(Original Caption) Willie Mays, Giants’ centerfielder and rookie of the year in the National League at Giants’ spring training, Phoenix, Arizona. Willis is waiting for his draft call.
So many articles discuss the greatest hitters or pitchers, but I feel like we never give enough love to the guys who flash the leather. So, here is the all-defense team in MLB history:
Catcher: Ivan Rodriguez
1998, Arlington, TX, USA; FILE PHOTO; Texas Rangers catcher Ivan Rodriguez at Rangers Stadium during the 1996 season. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports
“Pudge” won 13 Gold Gloves In his career and is one of the greatest catchers of all time.
First Base: Keith Hernandez
Unknown date 1986; Los Angeles, CA, USA: FILE PHOTO; New York Mets infielder Keith Hernandez hits the ball off a pitch by Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela (34) at Dodger Stadium in the 1986 season. Mandatory Credit: MPS-USA TODAY Sports
Hernandez won 11 gold gloves throughout his career.
Second Base: Roberto Alomar
BALTIMORE, MD – CIRCA 1992: Roberto Alomar #12 of the Toronto Blue Jays in action against the Baltimore Orioles during a Major League Baseball game circa 1992 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland. Alomar played for the Blue Jays from 1991-95. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
He is one of the best defensive players I have ever seen, and he won 10 gold gloves.
Third Base: Brooks Robinson
BALTIMORE, MD – CIRCA 1970: Brooks Robinson #5 of the Baltimore Orioles bats during an Major League Baseball game circa 1970 at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. Robinson played for the Orioles from 1955-77. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
Only one player has won more gold gloves at their position than Robinson did with his 16.
Shortstop: Ozzie Smith
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 10 : St. Louis Cardinals Ozzie Smith gets the jump on Dodgers Pitcher Fernando Valenzuela, then slides safely into 2nd base during playoff series of the Los Angeles Dodgers against St. Louis Cardinals at Dodgers Stadium, October 10 1985 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Bob Riha, Jr./Getty Images)
The “Wizard” was an easy choice here. He made playing the position look easy and fun, winning 13 gold gloves.
Willie Mays is the greatest defensive CF to ever play the game. He finished his career with 12 gold gloves.
Outfield: Roberto Clemente
(Original Caption) 4/13/1967-New York, NY: Roberto Clemente of the Pittsburgh Pirates, batting during a game in Shea Stadium against the Mets.
Clemente was not just great with the bat. He also was incredible in the outfield and won 12 Gold Glove awards.
Outfield: Ken Griffey Jr.
SEATTLE – SEPTEMBER 20: Ken Griffey Jr #24 of the Seattle Mariners makes a hit during the game against the New York Yankees on September 20, 2009 at Safeco Field in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
This last OF choice was hard. There are so many deserving players, but Griffey won 9 consecutive gold glove awards in the 90’s and if not for injuries, he might have ended up being as good as Willie Mays.
Pitcher: Greg Maddux
DENVER – 1995: Greg Maddux of the Atlanta Braves pitches during an MLB game versus the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado during the 1995 season. (Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
No player won more gold gloves at their position than Greg Maddux. He won 18 Gold Glove awards and is also one of the greatest pitchers ever.
