TOKYO, JAPAN – MARCH 21: Outfielder Ichiro Suzuki #51 of the Seattle Mariners at bat in the 8th inning, last plate appearance, during the game between Seattle Mariners and Oakland Athletics at Tokyo Dome on March 21, 2019 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Masterpress/Getty Images)
Throughout MLB history, there have been some incredible defenders. These players are the ones who have won the most awards for their defense:
10. Seven players are tied with 10
Unknown date and unknown location; USA, FILE PHOTO; A portrait of Cincinnati Reds catcher Johnny Bench. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Network.
Nolan Arenado, Ichiro Suzuki, Andruw Jones, Ken Griffey Jr., Roberto Alomar, Mike Schmidt, Johnny Bench.
9. OF Willie Mays
(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.
Willie Mays won 11 Gold Gloves.
8. 1B 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 is tied with Mays with 11.
7. SS Omar Vizquel
NEW YORK – CIRCA 1994: Omar Vizquel #13 of the Cleveland Indians down and ready to make a play on the ball against the New York Yankees during an Major League Baseball game circa 1994 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. Vizquel played for the Indians from 1994-2004. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
Vizquel is tied with Hernandez and Mays with 11.
6. OF 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 won 12 Gold Gloves in his career.
5. SS Ozzie Smith
May 26, 1991; Flushing, NY, USA; FILE PHOTO; St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Ozzie Smith (1) in action against the New York Mets at Shea Stadium during the 1991 season. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports
“The Wizard” won 13 Gold Gloves.
4. C 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” is tied with Ozzie Smith with 12.
3. SP Jim Kaat
Jul 21, 2024; Cooperstown, New York, USA; Hall of Famer Jim Kaat is introduced during the National Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Cooperstown, NY. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Kaat won 16 Gold Gloves, but there is a pitcher who won more.
2. 3B 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)
Robinson is tied with Kaat with 16 Gold Gloves.
1. SP 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)
Maddux was not only an amazing pitcher, but he was arguably a better fielder, winning 18 Gold Gloves.
