Sox (2016)

2.9 dWAR. Mookie Betts had arrived in 2016 where he would win not only the Gold Glove but the Silver Slugger en route to finishing second in MVP voting. Betts would also win the Wilson Defensive Player Award but also the Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Award in a season where he was second in the AL in Defensive bWAR. Betts would also finish first in Putouts, Total Zone Runs   and Fielding Percentage with a second place finish in Range Factor per Game among all of the American League Rightfielders. 25 Years Old, Playing for the Boston Red Sox.

Brett Gardner, AL New York Yankees (2016)

0.8 dWAR. Brett Gardner might have won this based on his tenure and respect and he was decent enough to also win the Wilson Defensive Award. Gardner played the most games in the American League at Left and he would finish second in Fielding Percentage. Gardner should have one at least one Gold Glove in his career, but the year in question (2016) can certainly be debated.   34 Years Old, Playing for the New York Yankees.

Kevin Kiermaier, AL Tampa Bay Rays (2) (2016)

3.0 dWAR. In only 105 Games Played, Kevin Kiermaier had an incredible 3.0 Defensive bWAR, which was good enough again for first overall in the American League. He would also win the Wilson Defensive Player Award. The Tampa Bay Ray would also finish first at his league position in Total Zone Runs. Game for Game, was there a better defensive player in the American League than Kevin Kiermaier? 28 Years Old, Playing for the Tampa Bay Rays.

Jason Heyward, NL Chicago Cubs (4) (2016)

1.4 dWAR. This was the first season for Jason Heyward with the Chicago Cubs and it would be easy to argue that it was the best of his career. In 2016 Heyward would help the Chicago Cubs end the near century old jinx and win the World Series and in terms of his Gold Glove win, it was solid. At his position he had 22 Total Zone Runs, which was enough for second among National League Rightfielders. 28 Years Old, Playing for the Chicago Cubs.

Ender Inciarte, NL Atlanta Braves (2016)

1.8 dWAR. While this was the first Gold Glove for Inciarte, he arguably had a case in the previous two seasons, which were also his first two in the Majors. The Venezuelan would finish sixth in Defensive bWAR in 2016 while also leading all Centerfielders in the NL in Assists and Range Factor per Game. He was also second in Total Zone Runs. 27 Years Old, Playing for the Atlanta Braves.

Starling Marte, NL Pittsburgh Pirates (2) (2016)

1.3 dWAR. While Starling Marte did not win a Wilson Defensive Award like he did in his first Gold Glove, he did however go to his first All Star Game in 2016. In terms of his glove he would again finish first in Assists among those in the National League Outfield he was not in the top five in Total Zone Runs or Range Factor per Game. 29 Years Old, Playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Mookie Betts, AL Boston Red Sox (2) (2017)

2.6 dWAR. Mookie Betts finished third overall in the AL in Defensive bWAR this year while again leading the American League Rightfielders in Putouts, Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. He would finish sixth in American League MVP voting. 25 Years Old, Playing for the Boston Red Sox.

Byron Buxton, AL Minnesota Twins (2017)

2.8 dWAR. 2017 was an excellent season for Byron Buxton as not only did he win the Gold Glove but his trophy case also acquired a Wilson Defensive Player Award, the Wilson Overall Defensive Player Award and the Platinum Glove. Buxton’s 2.8 Defensive bWAR was second overall in the American League and he was first overall in Total Zone Runs with 31. He would also lead all American League Centerfielders in Range Factor per Game. 24 Years Old, Playing for the Minnesota Twins.

Alex Gordon, AL Kansas City Royals (5) (2017)

0.7 dWAR. While his 0.7 was his lowest Defensive bWAR for a Gold Glove win, he was again the leader amongst the American League Leftfielders in Total Zone Runs and was fourth overall in the AL. He would also win the Wilson Defensive Player Award. 34 Years Old, Playing for the Kansas City Royals.

Jason Heyward, NL Chicago Cubs (5) (2017)

1.4 dWAR. Heyward had another solid season defensively for the Chicago Cubs and at Rightfield in general. In this season he would finish first at his position in Total Zone Runs with a respective 21, which was enough for first among National League Outfielders. 28 Years Old, Playing for the Chicago Cubs.

Ender Inciarte, NL Atlanta Braves (2) (2017)

0.8 dWAR. We did say that Ender Inciarte had a case for a Gold Glove in his first two seasons but this second win is not exactly a strong one. While he did finish first among all of the National League Centerfielders in Putouts and Range Factor per Game, he was not in the top five in Total Zone Runs. 27 Years Old, Playing for the Atlanta Braves.

Marcell Ozuna, NL Atlanta Braves (2017)

0.4 dWAR. Honestly, we would think that by this time that the advanced metrics would prevent an increased offensive production from winning a Gold Glove, but here we are! Ozuna had 37 Home Runs with a .312 Batting Average and was a surefire Silver Slugger, but defensively he was just OK. Still, the case that could be made was that he finished first among the National League Leftfielders in Putouts, Range Factor per Game and Fielding Percentage but he was not a top five finisher in Total Zone Runs per Game nr was his 0.4 Defensive bWAR special. 27 Years Old, Playing for the St. Louis Cardinals.

Frankly, we thought it would be a higher percentage of Hall of Famers, but that is how it goes!

The next one frankly won’t be that interesting as we are going to complete the Gold Glove Pitchers, which won’t be as easy to dissect, or frankly even remotely as interesting.

Still, that is what we do here at Notinhalloffame.com!

Look for that soon!

Barry Bonds had his #25 retired by the San Francisco Giants today and while that is news to us, the bigger deal by far is the public endorsement he received for the Baseball Hall of Fame by Willie Mays, who was on hand to honor Bonds had this to say during the ceremony:

“Give somebody honor that deserves to be in the Hall of Fame…When you get there you’ll say ‘Man, how did I get here?’ And I want him to have that honor. On behalf of all the people in San Francisco and the country, vote this guy in!”

His decree was meant by a huge ovation at AT&T Park.

Mays was with the Giants for the best run of his first ballot Hall of Fame career and is the godfather to Bonds. Bonds’ Hall of Fame momentum is gaining as he received 56.4% of the ballot last year, well up from the 36.2% he had on his first year of eligibility, which was in 2013. He has four more years on the ballot.

We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to congratulate Barry Bonds on receiving this honor and for what it is worth we agree with Willie Mays.

With the start of the Major League Baseball season we here at Notinhalloffame.com thought it would be fun to look at some of the milestones that could be achieved by future/potential Hall of Fame inductees. There is no sport more than baseball where statistics and thereby compiling said digits can help you enter a Hall of Fame. As such, there are some significant plateaus in six key statistics that could be reached this year.

Home Runs:

Is there a sexier stat in Baseball?

Of course not!

Albert Pujols is already stamped for Cooperstown but he still has some more milestones to collect and hall of famers to exceed. The Angel has 614 career Home Runs, which is good enough for 7th all-time and is 16 away from Ken Griffey Jr. Pujols is certainly in decline but he still puts up decent power numbers so a change in the top ten should take place this year.

Adrian Beltre and Miguel Cabrera are both 38 Home Runs away from the magical 500 number. Both should be able to make it eventually, but it is unlikely that either will go yard enough to make that this year. Edwin Encarnacion is only 2 away from 350. Giancarlo Stanton, who is now with the New York Yankees hit 59 last year. He only needs 33 this year to reach 300.

Hits:

Two active players and future Cooperstown residents, Ichiro Suzuki (3,080) and Adrian Beltre (3,048) have collected over 3,000 Hits and Albert Pujols is 32 away from joining them. While we are not sure about seeing Miguel Cabrera get his 500th Home Run this season he is 114 Hits away from 2,750. With the exception of Pete Rose (banned) and Barry Bonds (PED) the only eligible players who have hit that mark and have not received a Hall of Fame call are Harold Baines (2,866), Johnny Damon (2,769) and Vada Pinson are not in. Cabrera already has a better resume than those three.

Robinson Cano needs 124 Hits to reach 2,500 and Joe Mauer is 14 away from 2,000.

bWAR for Position Players:

Like it or not traditionalists, this a statistic that matters, even though nobody will talk about where they were the day their favorite player accrued a three digit career bWAR.

Coincidentally we could see that happen this year as Albert Pujols has a career bWAR of 99.4, just a fraction away…however he was already there before the last year began as his 2017 output was -1.8!   Basically he already was the 31st member of the 100 bWAR club only to have his membership rescinded.

In more specific terms of the average bWAR for Hall of Famers in relation to their position only Robinson Cano can hit a significant mark. At present he has a 65.9 bWAR, which is lower than the 69.5 average of Hall of Fame Second Basemen. A 3.6 bWAR in 2018 is not out of the realm for Cano, though it is worth noting that he already has a higher JAWS than the average Second Baseman (58.2 to 57.0).

Wins:

Arguably, this traditional metric means less and less but in terms of accumulating stats this is still highly regarded, though it may be a long time before we see another 300 game winner. We might however see a new 250 game winner this year.

It is unlikely that it will happen from the active Wins leader, Bartolo Colon. At present, he has 240 Wins but is struggling to latch on to any team. C.C. Sabathia however has a good shot as he has 237 career Wins and is playing for a loaded New York Yankees team. If he equals his output from last year (14) he is there.

If 200 is the new 300 as it has been suggested in some circles than recent World Series winner Justin Verlander should be the next to join what is now an elite club. He only needs 12 more Wins and with a full season in Houston he should get there this season.

Strikeouts:

While 300 Wins seems unattainable, 3,000 Strikeouts does not. At present there are 24 300 game winners and only 16 members of the 3K Strikeouts Club, with all but Roger Clemens and Curt Schilling who are enshrined. A 17th member could happen this year. C.C. Sabathia is 156 Ks from the club though based on his recent production in that metric it could take until 2019 for him to reach it.

The 2,500 Strikeout plateau sees Justin Verlander 84 away. Another former Cy Young winner Felix Hernandez is 158 away but that he will have to return to All Star form for it to occur this year.

bWAR for Pitchers:

The average bWAR for a Hall of Fame Starting Pitcher is 73.4. The highest for any active hurler is Sabathia at 59.8, so it can safely be stated that this is not being equalled in 2018.   The one to watch here is Clayton Kershaw who in seven seasons less than Sabathia has a 58.8 bWAR. He could easily take over as the active bWAR for Pitchers leader and considering that the three time Cy Young winner was the runner-up for the award last year he is still in his prime, while Sabathia is not. Whether or not Kershaw gets to 200 Wins (he is at 144 now) he is very close to being a sabremetric lock.

The only other interesting potential Pitching milestone of note appears to have limited chance of happening as Francisco Rodriguez, who has 437 career Saves (fourth overall) has just been cut by the Philadelphia Phillies so reaching 450 might prove difficult.

These are the milestones we will be looking at this season. Are there any that you are looking for?

Either way, Hall of Fame career will be made this year.

Vladimir Guerrero has announced in a news conference that he will be entering the Baseball Hall of Fame as an Angel making him the first to enter Cooperstown with a halo on the cap.

Guerrero actually had a longer run with the Montreal Expos, the team for which he debuted for in 1996. As an Expo, he played for eight seasons with four All Star Game appearances with 234 Home Runs, a Slash Line of .323/.390/.588 and a bWAR of 31.8. His tenure with the Angels was only six seasons with four All Star Games, 173 Home Runs, a Slash Line of .319/.381/.546 and a bWAR 24.3.

While his numbers accumulatively in Montreal exceed that of the Angels, Guerrero’s best individual years were with the Angels. In his first year with the then named Anaheim Angels, “The Impaler” was named the American League MVP. He was the second runner-up for the Award two other times.

This may make fans of the Montreal Expos sad but there is solace in that there are already three donning that chapeau in Gary Carter, Andre Dawson and last year’s inductee, Tim Raines.

We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to congratulate the Angels organization for seeing one of their own in the Hall!

This is one of the days that we eagerly await annually as we now know who will comprise the Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2018.

Chipper Jones, Jim Thome, Vladimir Guerrero and Trevor Hoffman have been chosen as all three received the necessary 75% of the vote from the Baseball Hall of Fame voters.

Jones, who played his entire career with the Atlanta Braves, is the highest vote getter this year with 97.2% of the ballot. Jones is one of the greatest hitting Third Basemen in history accumulating 2,726 Hits with a Slash Line of .303/.401/.529. The 1999 National League MVP also belted 468 Home Runs.

Vladimir Guerrero enters the Hall on his second try. The 2004 American League MVP and nine time All Star received 71.4% of the vote last season and easily cruised into the Hall this year with 92.9%.

Jim Thome also enters Cooperstown on his first try. In comparison to Jones, Thome was a vagabond playing for six different Major League teams, but his power prowess had few equals. The five time All Star blasted 612 Home Runs, which ranks him seventh all-time. Thome received 89.8% of the ballot

Trevor Hoffman enters the Baseball Hall of Fame on his third try and becomes the sixth Relief Pitcher to be inducted. Hoffman is second all-time in Saves and is a two time runner up to the National League Cy Young Award. Hoffman finished with 79.9% of the vote.

Now let’s take a look at those who were not chosen.

Edgar Martinez made another significant jump in the votes. He went from 43.4% to 58.6% and this year he went to 70.4%. This is the ninth year that the Designated Hitter was on the ballot and he is considered to be the best ever at that position. Martinez was tracking well and was projected to be inducted this year but he should be able to get in next year.

Mike Mussina saw his total rise from 51.8% to 63.5%. Sabremetrically speaking, Mussina remains one of the biggest snubs on the ballot, but he has only been on the ballot for five years. This increase could see him enter Cooperstown next year but this double digit rise will bring him induction eventually.

Barry Bonds remains a polarizing figure for the Baseball Hall of Fame, but PEDs or not, this was the best hitter of his era and arguably of all-time. The career Home Run Leader and seven time MVP received 56.4% up from 53.8% from last year.

Roger Clemens is in the exact same boat as Bonds. “The Rocket” was also the best of his generation and is a seven time Cy Young Award winner, though he is a two time World Series winner (unlike Bonds). His numbers increased to 54.1% last year and reached 57.3% this year.

The increase (albeit mild) of both Bonds and Clemens votes shows that the voters are becoming more forgiving of the PED era (with many citing the induction of Bud Selig as a catalyst for their change of heart) and it is also indicative of an influx of younger voters. This is the sixth year on the ballot for Bonds and Clemens and there is certainly hope on the horizon for both; something almost unthinkable three years ago.

Curt Schilling has Hall of Fame numbers but he did not exactly endear himself to voters with his anti-media stance and he was one of the few players to see his total decrease last year. He had 51.2% of the vote, which is up from last year’s 45.0% but down from 2016’s 52.3%. He may still need to grovel to the media for his upswing to resume.

Omar Vizquel is also on his first ballot and he received 37% of the vote. The Shortstop won eleven Gold Gloves and is regarded as one of the best defensive players ever. Vizquel also had 2,877 career Hits. He should be very happy with this debut number.

Larry Walker did see his total rise from to 34.1% but he is running out of time. The former National League MVP is still suffering from the Coors Field market and he has only two more years on the ballot.

Fred McGriff continues to tread water. “The Crime Dog” was only at 23.2% of the vote, which is his ninth year on the ballot. The First Baseman finished with 493 Home Runs but has never finished higher than 25%.

Manny Ramirez continues to struggle in his Hall of Fame voting. Ramirez has incredible career numbers, which are definitely Hall of Fame worthy but he was suspended twice for PEDs, something that did not happen to Bonds and Clemens. His tally was 22%, down slightly from last year.

Jeff Kent received 14.5% of the vote and with this being his sixth year on the ballot it is not looking good for the 2000 National League MVP.

Gary Sheffield received 11.1% in his fourth year of eligibility. “Shef” needs Bonds and Clemens to get in to have any real shot of getting into the Hall of Fame. He is a nine time All Star with 509 career Home Runs.

Billy Wagner received 11.1% in his third year of the ballot, which is enough to keep him on the ballot.

Scott Rolen only finished with10.2 on his first year of eligibility. Rolen’s biggest asset is his 70.0 bWAR but his traditional metrics will still give him a look for years to come. He should see his numbers rise in upcoming years.

Sammy Sosa held on with 7.8% of the vote. He is unlikely to make it to Cooperstown.

Andruw Jones received 7.3% on his first appearance on the ballot. The native of Curacao has over 400 Home Runs and is a four time league leader in Defensive bWAR.

Three notable first timers on ballot did not make it to 5%, that being Johan Santana, Jamie Moyer and Johnny Damon.

The others who did not earn enough votes were Chris Carpenter, Livan Hernandez, Orlando Hudson, Aubrey Huff, Jason Isringhausen, Carlos Lee, Brad Lidge, Hideki Matsui, Kevin Millwood, Kerry Wood and Carlos Zambrano.

These three will join previously chosen Veterans Committee Selections, Alan Trammell and Jack Morris and Ford C. Frick recipient, Bob Costas.

We will be revamping our Notinhallofame.com Baseball list shortly. Look for that in late February.

We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to congratulate the newest members of the Baseball Hall of Fame. We don’t know about you but this is the most excited that we have been in years about a Hall of Fame Class!

We here at Notinhalloffame.com thought it would be fun to take a look at the major awards in North American team sports and see how it translates into Hall of Fame potential.

Needless to say, different awards in different sports yield hall of fame potential. In basketball, the team sport with the least amount of players on a roster, the dividend for greatness much higher. In baseball, it is not as much as a great individual season does not have the same impact.

We are now taking a look at the Gold Glove Award, given annually to the best defensive player in MLB in each respective position.

This will take awhile, so be patient with us!

We have just tackled Catcher, First, Second Base and Shortstop.

As you can imagine, we are continuing with “the hot corner” of Third Base.

The following are the past players who have won the Gold Glove at Shortstop who are eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame and have been enshrined.

Brooks Robinson, AL Baltimore Orioles (1960)

2.0 dWAR. Let’s begin with the long story of the man regarded as the greatest defensive player at Third Base shall we? In what would be his first All Star and Gold Glove season, Brooks Robinson would finish third in American League MVP voting. Robinson finished fifth overall in Defensive bWAR and would lead in Putouts, Assists, Total Zone Runs, Range Factor per Game and Fielding Percentage. Get used to seeing the name Brooks Robinson all over this page! Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983.

Brooks Robinson, AL Baltimore Orioles (2) (1961)

1.9 dWAR. An All Star again, Robinson would finish sixth in the AL in Defensive bWAR. While he would only finish first in Fielding Percentage he was second overall in Total Zone Runs.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983.

Brooks Robinson, AL Baltimore Orioles (3) (1962)

2.1 dWAR. This year, Robinson was the American League leader in bWAR and fifth in Defensive bWAR. Like the season before, he would finish first in Fielding Percentage and second in Total Zone Runs. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983.

Brooks Robinson, AL Baltimore Orioles (4) (1963)

1.5 dWAR. Finishing 7th in Defensive bWAR, Brooks Robinson would lead the American League Third Basemen in Assists, Putouts, Double Plays Turned and Fielding Percentage. He was also second in Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983.

Brooks Robinson, AL Baltimore Orioles (5) (1964)

2.2 dWAR. Robinson had his best season as he again led the American League in bWAR and was named the Most Valuable Player. Robinson would also finish seventh in Defensive bWAR. In addition to winning his lone RBI title, he would also finish first at his position in Putouts, Assists, Double Plays Turned and Fielding Percentage and would again finish second in Total Zone Runs. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983.

Ron Santo, NL Chicago Cubs (1964)

0.8 dWAR. Ron Santo would offensively lead the NL in On Base Percentage while batting over .300 for the first time. An All Star for the second time in his career Santo finished eighth in MVP voting. While his sub 1.0 Defensive bWAR seems low he was still first among the National League Third Baseman in Assists, Putouts, Double Plays Turned and Range Factor per Game. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012.

Brooks Robinson, AL Baltimore Orioles (6) (1965)

1.2 dWAR. Robinson may be the greatest defensive Third Baseman of all time but he was gifted at least two Gold Gloves. Here is one of them, as he did not lead in any defensive category. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983.

Ron Santo, NL Chicago Cubs (2) (1965)

1.2 dWAR. Santo was again an All Star and he would finish first at his position in Putouts, Assists, Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. This was the first year where he finished first in Total Zone Runs. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012.

Brooks Robinson, AL Baltimore Orioles (7) (1966)

0.6 dWAR. …and here is the second unwarranted Gold Glove for Brooks, though he did finish first in Fielding Percentage. In both 1965 and 1966 he failed to be in the top five amongst American League Third Basemen in Total Zone Runs. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983.

Ron Santo, NL Chicago Cubs (3) (1966)

1.2 dWAR. Lather, rinse, repeat. Santo was again an All Star and he would finish first at his position in Putouts, Assists, Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012.

Brooks Robinson, AL Baltimore Orioles (8) (1967)

4.2 dWAR. Talk about a comeback! His 4.2 was more than enough to lead in Defensive bWAR as was his 32 Total Zone Runs marking the first time he led the American League in those metrics. Robinson also finished first at his position in Assists, Range Factor per Game and Fielding Percentage. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983.

Ron Santo, NL Chicago Cubs (4) (1967)

2.7 dWAR. In what would be the best season of Ron Santo’s career, he would finish fourth in MVP voting, first in bWAR and second in Defensive bWAR. Santo would again finish first in Putouts, Assists, Double Plays Turned, Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. He was second overall in Total Zone Runs this season. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012.

Brooks Robinson, AL Baltimore Orioles (9) (1968)

4.5 dWAR. With a 4.5 Defensive bWAR and 33 Total Zone Runs, this season exceed his stellar 1967 defensive run and this was arguably the best of his career. The future Hall of Famer would finish first in Assists and Fielding Percentage. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983.

Ron Santo, NL Chicago Cubs (5) (1968)

1.5 dWAR. Santo finished tenth in the National League in Defensive bWAR. At his position he would lead in Assists, Double Plays Turned, Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. It was the first and only time he would finish at the top in Fielding Percentage. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012.

Brooks Robinson, AL Baltimore Orioles (10) (1969)

2.9 dWAR. This was still good enough to finish second overall in Defensive bWAR and had 23 Total Zone Runs, also enough for second in the AL in first overall at Third Base. Robinson would additionally finish first amongst his peers in Assists and Fielding Percentage. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983.

Brooks Robinson, AL Baltimore Orioles (11) (1970)

0.8 dWAR. Like 1966 & 1967, 1970 was a season where Brooks Robinson should not have been awarded a Gold Glove. He would however help Baltimore win the World Series and was named the MVP of the Fall Classic. Defensively however, Robinson would not come close to finishing first in any defensive category. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983.

Brooks Robinson, AL Baltimore Orioles (12) (1971)

2.8 dWAR. Robinson rebounded defensively with a third place finish in Defensive bWAR. While he did not finish first in any defensive statistic, he was second in Total Zone Runs amongst the Third Basemen of the American League. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983.

Brooks Robinson, AL Baltimore Orioles (13) (1972)

2.6 dWAR. Robinson rebounded defensively with a third place finish in Defensive bWAR. Robinson finished first in his position in Total Zone Runs and Fielding Percentage. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983.

Brooks Robinson, AL Baltimore Orioles (14) (1973)

2.5 dWAR. This season Brooks Robinson finished sixth in Defensive bWAR with a second place finish in Total Zone Runs amongst the AL Third Basemen. He did not finish first in any defensive stat. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983

Brooks Robinson, AL Baltimore Orioles (15) (1974)

2.1 dWAR. You would think we would be tired of writing about Brooks Robinson, but here we are with another top ten finish in Defensive bWAR (fourth place) here we are again! At his position, Robinson would lead in Assists, Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983.

Brooks Robinson, AL Baltimore Orioles (16) (1975)

2.5 dWAR. This was the final full season of Brooks Robinson’s legendary career and he finished in style with his sixteenth Gold Glove, earned with a third place finish in Defensive bWAR. 1975 would also see him finish first in Total Zone Runs and Fielding Percentage amongst the American League Third Basemen. Robinson’s positional defensive records include the most Putouts, Assists, Double Plays Turned and Total Zone Runs. In the latter category he is first among all players and is third all time in Defensive bWAR. This WAS the best Third Baseman that ever played the game! Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983.

Mike Schmidt, NL Philadelphia Phillies (1976)

1.9 dWAR. Prior to Mike Schmidt’s first Gold Glove, he had already finished in the top ten in Defensive bWAR twice before. In 1976, Schmidt finished ninth in Defensive bWAR and finished third in MVP voting. The Third Baseman would lead his position in Assists and Range Factor per Game, while finishing second in Total Zone Runs. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1995.

Mike Schmidt, NL Philadelphia Phillies (2) (1977)

2.5 dWAR. This would be Mike Schmidt’s highest single season in Defensive bWAR and he would also finish first overall in the National League in bWAR. Schmidt would also have career highs in Total Zone Runs (20, leading his position) and also finished first in Assists and Range Factor per Game. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1995.

Mike Schmidt, NL Philadelphia Phillies (3) (1978)

1.8 dWAR. Schmidt would finish seventh overall in Defensive bWAR in the NL and would lead in Double Plays Turned and Total Zone Runs at Third Base in the National League. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1995.

Mike Schmidt, NL Philadelphia Phillies (4) (1979)

1.1 dWAR. Mike Schmidt did not finish in the top ten in Defensive bWAR in the NL, though this would be the second of four seasons where he would finish first on the Offensive side of the ledger. Schmidt would finish first at his position in Double Plays Turned and Total Zone Runs. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1995.

Mike Schmidt, NL Philadelphia Phillies (5) (1980)

1.5 dWAR. How good a 1980 was it for Mike Schmidt? He would win the National League MVP Award, the World Series and the World Series MVP. Defensively, he was tenth overall in Defensive bWAR (while being first in Offensive bWAR) and was the National League Third Base leader in Assists, Double Plays Turned, Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1995.

Mike Schmidt, NL Philadelphia Phillies (6) (1981)

1.2 dWAR. Schmidt was seventh in Defensive bWAR in the NL, which would be the last time he was in the top ten in that statistic. He would again finish first at his position in Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1995.

Mike Schmidt, NL Philadelphia Phillies (7) (1982)

0.7 dWAR. Mike Schmidt may have had a lower Defensive bWAR but he would finish first at Third Base in the NL in Assists and Double Plays Turned. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1995.

Mike Schmidt, NL Philadelphia Phillies (8) (1983)

0.7 dWAR. Matching the Defensive bWAR he had in the season previous, Mike Schmidt would lead in Assists and Double Plays Turned at the Third Base position. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1995.

Mike Schmidt, NL Philadelphia Phillies (9) (1984)

1.4 dWAR. Realistically, this was the last decent season with the glove for Mike Schmidt, while he would not finish first in any defensive metric at Third Base. He would however finish second in Total Zone Runs at Third in the NL. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1995.

George Brett, AL Kansas City Royals (1985)

0.4 dWAR. George Brett had an incredible 1985. He finished second in MVP voting and led the Royals to a World Series win. Brett was a first ballot Hall of Famer and the greatest Kansas City Royal of all-time. However, this does not make him worthy of the ’85 Gold Glove. While he did lead in Assists and Double Plays Turned, he was not in the top five in Total Zone Runs. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

Mike Schmidt, NL Philadelphia Phillies (10) (1986)

-0.1 dWAR. This is hard for us. We love Mike Schmidt and especially that he is a two time MVP, the second of which he obtained this year. Still, he won a Gold Glove here with a negative Defensive bWAR and did not remotely come close to finishing first in any defensive category. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1995.

Wade Boggs, AL New York Yankees (1994)

0.4 dWAR. There was a time when a case could be made for Wade Boggs to win the Gold Glove but that never should have been case when he was with New York.yet here we are. While he did finish first among the AL Third Basemen in Range Factor per Game he was not a top five finisher in Total Zone Runs nor would finish in the top in any other defensive statistic. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005.

Wade Boggs, AL New York Yankees (1995)

0.7 dWAR. Boggs did have a somewhat better Defensive bWAR and he did lead the American League Third Basemen in Fielding Percentage but he also again failed to finish in the top five in Total Zone Runs and was also not in the top five this year in Range Factor per Game. This is a worthy Hall of Famer but not worthy to own two Gold Gloves. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005.

The following are the players who have won the Gold Glove at Third Base who are eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame and have not been selected:

Frank Malzone, ML Boston Red Sox (1957)

1.2 dWAR. The first Gold Glove winner at third base was the runner-up for the Rookie of the Year and would go to fist of six All Star Games. Malzone also finished seventh in MVP voting and would lead in Putouts, Assists, Double Plays Turned, Range Factor per Game and Fielding Percentage. Although Malzone was Hall of Fame eligible in 1972 he was not on the ballot.

Frank Malzone, AL Boston Red Sox (2) (1958)

1.3 dWAR. Again an All Star, Malzone finished eighth overall in Defensive bWAR, the only time he would do so. He would finish atop the American League Third Basemen in Assists, Double Plays Turned, Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. Although Malzone was Hall of Fame eligible in 1972 he was not on the ballot.

Ken Boyer, NL St. Louis Cardinals (1958)

1.7 dWAR. Boyer would finish eighth overall in Defensive bWAR in the National League and finish first in Putouts, Double Plays Turned and Range Factor per Game. He would also finish second in Total Zone Runs. Boyer was on the ballot for fifteen years and finished as high as 25.5% in 1988. He is ranked #58 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Frank Malzone, AL Boston Red Sox (3) (1959)

0.2 dWAR. While Malzone did lead in Assists and Double Plays Turned, this was not a spectacular defensive year overall. He was not in the top ten in Total Zone Runs. Although Malzone was Hall of Fame eligible in 1972 he was not on the ballot.

Ken Boyer, NL St. Louis Cardinals (2) (1959)

1.1 dWAR. An All Star for the second time of his career, Boyer would finish tenth overall in MVP voting. In terms of defense, Boyer still finished eighth in Defensive bWAR while finishing first amongst the NL Third Basemen in Double Plays Turned and Total Zone Runs. Boyer was on the ballot for fifteen years and finished as high as 25.5% in 1988. He is ranked #58 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Ken Boyer, NL St. Louis Cardinals (3) (1960)

1.0 dWAR. This would be Boyer’s third All Star season and he would finish sixth in MVP voting. This year Boyer would only finish first defensively in Double Plays Turned. Boyer was on the ballot for fifteen years and finished as high as 25.5% in 1988. He is ranked #58 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Ken Boyer, NL St. Louis Cardinals (4) (1961)

1.6 dWAR. Boyer would finish seventh in Defensive bWAR and would again be an All Star.   He would finish first in Assists and Total Zone Runs. Boyer was on the ballot for fifteen years and finished as high as 25.5% in 1988. He is ranked #58 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Jim Davenport, NL San Francisco Giants (1962)

1.1 dWAR. Offensively speaking, this was the best season of Jim Davenport’s career as he had career highs in Hits (144), Home Runs (14), Batting Average (.297) and OPS (.813). Whether or not this was the nest defensive year of Davenport’s career can be debated, but this was the season where he won the Gold Glove and was also an All Star. Davenport likely should not have won this as he did not really come close to leading in any defensive category. Although Davenport was Hall of Fame eligible in 1976 he was not on the ballot.

Ken Boyer, NL St. Louis Cardinals (5) (1963)

0.2 dWAR. Of the five Gold Gloves that Ken Boyer would win, this is the one that should be disputed. The only statistic that Boyer would lead in was Errors and he was not a top ten finisher in Total Zone Runs, Range Factor per Game and Fielding Percentage. He would however win the National League MVP and the World Series in 1964. Boyer was on the ballot for fifteen years and finished as high as 25.5% in 1988. He is ranked #58 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Clete Boyer, NL Atlanta Braves (1969)

2.1 dWAR. Had there been no Brooks Robinson, it is possible that Clete Boyer would have won a few Gold Gloves as his defensive prowess as a New York Yankee often rivaled that of the Hall of Fame Oriole. Boyer would finish first in the American League in Defensive bWAR in 1961 and 1962 and in ’69 was fourth in the NL (followed by a second place finish the following year). Boyer would be first amongst National League Third Basemen in Total Zone Runs.   While Clete Boyer would retire with only one Gold Glove, he had a career that easily could have warranted five. Boyer was on the ballot for two years and finished as high as 0.7% in 1979.

Doug Rader, NL Houston Astros (1970)

1.0 dWAR. We just looked at Clete Boyer who won one Gold Glove and probably should have won five. Here we have Doug Radar who won five and probably should have won one, which this one could be argued for. Rader finished first in Putouts, Assists, Double Plays Turned, Range Factor per Game and Fielding Percentage. Boyer was on the ballot for two years and finished as high as 0.7% in 1979.

Doug Rader, NL Houston Astros (2) (1971)

0.2 dWAR. While Doug Rader would not finish with a very impressive 0.2 Defensive bWAR, Rader would however finish first in one defensive category, Errors by a Third Baseman. Boyer was on the ballot for two years and finished as high as 0.7% in 1979.

Doug Rader, NL Houston Astros (3) (1972)

0.8 dWAR. Rader would finish first in the National League Third Baseman in Assists and Double Plays Turned. Boyer was on the ballot for two years and finished as high as 0.7% in 1979.

Doug Rader, NL Houston Astros (4) (1973)

-0.2 dWAR. Ugh, we hate it when a Gold Glove is awarded to someone with a negative Defensive bWAR. He did lead in Putouts (and Errors) at Third and was not a top five finisher in Total Zone Runs. Boyer was on the ballot for two years and finished as high as 0.7% in 1979.

Doug Rader, NL Houston Astros (5) (1974)

0.5 dWAR. In what would be the final Gold Glove in the career for Doug Rader, we again see him as someone who is undeserving. This year, he did not finish first in any defensive statistic. Seriously, we think he won five Gold Gloves simply because he played in the most games at Third over this time frame. Over his five Gold Glove seasons, Rader would have a total Defensive bWAR of 2.2. Not exactly stellar is it? Boyer was on the ballot for two years and finished as high as 0.7% in 1979.

Ken Reitz, NL St. Louis Cardinals (1975)

-1.4 dWAR. Is this for real? Ken Reitz had a career Defensive bWAR of 1.3, which is bad enough but he wins a Gold Glove on his worst ever year with the glove? Reitz did play the most games at Third, but still didn’t come close to finishing first in any defensive stat. Who voted for this? Although Reitz was Hall of Fame eligible in 1988 he was not on the ballot.

Aurelio Rodriguez, AL Detroit Tigers (1976)

0.3 dWAR. While there might have been seasons where Aurelio Rodriguez should have won a Gold Glove, this was not one of those years. He would finish first in Fielding Percentage at his position but was nowhere close in any other category. Although Rodriguez was Hall of Fame eligible in 1989 he was not on the ballot.

Graig Nettles, AL New York Yankees (1977)

1.4 dWAR. Graig Nettles had already secured four seasons of a Defensive bWAR over 2.5, but this was the first campaign where he would win a Gold Glove. Nettles had a good defensive season but did not finish at the top in any defensive statistic, though this was also the Yankees World Series championship team. This might have propelled him to a win. Graig Nettles is ranked #77 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Graig Nettles, AL New York Yankees (1978)

1.8 dWAR. Nettles finished sixth in Defensive bWAR, which would be the seventh and final time he would finish in the top ten. 1978 would also see the Yankees win the World Series again, which certainly doesn’t hurt him winning the Gold Glove. He would finish first in Double Plays Turned by a Third Baseman. Graig Nettles is ranked #77 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Buddy Bell, AL Texas Rangers (1979)

3.7 dWAR. This would be Buddy Bell’s finest defensive season in terms of Defensive bWAR, finishing first overall in the American League, and would also do the same for Total Zone Runs. At Third Base, Bell did not finish first in any other defensive metric than TZR, but was second in Range Factor per Game and Fielding Percentage. Bell was on the ballot for one year in 1995 and received 1.7% of the ballot.

Buddy Bell, AL Texas Rangers (2) (1980)

1.6 dWAR. Buddy Bell would finish eighth in the AL in Defensive bWAR while making his first All Star Game appearance since 1973. Bell would finish first among the American League Third Basemen in Range Factor per Game and Fielding Percentage and was second in Total Zone Runs. Bell was on the ballot for one year in 1995 and received 1.7% of the ballot.

Buddy Bell, AL Texas Rangers (3) (1981)

3.3 dWAR. For the second and final time, Buddy Bell would lead the American League in Defensive BWAR and Total Zone Runs. Bell would be tops amongst the AL Third Basemen in Assists, Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. Bell was on the ballot for one year in 1995 and received 1.7% of the ballot.

Buddy Bell, AL Texas Rangers (4) (1982)

1.8 dWAR. Bell would finish overall in the AL in Defensive bWAR and at the hot corner he would statistically rank first in Putouts, Total Zone Runs, Range Factor per Game and Fielding Percentage. Bell was on the ballot for one year in 1995 and received 1.7% of the ballot.

Buddy Bell, AL Texas Rangers (5) (1983)

2.0 dWAR. Finishing fourth overall in Defensive bWAR in the AL, Bell was first at his position in Putouts and Total Zone Runs. He was also second in Range Factor Per Game. Bell was on the ballot for one year in 1995 and received 1.7% of the ballot.

Buddy Bell, AL Texas Rangers (6) (1984)

2.2 dWAR. This was Buddy Bell’s final top ten finish in Defensive bWAR (he finished seventh) and overall posted an excellent career 23.0 in that. In 1984 Buddy Bell would lead all American League Third Basemen in Range Factor per Game and second in Total Zone Runs. Bell was on the ballot for one year in 1995 and received 1.7% of the ballot.

Tim Wallach, NL Montreal Expos (1985)

2.9 dWAR. The year before, Tim Wallach finished with 2.2 in Defensive bWAR, which was good enough for third in the NL. This year, his 2.9 was enough for second, his highest finish ever. Wallach would also record his first Silver Slugger win. At Third Base, Wallach topped all in the National League in Putouts, Assists, Double Plays Turned, Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. Notably, he would also finish first in Total Zone Runs overall in the league. Wallach was on the ballot for one year in 2002 and received 0.2% of the ballot.

Gary Gaetti, AL Minnesota Twins (1986)

1.2 dWAR. Gaetti actually had a stronger case in the two years previous, but this is not a terrible choice. Gaetti finished first at Third Base in the AL in Double Plays Turned, Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. Gaetti was on the ballot for one year in 2006 and received 0.8% of the ballot.

Gary Gaetti, AL Minnesota Twins (2) (1987)

0.6 dWAR. Gaetti finished first in Putouts amongst the American League Third Basemen but also played the most games that year. He was second in Fielding Percentage but nowhere to be found at the top in Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. Gaetti was however on the World Series Champions and was the past winner. Not a great choice this year. Gaetti was on the ballot for one year in 2006 and received 0.8% of the ballot.

Terry Pendleton, NL St. Louis Cardinals (1987)

0.2 dWAR. Hmmmm. In the two years before, Terry Pendleton finished over 2.0 in Defensive bWAR, but this is the year he wins the Gold Glove? Probably, because this was first offensive season that didn’t suck. Pendleton actually had NEGATIVE Offensive bWARs in the two years before. He did however in 1987 finish first amongst the NL Third Basemen in Assists and Range Factor per Game. Pendleton was on the ballot for one year in 2004 and received 0.2% of the ballot.

Gary Gaetti, AL Minnesota Twins (3) (1988)

-0.2 dWAR. While this would be Gaetti’s first All Star Game, he would win his third Gold Glove with a negative Defensive bWAR. He was second in Fielding Percentage but was not top ten in any other defensive statistic. Gaetti was on the ballot for one year in 2006 and received 0.8% of the ballot.

Tim Wallach, NL Montreal Expos (2) (1988)

1.9 dWAR. Wallach would finish ninth overall Defensive bWAR in what was arguably his last great season defensively. Wallach would lead the National League Third Basemen in Putouts and Double Plays Turned and finished second in Total Zone Runs. Wallach was on the ballot for one year in 2002 and received 0.2% of the ballot.

Gary Gaetti, AL Minnesota Twins (4) (1989)

0.9 dWAR. This was Gary Gaetti’s fourth and final Gold Glove and realistically he probably should not have won any of them, though in 1990 he would have a 2.4 Defensive bWAR. Gaetti finished third in Total Zone Runs and second in Fielding Percentage at his position. Gaetti was on the ballot for one year in 2006 and received 0.8% of the ballot.

Terry Pendleton, NL St. Louis Cardinals (2) (1989)

2.3 dWAR. As opposed to the first Gold Glove that he should not have won, the second one from Terry Pendleton was definitely warranted. He would finish sixth in the NL in Defensive bWAR while leading all league Third Basemen in Assists, Range Factor per Game and Fielding Percentage while finishing second in Total Zone Runs. Pendleton was on the ballot for one year in 2004 and received 0.2% of the ballot.

Kelly Gruber, AL Toronto Blue Jays (1990)

-0.6 dWAR. Here is another strange one. Kelly Gruber had a good career in Toronto and in 1990 he put up career highs in Home Runs, RBIs, Slugging Percentage and OPS. He finished fourth in MVP voting that year, also a career high. He would however also have a career low in Defensive bWAR, which showed how much the Gold Glove voters pay attention to the bat. He would have the most Putouts but had a poor season overall defensively. Although Gruber was Hall of Fame eligible in 1999, he was not on the ballot.

Tim Wallach, NL Montreal Expos (3) (1990)

0.0 dWAR. We already said that Wallach arguably had his last great defensive season but that did not mean that he did not win another Gold Glove, though he clearly shouldn’t have. The Expo might have played the most games at Third but he did not finish at the top in any defensive statistic. Wallach was on the ballot for one year in 2002 and received 0.2% of the ballot.

Robin Ventura, AL Chicago White Sox (1991)

0.7 dWAR. The first of six Gold Gloves for Robin Ventura was a bit of a curious one. Ventura finished first in Putouts at Third, but he also finished first in Errors. He did not come close to leading in any other defensive statistic. Ventura was on the ballot for one year in 2010 and received 1.3% of the ballot.

Matt Williams, NL San Francisco Giants (1991)

1.1 dWAR. Williams had a decent year defensively and while there have certainly been more dynamic Gold Glove winners at Third Base this wasn’t a year where there was great competition. He would finish first in Putouts and Total Zone Runs. Williams was on the ballot for one year in 2009 and received 1.3% of the ballot.

Robin Ventura, AL Chicago White Sox (2) (1992)

1.7 dWAR. Ventura would this year finish ninth overall in Defensive bWAR and would go to his first All Star Game. Among his peers at Third Base in the AL, Ventura was atop in Putouts, Assists, Double Plays Turned, Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. Ventura was on the ballot for one year in 2010 and received 1.3% of the ballot.

Terry Pendleton, NL Atlanta Braves (3) (1992)

0.7 dWAR. Now an Atlanta Brave, Pendleton was coming off an MVP season, Pendleton would finish second this year. This was not a terrible season defensively as he finished first in Assists and Range Factor per Game, but he only had 4 Total Zone Runs and was not exactly elite at the Third. Pendleton was on the ballot for one year in 2004 and received 0.2% of the ballot.

Robin Ventura, AL Chicago White Sox (3) (1993)

1.9 dWAR. This year, Ventura would finish tenth in Defensive bWAR while finishing first in Total Zone Runs and second in Fielding Percentage. Ventura was on the ballot for one year in 2010 and received 1.3% of the ballot.

Matt Williams, NL San Francisco Giants (2) (1993)

1.3 dWAR. Williams would finish sixth in MVP voting and was also a Silver Slugger. Defensively he would finish first in Double Plays Turned and second in Total Zone Runs. Williams was on the ballot for one year in 2009 and received 1.3% of the ballot.

Matt Williams, NL San Francisco Giants (3) (1994)

0.9 dWAR. Williams would win the National League Home Run Title and finished second in MVP voting. Again, this was not a spectacular defensive season for Williams but there were not a lot of competition for this. Amongst the National League Third Basemen he finished first in Assists and Range Factor per Game and second in Total Zone Runs. Williams was on the ballot for one year in 2009 and received 1.3% of the ballot.

Ken Caminiti, NL San Diego Padres (1995)

-1.0 dWAR. Once again we have a case of a bat winning a Gold Glove. Caminiti had two Gold Glove worthy seasons (1989 & 1994) and he did not win in those seasons. In 1995, Caminiti had his first 25 Home Run and .300 season. While Caminiti did finish first in Assists and Double Plays Turned, he also played the most defensive games at Third. He also led in Errors, was not in the top five in Total Zone Runs and Fielding Percentage. Caminiti was on the ballot for one year in 2007 and received 0.4% of the ballot.

Robin Ventura, AL Chicago White Sox (4) (1996)

0.9 dWAR. This is the second time that Robin Ventura won the Gold Glove when he probably should not have. While he did finish first in Putouts and Double Plays Turned, his finish in Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game was a pedestrian fifth place. Ventura was on the ballot for one year in 2010 and received 1.3% of the ballot.

Ken Caminiti, NL San Diego Padres (2) (1996)

0.3 dWAR. Caminiti was an offensive beast this year with 40 Home Runs and a .326 Batting Average. He was voted the National League MVP and was named a Silver Slugger. Defensively, he was better than 1995, but far from Gold Glove worthy. He would finish first in Range Factor per Game amongst the NL Third Basemen but again he was not in the top five Total Zone Runs. Caminiti was on the ballot for one year in 2007 and received 0.4% of the ballot.

Matt Williams, AL Cleveland Indians (4) (1997)

1.9 dWAR. With a tenth place finish in Defensive bWAR, this would be the only time that Matt Williams would place in the top ten in this metric. Incidentally, it was also the only season he would play in the American League. Williams would not finish first at Third Base in the AL in any defensive stat, but put up a career high 17 Total Zone Runs, enough for second in that statistic.  Williams was on the ballot for one year in 2009 and received 1.3% of the ballot.

Ken Caminiti, NL San Diego Padres (3) (1997)

-1.0 dWAR. This was the third in final Gold Glove for Caminiti and he went three for three in terms of not deserving any of them. His highest finish defensively was second…in Errors. Hey, the decisions overall do get better! Caminiti was on the ballot for one year in 2007 and received 0.4% of the ballot.

Robin Ventura, AL Chicago White Sox (5) (1998)

3.4 dWAR. There is no doubt that this was the finest defensive season that Robin Ventura had in Major League Baseball. Not only did the Third Baseman finish first in the AL in Defensive bWAR, he would do so in Total Zone Runs. He would also lead all of the AL Third Basemen in Assists and Double Plays Turned. Ventura was on the ballot for one year in 2010 and received 1.3% of the ballot.

Scott Rolen, NL Philadelphia Phillies (1998)

1.4 dWAR. Rolen was the Rookie of the Year in 1997, and this was a better season both offensively and defensively for the Third Baseman. Rolen finished ninth overall in Defensive bWAR while finishing first among the NL Third Basemen in Putouts and was third in Total Zone Runs. As of this writing, Rolen is on the ballot for the first time.

Scott Brosius, AL New York Yankees (1999)

0.9 dWAR. Scott Brosius was only with the New York Yankees but it did not take long for him to become a very popular one. An All Star in 1998, Brosius would win his only Gold Glove in 1999, though it was far from a dominating season with the glove. Either way, Brosius’ selection was not all bad as he did lead all American League Shortstops in Fielding Percentage and was a respectable third in Total Zone Runs. As there was no clear-cut choice, it didn’t hurt that he was Yankee who had just won his second World Series.   Brosius was on the ballot for one year in 2007 but did not receive any votes.

Robin Ventura, NL New York Mets (6) (1999)

2.8 dWAR. While the previous season was arguably the best ever with his glove, 1999 was his best overall. Ventura, now a New York Met would place sixth overall in MVP voting and fourth in Defensive bWAR in his first year in the National League. As for his position, Ventura was tops in Assists, Total Zone Runs and for the first and only time in his career, Fielding Percentage.  Ventura was on the ballot for one year in 2010 and received 1.3% of the ballot.

Travis Fryman, AL Cleveland Indians (2000)

0.3 dWAR. This would be Travis Fryman’s fifth All Star year and his lone Gold Glove win, but you have to openly ask why he got it. Fryman would finish first in Fielding Percentage at Third in the AL, but he was not in the top five in any other category. Fryman was on the ballot for one year in 2008 and received 0.4% of the vote.

Scott Rolen, NL Philadelphia Phillies (2) (2000)

0.9 dWAR. 1999 was actually a better season defensively where he finished second in Total Zone Runs and first in Range Factor per Game among his peers. In 2000 he was second and fourth respectively but did not finish first in any Defensive statistic. As of this writing, Rolen is on the ballot for the first time.

Scott Rolen, NL Philadelphia Phillies (3) (2001)

1.2 dWAR. While this was a good defensive season for Scott Rolen, you can’t really say that it was a spectacular one. Rolen did finish first in Range Factor per Game and was third in Total Zone Runs. As of this writing, Rolen is on the ballot for the first time.

Scott Rolen, NL Philadelphia Phillies/St. Louis Cardinals (4) (2002)

1.8 dWAR. Rolen was traded midway through the season from Philly to St. Louis, and was first among his peers in Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. Overall in the National League he was sixth in Defensive bWAR. Notably, this was also the first time that Rolen would make an All Star Team and he would also win the Silver Slugger for the only time of his year. As of this writing, Rolen is on the ballot for the first time.

Scott Rolen, NL St. Louis Cardinals (5) (2003)

-0.2 dWAR. Scott Rolen took a step back defensively but the voters didn’t notice as he won his fifth Gold Glove this year. His highest finish in any defensive metric was fourth in Assists. As of this writing, Rolen is on the ballot for the first time.

Scott Rolen, NL St. Louis Cardinals (6) (2004)

3.3 dWAR. Talk about a comeback. Rolen went from -0.2 to 3.3 in Defensive bWAR and for the first and only time in his career would finish atop the National League. It was also the last time that he would finish in the top ten, though he wasn’t done collecting Gold Gloves. Amazingly, his career high of 27 Total Zone Runs would not top the National League Third Basemen, as Adrian Beltre of the Dodgers had a better number. As of this writing, Rolen is on the ballot for the first time.

Mike Lowell, NL Florida Marlins (2005)

-0.5 dWAR. This was another strange win, but as bad as Mike Lowell’s Defensive bWAR was he still finished third in Total Zone Runs and was first in Fielding Percentage. Lowell was a player who did not make a lot of mistakes but also never exerted himself out of his comfort zone. This is also a strange case as this was the first time in three years that he was not an All Star and he was not rewarded for his offense, as he was barely a .300 OBP player in 2005. As of this writing, Rolen is on the ballot for the first time.

Scott Rolen, NL St. Louis Cardinals (7) (2006)

1.8 dWAR. This is actually a good number for Defensive bWAR but in 2006 it wasn’t enough to make the top ten in the NL, nor was his other defensive stats enough to win any defensive statistic at Third Base in the league. This could be the best “bad” win in Gold Glove history. As of this writing, Rolen is on the ballot for the first time.

Scott Rolen, NL Cincinnati Reds (8) (2010)

1.2 dWAR. In what would be Scott Rolen’s final Gold Glove, he did so as a member of the Reds, the only time he would do so. This wasn’t the most warranted Gold Glove of his career as his best statistical finishes was second in both Range Factor per Game and Fielding Percentage. Overall, Rolen probably should not have won eight Gold Gloves but his 20.6 career Defensive bWAR is very good. As of this writing, Rolen is on the ballot for the first time.

Let’s update our tally shall we?

Award in Question	Percentage of recipients who have entered the HOF	Percentage of recipients by year who have entered the HOF.
NBA MVP	100%	100%
NHL Norris	90.5%	96.4%
NBA All Star Game MVP	89.5%	91.7%
NHL Conn Smythe	74.2%	85.4%
NHL Lady Byng	63.8%	76.0%
NFL Super Bowl MVP	60.6%	64.9%
NBA Defensive Player of the Year	58.3%	56.5%
NBA Rookie of the Year	56.5%	56.5%
MLB/NL/AL Cy Young Award	44.4%	55.4%
NHL Frank J. Selke Trophy	33.3%	36.7%
NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year	28.6%	28.6%
MLB Edgar Martinez Award	26.7%	17.2%
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Designated Hitter)	25.0%	30.8%
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Shortstop)	23.5%	52.6%
NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year	20.6%	20.6%
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Catcher)	20.0%	22.5%
MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Second Base)	18.8%	39.8%
MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Shortstop)	18.2%	35.1%
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Pitcher)	18.2%	20.1%
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Second Base)	16.7%	32.7%
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Outfield)	15.7%	25.2%
MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Third Base)	14.3%	14.3%
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Third Base)	13.6%	14.3%
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (First Base)	13.6%	13.3%
MLB (NL/AL) Rookie of the Year	13.3%	13.3%
MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Catcher)	10.3%	15.2%
MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (First Base)	3.8%	3.2%

So who is up next?

The following are the players who have won the Gold Glove at Third Base who have retired but have not met the mandatory years out of the game to qualify for the Baseball Hall of Fame:

 

Eric Chavez, AL Oakland Athletics (2001)

1.5 dWAR. Chavez would not commit many errors and would lead the AL Third Basemen in Fielding Percentage while also finishing first in Assists. He was third in Total Zone Runs. Eligible in the Hall of Fame in 2020.

Eric Chavez, AL Oakland Athletics (2) (2002)

0.0 dWAR. While Eric Chavez may have finished atop in Assists, Putouts and Range Factor per Game he was not in the hunt at all for Total Zone Runs. This was an unspectacular defensive season. Eligible in the Hall of Fame in 2020.

Eric Chavez, AL Oakland Athletics (3) (2003)

1.0 dWAR. This was better than the season before for sure. Chavez would again lead the American League Third Basemen in Assists and Putouts and for the first time led in Range Factor per Game, though he was again not in the top five in Total Zone Runs. Eligible in the Hall of Fame in 2020.

Eric Chavez, AL Oakland Athletics (4) (2004)

1.4 dWAR. Again, this was an improvement from the season before. Chavez repeated his feat of finishing first among his peers in Assists, Putouts and Range Factor per Game but for the first and only time he was atop in Double Plays Turned. He was also second in Total Zone Runs. Eligible in the Hall of Fame in 2020.

Eric Chavez, AL Oakland Athletics (5) (2005)

1.5 dWAR. This is probably the most deserving of his Gold Gloves, though mainly because he had far less worthy competition this year. Chavez would finish first in Range Factor per Game and for the first time was first in Total Zone Runs. Eligible in the Hall of Fame in 2020.

Eric Chavez, AL Oakland Athletics (6) (2006)

0.5 dWAR. In his final Gold Glove year, Eric Chavez had the highest Fielding Percentage and turned the most Double Plays amongst the AL Third Basemen. That is the good news. The bad is that he wasn’t in the top five in Range Factor per Game or Total Zone Runs. Eligible in the Hall of Fame in 2020.

Placido Polanco, NL Philadelphia Phillies (2011)

1.2 dWAR. Placido Polanco won two Gold Gloves as a Second Basemen prior to this one at Third. Polanco was an All Star for the second and final time in his career and he finished first in Range Factor per Game and Fielding Percentage. He was also second in Total Zone Runs. Eligible in the Hall of Fame in 2019.

The following are the players who have won the Gold Glove at Third Base who are still active.

Adrian Beltre, AL Seattle Mariners (2007)

0.7 dWAR. Prior to winning his first Gold Glove, Adrian Beltre had three seasons where he should have been considered for the Gold Glove. Unfortunately when he finally won his first, it was in a year where he really should not have. Beltre was first in Putouts amongst the AL Third Basemen, but also in Errors and was not in the top five in Total Zone Runs or Fielding Percentage. This almost feels like they were saying sorry! 39 Years Old, Playing for the Texas Rangers.

David Wright, NL New York Mets (2007)

1.4 dWAR. Finishing fourth in National League MVP voting, David Wright also would win his first Silver Slugger. In regards to his NL Third base peers, Wright did not finish first in any defensive stat and while this was not the best choice for Gold Glove this was not terrible. Sadly, that is relevant when we are talking about Gold Gloves. 33 Years Old, Playing for the New York Mets.

Adrian Beltre, AL Seattle Mariners (2) (2008)

3.1 dWAR. Sabremetircally speaking this was the best defensive season of Adrian Beltre’s career and thankfully he won the Gold Glove this year. Beltre would finish first for the first and only time in Defensive bWAR in the American League while finishing first in Assists. 39 Years Old, Playing for the Texas Rangers.

David Wright, NL New York Mets (2) (2008)

0.7 dWAR. David Wright won his second Gold Glove (and coincidentally another Silver Slugger) but other than leading the NL Third Basemen in Assists, there was nothing special about his defensive season. The only saving grace here is that neither did anyone else. Incidentally, in 2012 he was named a Wilson Defensive Player but lost the Gold Glove to Andrelton Simmons of Atlanta, who had a stronger case. 33 Years Old, Playing for the New York Mets.

Evan Longoria, AL Tampa Bay Rays (2009)

2.2 dWAR. Following his Rookie of the Year win in 2008, Evan Longoria would win his first Silver Slugger and Gold Glove in 2009. Longoria finished seventh in the AL in Defensive bWAR while also finishing first in Double Plays Turned and Total Zone Runs among the American League Third Basemen. 31 Years Old, Playing for the Tampa Bay Rays.

Ryan Zimmerman, NL Washington Nationals (2009)

2.5 dWAR. Ryan Zimmerman won only one Gold Glove in his career but this was the year it definitely should have occurred. Zimmerman, who was also named an All Star for the first time finished third in Defensive bWAR finished first in Assists and Range Factor per Game. 33 Years Old, Playing for the Washington Nationals.

Evan Longoria, AL Tampa Bay Rays (2) (2010)

2.5 dWAR. Longoria would finish third in Defensive bWAR in the American League and at his position was the leader in Double Plays Turned. He was also second in Total Zone Runs. 31 Years Old, Playing for the Tampa Bay Rays.

Adrian Beltre, AL Texas Rangers (3) (2011)

1.5 dWAR. Adrian Beltre also won the Platinum Glove though he did not finish first in any defensive statistic amongst the AL Third Basemen. He did however finish second in Total Zone Runs. 39 Years Old, Playing for the Texas Rangers.

Adrian Beltre, AL Texas Rangers (4) (2012)

1.4 dWAR. Beltre would win the Platinum Glove for the second time while leading the American League Third Basemen in Putouts. 39 Years Old, Playing for the Texas Rangers.

Chase Headley, NL San Diego Padres (2012)

0.0 dWAR. By far this was the best offensive season that Chase Headley ever had and he finished fifth in MVP voting. Defensively, this was not the case. He did play the most games at Third in the NL where he would lead his peers in Assists and Total Zone Runs, but there was not exactly a surefire winner this year. 34 Years Old, Playing for the New York Yankees.

Manny Machado, AL Baltimore Orioles (2013)

4.3 dWAR. In his second season in the Majors, Manny Machado with a good offensive year and stellar defensive one. Finishing first in Defensive bWAR by 1.5, Machado also put together a 32 Total Zone Run season! He was also first in Double Plays Turned, Range Factor per Game and Fielding Percentage amongst the American League Third Basemen. He would also win the Platinum Glove and the Wilson Defensive Player Award. 25 Years Old, Playing for the Baltimore Orioles.

Nolan Arenado, NL Colorado Rockies (2013)

3.6 dWAR. In his rookie season Nolan Arenado had an incredible defensive campaign with a 3.4 Defensive bWAR, which was good enough for fourth overall in the National League. Amongst the NL Third Basemen he finished first in Range Factor per Game. 27 Years Old, Playing for the Colorado Rockies.

Kyle Seager, AL Seattle Mariners (2014)

1.7 dWAR. 2014 was the first and only time that Seager would be an All Star or a Gold Glove winner. Seager had a decent season and he would finish first amongst the American League Third Basemen in Total Zone Runs and Fielding Percentage. 30 Years Old, Playing for the Seattle Mariners.

Nolan Arenado, NL Colorado Rockies (2) (2014)

1.9 dWAR. Aranedo secured his second Gold Glove while again leading the National League Third Basemen in Range Factor per Game. 27 Years Old, Playing for the Colorado Rockies.

Manny Machado, AL Baltimore Orioles (2) (2015)

1.9 dWAR. While this was not as good as his 2013 season (how could it be!) Manny Machado still had a very good 2015 with the glove. Machado finished sixth in the AL in Defensive bWAR and would finish first at Third in Double Plays Turned and Range Factor per Game. 25 Years Old, Playing for the Baltimore Orioles.

Nolan Arenado, NL Colorado Rockies (3) (2015)

2.2 dWAR. This was the season where Nolan Arenado put it altogether offensively while maintaining his defensive acumen. He finished eighth in MVP voting, 6th in Defensive bWAR and was also named a Wilson Defensive Player. Amongst those in his position in the National League Arenado was first in Putouts, Assists, Double Plays Turned and Range Factor per Game. 27 Years Old, Playing for the Colorado Rockies.

Adrian Beltre, AL Texas Rangers (5) (2016)

1.8 dWAR. This was the third time that Beltre would finish first in Total Zone Runs, though only first time where he would win the Gold Glove. Beltre finished second that year in Range Factor per Game. 39 Years Old, Playing for the Texas Rangers.

Nolan Arenado, NL Colorado Rockies (4) (2016)

2.3 dWAR. This was enough for Aranedo to finish third overall in Defensive bWAR in the National League and again (though not relevant here) his offense continued to grow! Aranedo would for the fourth time finish first amongst the National League Third Baseman in Range Factor per Game. He also finished first in Assists and Double Plays Turned and was again the recipient of a Wilson Defensive Award. 27 Years Old, Playing for the Colorado Rockies.

Evan Longoria, AL Tampa Bay Rays (3) (2017)

0.7 dWAR. This should not happen in 2017. Longoria was ok in the field in 2017, but did not come close to finishing first in any defensive category. 31 Years Old, Playing for the Tampa Bay Rays.

Nolan Arenado, NL Colorado Rockies (5) (2017)

2.3 dWAR. This season Nolan Arenedo finished second in Defensive bWAR while also finishing fourth in National League MVP voting. Also, for the fifth straight year, Aranedo was the league leader amongst Third Basemen in Range Factor per Game. He also was first in Putouts, Assists and Double Plays Turned. 27 Years Old, Playing for the Colorado Rockies.

The next one will take us awhile. It’s off to the Outfield next…. Look for that God knows when!

Spring maybe?

As you know Alan Trammell and Jack Morris will be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. We now have a third inductee.

Bob Costas was named the 2018 Ford C. Frick Award Winner, which is given annually to the candidate who displays “excellence in broadcasting”.

Costas is not just known for Baseball as he has done work for NBC for the NBA, NFL and has hosted the Olympics for the network on 11 occasions.

In Baseball, Costas has worked for NBC as both an Analyst and a Host and has also worked for the MLB Network since 2009.

We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to congratulate Bob Costas for this latest honor. We know there will be more for him to come!

The 1984 World Series Champion Detroit Tigers finally have player representation in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Actually, they now have two.

The Modern Era Baseball Committee have selected both Jack Morris and Alan Trammell, who have both received the necessary 75% of the 16 man committee required to have entered Cooperstown.

Jack Morris won 254 Games over an 18 year career with the Detroit Tigers, Minnesota Twins, Toronto Blue Jays and Cleveland Indians, the first three of which saw him win World Series Championships with. Morris was the ace of the 1984 Tigers team, and was a key member of the Blue Jays back-to-back titles in 1992 & 1993, but it was his performance in Game 7 of the 1991 World Series with the Minnesota Twins where he pitched ten innings of shutout baseball to win the game. Morris didn’t always have the best statistics but when it was a big game, he was definitely a go-to pitcher.

Morris’ teammate from the ’84 Tigers, Alan Trammell also got in. The Shortstop played his entire career with the Tigers and was a six time All Star. Trammell was a four time Silver Slugger, three time Gold Glove recipient and was the runner-up for the 1987 AL MVP.

Steve Garvey, Don Mattingly, Marvin Miller, Dale Murphy, Dave Parker, Ted Simmons and Luis Tiant were also on the ballot, however not chosen.

Morris and Trammell will be removed from next year’s Notinhalloffame.com Baseball list and we look forward to few weeks to see whom else the Baseball Writers of American will induct with them.

We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to congratulate both Alan Trammell and Jack Morris at this time.

Well that didn’t take long.

Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Joe Morgan, who also is the Vice-Chairman of the Hall and a member of the Board of Directors has sent a letter to the voters urging them not to vote for PED users. Rather than dissect the letter, we are showing it in its entirety below:

Dear BBWAA Hall of Fame Voter:

Over the years, I have been approached by many Hall of Fame members telling me we needed to do something to speak out about the possibility of steroid users entering the Hall of Fame. This issue has been bubbling below the surface for quite a while.

I hope you don’t mind if I bring to your attention what I’m hearing.

Please keep in mind I don’t speak for every single member of the Hall of Fame. I don’t know how everyone feels, but I do know how many of the Hall of Famers feel.

I, along with other Hall of Fame Baseball players, have the deepest respect for you and all the writers who vote to decide who enters Baseball’s most hallowed shrine, the National Baseball Hall of Fame. For some 80 years, the men and women of the BBWAA have cast ballots that have made the Hall into the wonderful place it is.

I think the Hall of Fame is special. There is a sanctity to being elected to the Hall. It is revered. It is the hardest Hall of Fame to enter, of any sport in America.

But times change, and a day we all knew was coming has now arrived. Players who played during the steroid era have become eligible for entry into the Hall of Fame.

The more we Hall of Famers talk about this – and we talk about it a lot – we realize we can no longer sit silent. Many of us have come to think that silence will be considered complicity. Or that fans might think we are ok if the standards of election to the Hall of Fame are relaxed, at least relaxed enough for steroid users to enter and become members of the most sacred place in Baseball. We don’t want fans ever to think that.

We hope the day never comes when known steroid users are voted into the Hall of Fame. They cheated. Steroid users don’t belong here.

Players who failed drug tests, admitted using steroids, or were identified as users in Major League Baseball’s investigation into steroid abuse, known as the Mitchell Report, should not get in. Those are the three criteria that many of the players and I think are right.

Now, I recognize there are players identified as users on the Mitchell Report who deny they were users. That’s why this is a tricky issue. Not everything is black and white – there are shades of gray here. It’s why your job as a voter is and has always been a difficult and important job. I have faith in your judgment and know that ultimately, this is your call.

But it still occurs to me that anyone who took body-altering chemicals in a deliberate effort to cheat the game we love, not to mention they cheated current and former players, and fans too, doesn’t belong in the Hall of Fame. By cheating, they put up huge numbers, and they made great players who didn’t cheat look smaller by comparison, taking away from their achievements and consideration for the Hall of Fame. That’s not right.

And that’s why I, and other Hall of Famers, feel so strongly about this.

It’s gotten to the point where Hall of Famers are saying that if steroid users get in, they’ll no longer come to Cooperstown for Induction Ceremonies or other events. Some feel they can’t share a stage with players who did steroids. The cheating that tainted an era now risks tainting the Hall of Fame too.

The Hall of Fame means too much to us to ever see that happen. If steroid users get in, it will divide and diminish the Hall, something we couldn’t bear.

Section 5 of the Rules for Election states, “Voting shall be based upon the player’s record, playing ability, integrity, sportsmanship, character, and contributions to the team(s) on which the player played.”

I care about how good a player was or what kind of numbers he put up; but if a player did steroids, his integrity is suspect; he lacks sportsmanship; his character is flawed; and, whatever contribution he made to his team is now dwarfed by his selfishness.

Steroid use put Baseball through a tainted era where records were shattered. “It was a steroidal farce,” wrote Michael Powell in the New York Times. It is no accident that those records held up for decades until the steroid era began, and they haven’t been broken since the steroid era ended. Sadly, steroids worked.

Dan Naulty was a journeyman pitcher in the late 1990s who admitted he took steroids, noting that his fastball went from 87 to 96. He told Sports Illustrated’s Tom Verducci in 2012, “I was a full-blown cheater, and I knew it. You didn't need a written rule. I was violating clear principles that were laid down within the rules. I understood I was violating implicit principles.”

The Hall of Fame has always had its share of colorful characters, some of whom broke or bent society’s rules in their era. By today’s standards, some might not have gotten in. Times change and society improves. What once was accepted no longer is.

But steroid users don’t belong here. What they did shouldn’t be accepted. Times shouldn’t change for the worse.

Steroid users knew they were taking a drug that physically improved how they played. Taking steroids is a decision. It’s the deliberate act of using chemistry to change how hard you hit and throw by changing what your body is made of.

I and other Hall of Famers played hard all our lives to achieve what we did. I love this game and am proud of it. I hope the Hall of Fame’s standards won’t be lowered with the passage of time.

For over eighty years, the Hall of Fame has been a place to look up to, where the hallowed halls honor those who played the game hard and right. I hope it will always remain that way.

Sincerely,

Joe Morgan
Hall of Fame Class of 1990 Vice Chairman

P.S. Families come to Cooperstown because they know it’s special. To parents, it’s a place they can take their kids for an uplifting, feel-good visit. It’s a place where kids can see what true greatness is all about. It’s a place where youngsters can dream that one day they too might get in. This place is special. I hope it stays that way.

Hardly on the fence is it?

Specifically, this applies to Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens and Gary Sheffield who were named in the Mitchell Report, and Manny Ramirez who failed two tests. Sammy Sosa did not officially fail a test, but did test positive in an “anonymous” test in 2003.

Bonds and Clemens saw their vote total increase above the 50% mark for the first time in the last vote, with many of the voters stating that the induction of Bud Selig, who was the commissioner over the PED era triggering their change of heart.

This won’t be the last time we hear about this in the next two months!