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!
Shall we start with the Catcher?
Yes, we shall.
The following are the past players who have won the Gold Glove at Catcher who are eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame and have been enshrined.
Johnny Bench, NL Cincinnati Reds (1968)
1.4 dWAR. Johnny Bench would get out of the gate quickly winning not only the Gold Glove but also the Rookie of the Year Award. Bench would lead National League Catchers in Assists and Putouts this year. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1989.
Johnny Bench, NL Cincinnati Reds (2) (1969)
1.5 dWAR. Bench would improve all facets of his game and avoid the sophomore slump. This year the Cincinnati Red would lead in Runners Caught Stealing. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1989.
Johnny Bench, NL Cincinnati Reds (3) (1970)
1.8 dWAR. This year, Bench would explode offensively leading the NL in Home Runs and RBIs. He would also win the National League MVP Award. With his glove, he would lead the Catchers in Total Zone Runs. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1989.
Johnny Bench, NL Cincinnati Reds (4) (1971)
1.7 dWAR. This was a down year for Bench, but still a good one. He would make his fourth straight All Star Game. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1989.
Carlton Fisk, AL Boston Red Sox (1972)
1.0 dWAR. This was Fisk’s first year in the Majors and he would win the American League Rookie of the Year. He would not win the Gold Glove again. While he would lead the AL Catchers in Putouts and Assists, he would have much better defensive seasons later on in his career. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2000.
Johnny Bench, NL Cincinnati Reds (5) (1972)
1.7 dWAR. Bench would again win the National League MVP, again winning the Home Run RBI Title. He led the Catchers in the NL in Runners Caught Stealing Percentage and Total Zone Runs. This season he would also lead the National League in Defensive bWAR. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1989.
Johnny Bench, NL Cincinnati Reds (6) (1973)
1.6 dWAR. This would be the third and final time that Bench would lead in Caught Stealing Percentage. He would also again take the NL Catcher Total Zone Run Title. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1989.
Johnny Bench, NL Cincinnati Reds (7) (1974)
2.1 dWAR. Finishing 4th in NL MVP voting, Bench would lead the National League Catchers in Double Plays Turned and Total Zone Runs. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1989.
Johnny Bench, NL Cincinnati Reds (8) (1975)
1.8 dWAR. What mattered most to Johnny Bench this year was that this was his first World Series win. He would again lead in Total Zone Runs. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1989.
Johnny Bench, NL Cincinnati Reds (9) (1976)
2.0 dWAR. This season saw Bench win the World Series MVP and take Cincinnati to back-to-back World Series Titles. This would be the final season he led in Total Zone Runs, but the first and only where he led Catchers in Fielding Percentage. He would also lead NL Catchers in Putouts and he finished third overall in the National League in Defensive bWAR. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1989.
Johnny Bench, NL Cincinnati Reds (10) (1977)
1.0 dWAR. With his tenth straight Gold Glove, Johnny Bench also went to his tenth straight All Star Game. Realistically, he probably should not have won it this year. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1989.
Gary Carter, NL Montreal Expos (1980)
2.5 dWAR. This was the year that Gary Carter and the Montreal Expos really arrived. “The Kid” finished second overall in Defensive bWAR while taking the lead in Putouts, Assists, Total Zone Runs and Fielding Percentage as a Catcher. He was third in Defensive bWAR the season before. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2003.
Gary Carter, NL Montreal Expos (2) (1981)
2.2 dWAR. This was the first season that Gary Carter won a Silver Slugger and the first season the Expos made the playoffs. In this strike shortened season, he would lead everyone in Defensive bWAR. Again he would lead the NL in Putouts in Total Zone Runs as a Catcher. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2003.
Gary Carter, NL Montreal Expos (3) (1982)
2.7 dWAR. Carter finished second overall in the National League in Defensive bWAR. Incidentally, he would finish a whopping 4.0 next season…where he DID NOT win the Gold Glove. This season he would lead the NL Catchers in Putouts, Assists, Runners Caught Stealing and Total Zone Runs. Overall, this was a player whose defense was stellar! Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2003.
The following are the players who have won the Gold Glove at Catcher who are eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame and have not been selected:
Sherm Lollar, ML Chicago White Sox (1957)
1.2 dWAR. Sherm Lollar is not just the answer to ‘Who is the first Gold Glove Winner” but also the answer to ‘Who is the only Catcher to win the God Glove for all of the Majors’. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Was not on the ballot despite being eligible for the Hall of Fame in 1969.
Sherm Lollar, AL Chicago White Sox (2) (1958)
0.6 dWAR. Lollar went to his fifth All Star Game and had another good season at the plate with 20 Home Runs and .273 Batting Average. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Was not on the ballot despite being eligible for the Hall of Fame in 1969.
Del Crandall, NL Milwaukee Braves (1958)
1.9 dWAR. This was Crandall’s fifth All Star Game appearance. Crandall would lead the National League Catchers in Putouts, Assists Runners Caught Stealing and Total Zone Runs. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. He was on the ballot for four years finishing as high as 3.9% in 1976.
Sherm Lollar, AL Chicago White Sox (3) (1959)
1.2 dWAR. This would be Lollar’s sixth and final All Star Game. With his bat, he would post career bests with 136 Hits and 22 Home Runs. For whatever reason, this six time All Star never made the ballot. Can anyone explain that one? Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Was not on the ballot despite being eligible for the Hall of Fame in 1969.
Del Crandall, NL Milwaukee Braves (2) (1959)
2.2 dWAR. Crandall was again an All Star and led the Catchers in the NL in Assists, Double Plays Turned, Runners Caught Stealing and Total Zone Runs. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. He was on the ballot for four years finishing as high as 3.9% in 1976.
Earl Battey, AL Washington Senators (1960)
1.5 dWAR. Battey would become a full time starter this year and he finished 8th in MVP voting. He would lead AL Catchers in Assists, Caught Stealing Percentage and Range Factor per Game. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Was not on the ballot despite being eligible for the Hall of Fame in 1973.
Del Crandall, NL Milwaukee Braves (3) (1960)
1.0 dWAR. This one was on reputation as Crandall did not have an exceptional year defensively, but he did again go to the All Star Game. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. He was on the ballot for four years finishing as high as 3.9% in 1976.
Earl Battey, AL Minnesota Twins (2) (1961)
0.5 dWAR. Battey would again lead the AL Catchers in Assists and Range Factor per Game. This year he would also lead the American League in Double Plays by a Catcher. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Was not on the ballot despite being eligible for the Hall of Fame in 1973.
John Roseboro, NL Los Angeles Dodgers (1961)
0.4 dWAR. Jonesboro was an All Star this year, and led the NL Catchers in Range Factor and Putouts. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Was not on the ballot despite being eligible for the Hall of Fame in 1976.
Earl Battey, AL Minnesota Twins (3) (1962)
0.9 dWAR. This season, Earl would earn his first of four trips to the All Star Game. Battey again led all American League Catchers in Assists and Range Factor. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Was not on the ballot despite being eligible for the Hall of Fame in 1973.
Del Crandall, NL Milwaukee Braves (4) (1962)
1.7 dWAR. This was the eight and final All Star Game appearance for Crandall. He would lead the Catchers (NL) in Total Zone Runs. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. He was on the ballot for four years finishing as high as 3.9% in 1976.
Elston Howard, AL New York Yankees (1963)
1.2 dWAR. This was the best year of Howard’s career, as he would win the AL MVP Award. Howard by this point had already won four World Series Titles and went to the All Star Game seven times. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Was on the ballot for fifteen years, finishing as high as 20.7 % in 1981.
Johnny Edwards, NL Cincinnati Reds (1963)
1.4 dWAR. Edwards made his first All Star Game this year. He would lead NL Catchers in Putouts, Double Plays Turned, Runners Caught Stealing, Range Factor per Game and Fielding Percentage. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Was on the ballot for one year in1980 but did not receive any votes.
Elston Howard, AL New York Yankees (2) (1964)
1.9 dWAR. Howard would not win the American League MVP this year but would finish third. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Was on the ballot for fifteen years, finishing as high as 20.7 % in 1981.
Johnny Edwards, NL Cincinnati Reds (2) (1964)
0.7 dWAR. Edwards was again named to the All Star team, his second of three appearances. This season he would lead National League Catchers in Putouts, Double Plays Turned and Range Factor per Game. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Was on the ballot for one year in1980 but did not receive any votes.
Bill Freehan, AL Detroit Tigers (1965)
0.8 dWAR. Freehan made his second All Star Game. He would lead the AL for Catchers in Putouts and Range Factor. Ranked #50 on Notinhalloffame.com. Was on the ballot for one year, receiving 0.5% in 1982.
Bill Freehan, AL Detroit Tigers (2) (1966)
0.9 dWAR. An All Star again, Freehan would take the Putouts, Range Factor and Fielding Percentage lead for AL Catchers. Ranked #50 on Notinhalloffame.com. Was on the ballot for one year, receiving 0.5% in 1982.
John Roseboro, NL Los Angeles Dodgers (2) (1966)
1.1 dWAR. Jonesboro led all NL Catchers in Putouts and Range Factor per Game. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Was not on the ballot despite being eligible for the Hall of Fame in 1976.
Bill Freehan, AL Detroit Tigers (3) (1967)
0.6 dWAR. Freehan would again go to the All Stat Game. Freehan led the American League in Putouts by a Catcher. Ranked #50 on Notinhalloffame.com. Was on the ballot for one year, receiving 0.5% in 1982.
Randy Hundley, NL Chicago Cubs (1967)
1.6 dWAR. Hundley would have a good career defensively, though would not have any metric that mattered here. Was on the ballot for one year, receiving no votes in 1983.
Bill Freehan, AL Detroit Tigers (4) (1968)
1.3 dWAR. Freehan would be apart of Detroit’s World Series Championship. This year, the Catcher would hit 25 Home Runs, the most of his career. Ranked #50 on Notinhalloffame.com. Was on the ballot for one year, receiving 0.5% in 1982.
Bill Freehan, AL Detroit Tigers (5) (1969)
0.5 dWAR. Freehan would become an All Star again and would be one eleven times. Ranked #50 on Notinhalloffame.com. Was on the ballot for one year, receiving 0.5% in 1982.
Ray Fosse, AL Cleveland Indians (1970)
1.4 dWAR. This was the first All Star Game appearance for Fosse, and yes the legendary one where he was run over by Pete Rose. Offensively he had his best year with 138 Hits and a .307 Batting Average. He would lead the AL in Caught Stealing, Putouts and Range Factor. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Was never on the ballot despite being eligible in 1985.
Ray Fosse, AL Cleveland Indians (2) (1971)
0.3 dWAR. Fosse would have another good year offensively, but he probably should not have won the Gold Glove this year. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Was never on the ballot despite being eligible in 1985.
Thurman Munson, AL New York Yankees (1973)
2.1 dWAR. Munson would lead all AL Catchers in Assists and Double Plays Turned. Ranked #91 on Notinhalloffame.com. On the Ballot for fifteen years, finished as high as 15.5% in 1981.
Thurman Munson, AL New York Yankees (2) (1974)
0.5 dWAR. Munson likely should not have won the award this year, but he did lead the AL Catchers in Assists. Ranked #91 on Notinhalloffame.com. On the Ballot for fifteen years, finished as high as 15.5% in 1981.
Thurman Munson, AL New York Yankees (3) (1975)
1.6 dWAR. This year, Munson would lead the AL Catchers in Range Factor per Game. The following season he would win the American League MVP. Ranked #91 on Notinhalloffame.com. On the Ballot for fifteen years, finished as high as 15.5% in 1981.
Jim Sundberg, AL Texas Rangers (1976)
2.6 dWAR. Defensively, this was an incredible year for Sundberg, leading the AL Catchers in Putouts, Assists, Double Plays Turned, Runners Caught Stealing and Total Zone Runs. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Was on the ballot for one year in 1995, receiving 0.2% of the ballot.
Jim Sundberg, AL Texas Rangers (2) (1977)
2.4 dWAR. Sundberg had another excellent defensive campaign leading the American League Catchers in Putouts, Assists, Double Plays Turned and Total Zone Runs. He would make his first All Star Game and finished 15th in MVP voting. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Was on the ballot for one year in 1995, receiving 0.2% of the ballot.
Jim Sundberg, AL Texas Rangers (3) (1978)
2.9 dWAR. Sundberg would again finish 15th in MVP voting. He would also again lead Catchers (AL) in Putouts, Assists, Double Plays Turned, Runners Caught Stealing and Total Zone Runs. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Was on the ballot for one year in 1995, receiving 0.2% of the ballot.
Bob Boone, NL Philadelphia Phillies (1978)
1.6 dWAR. Boone went to his second All Star Game this season and he would have the highest Fielding Percentage of all National League Catchers. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Was on the ballot for five years finishing as high as 7.7% in 1996.
Jim Sundberg, AL Texas Rangers (4) (1979)
2.0 dWAR. The Rangers Catcher had would again lead AL Catchers in Putouts. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Was on the ballot for one year in 1995, receiving 0.2% of the ballot.
Bob Boone, NL Philadelphia Phillies (2) (1979)
1.9 dWAR. An All Star for the third time, Boone finished 6th overall in Defensive bWAR. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Was on the ballot for five years finishing as high as 7.7% in 1996.
Jim Sundberg, AL Texas Rangers (5) (1980)
0.8 dWAR. Sundberg had a down year and likely won this on reputation. This year he actually allowed the most Stolen Bases, though he was second in Runners Caught Stealing. He would also lead in Range Factor. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Was on the ballot for one year in 1995, receiving 0.2% of the ballot.
Jim Sundberg, AL Texas Rangers (6) (1981)
1.5 dWAR. The Texas Ranger returned to defensive form leading in Total Zone Runs and Runners Caught Stealing. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Was on the ballot for one year in 1995, receiving 0.2% of the ballot.
Bob Boone, AL California Angels (3) (1982)
3.0 dWAR. In terms of Defensive bWAR, this was the best season of Bob Boone’s career. Boone led everyone in Defensive bWAR this year. He would also lead AL Catchers in Putouts, Assists, Runners Caught Stealins, Caught Stealing Percentage and Total Zone Runs. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Was on the ballot for five years finishing as high as 7.7% in 1996.
Lance Parrish, AL Detroit Tigers (1983)
2.0 dWAR. Parrish would also win the Silver Slugger and he would finish ninth in MVP voting. He would also finish fourth in Defensive bWAR. He would lead the AL Catchers in Runners Caught Stealing, Caught Stealing Percentage, Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Was on the ballot for one year finishing with 1.7% in 2001.
Tony Pena, NL Pittsburgh Pirates (1983)
1.3 dWAR. Pena would finish 12th in MVP voting, the highest of his career. He would have 163 Hits, the most of his career. He would lead the National League Catchers in Putouts this year. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Was on the ballot for one year in 2003, receiving 0.4% of the ballot.
Lance Parrish, AL Detroit Tigers (2) (1984)
1.1 dWAR. This was the magic year for the Detroit Tigers as they won the World Series this season. Parrish would lead the Catchers in Double Plays Turned. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Was on the ballot for one year finishing with 1.7% in 2001.
Tony Pena, NL Pittsburgh Pirates (2) (1984)
2.5 dWAR. This year, Tony Pena would make his second All Star Game. He would also lead everyone in the National League in Defensive bWAR. Pena would take the NL Catchers crown in Assists, Putouts, Double Plays Turned, Runners Caught Stealing and Total Zone Runs. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Was on the ballot for one year in 2003, receiving 0.4% of the ballot.
Lance Parrish, AL Detroit Tigers (2) (1984)
1.0 dWAR. Sorry Lance. Bob Boone should have won this one. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Was on the ballot for one year finishing with 1.7% in 2001.
Tony Pena, NL Pittsburgh Pirates (3) (1985)
2.5 dWAR. Pena finished 4th in Defensive bWAR this year. He would lead the National League Catchers in Assists, Runners Caught Stealing and Total Zone Runs. He would lead everyone in the National League in Defensive bWAR this season. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Was on the ballot for one year in 2003, receiving 0.4% of the ballot.
Bob Boone, AL California Angels (4) (1986)
2.6 dWAR. Boone would actually lead everyone in the American League Defensive bWAR the year before and finished third this year. He would have the most Assists, Double Plays Turned and Total Zone Runs as an American League Catcher. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Was on the ballot for five years finishing as high as 7.7% in 1996.
Jody Davis, NL Chicago Cubs (1986)
3.3 dWAR. Davis would only win one Gold Glove but this was his second (and final) All Star Game appearance. He would lead everyone in the National League in Defensive bWAR. He also led all NL Catchers in Double Plays Turned, Runners Caught Stealing, Caught Stealing Percentage and Total Zone Runs. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Davis was never on the ballot despite being eligible in 1996.
Bob Boone, AL California Angels (5) (1987)
1.7 dWAR. Boone finished seventh overall in the AL in Defensive bWAR. He led in Caught Stealing Percentage in Total Zone Runs for AL Catchers. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Was on the ballot for five years finishing as high as 7.7% in 1996.
Mike LaValliere, NL Pittsburgh Pirates (1987)
2.2 dWAR. This would be the only individual award that Mike “Spanky” LaValliere would win and offensively, the only one where he had over 100 Hits. LaValliere led NL Catchers in Caught Stealing Percentage and Total Zone Runs. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. LaValliere was never on the ballot despite being eligible in 2001.
Bob Boone, AL California Angels (6) (1988)
1.5 dWAR. Boone led the American League Catchers in Assists and Total Zone Runs. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Was on the ballot for five years finishing as high as 7.7% in 1996.
Benito Santiago, NL San Diego Padres (1988)
2.6 dWAR. Santiago was one year removed from winning the Rookie of the Year. He would finish 2nd in Defensive bWAR this year and led NL Catchers in Assists, Double Plays Turned and Caught Stealing Percentage. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Santiago was on the ballot for one year in 2011, receiving 0.2% of the ballot.
Bob Boone, AL Kansas City Royals (7) (1989)
1.9 dWAR. Not too shabby at age 41. Boone led the American League Catchers in Putouts and Caught Stealing Percentage. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Was on the ballot for five years finishing as high as 7.7% in 1996.
Benito Santiago, NL San Diego Padres (2) (1989)
1.7 dWAR. Santiago went to his first All Star Game this year and finished 9th in Defensive bWAR. He would lead all NL Catchers in Total Zone Runs. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Santiago was on the ballot for one year in 2011, receiving 0.2% of the ballot.
Sandy Alomar Jr., AL Cleveland Indians (1990)
0.4 dWAR. Sandy Alomar went to a lot of All Star Games he should not have. He also won this Gold Glove…and shouldn’t’ have. The only stat he led in this year was Errors for a Catcher. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Was on the ballot for one year finishing with 2.8% in 1996.
Benito Santiago, NL San Diego Padres (3) (1990)
1.2 dWAR. Easily the weakest of Santaigo’s Gold Glove wins, Santiago would again go to the All Star Game. He went to the mid-season classic five times. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Santiago was on the ballot for one year in 2011, receiving 0.2% of the ballot.
Tony Pena, AL Boston Red Sox (4) (1991)
1.2 dWAR. Pena would win his fourth and final Gold Glove this year, and the only one in the American League. The Red Sox Catcher would lead American Leaguers at his position in Putouts, Runners Caught Stealing and Range Factor per Game. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Was on the ballot for one year in 2003, receiving 0.4% of the ballot.
Tony Pagnozzi, NL St. Louis Cardinals (1991)
3.0 dWAR. Tony Pagnozzi would lead everyone in the National League in Defensive bWAR this year. He would also lead all NL Catchers in Runners Caught Stealing and Total Zone Runs. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Pagnozzi was never on the ballot despite being eligible in 2004.
Ivan Rodriguez, AL Texas Rangers (1992)
1.7 dWAR. Ivan Rodriguez went to his first of many All Star Games. He would lead the American League Catchers in Runners Caught Stealing, Caught Stealing Percentage, Total Zone Runs and Range Factor per Game. Ranked #9 on Notinhalloffame.com. Entering his first year of eligibility.
Tony Pagnozzi, NL St. Louis Cardinals (2) (1992)
0.9 dWAR. While this was a much weaker season defensively than the previous one, Pagnozzi would make his first and only All Star Game this year. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Pagnozzi was never on the ballot despite being eligible in 2004.
Ivan Rodriguez, AL Texas Rangers (2) (1993)
1.2 dWAR. I-Rod went to his second straight All Star Game this year. Ranked #9 on Notinhalloffame.com. Entering his first year of eligibility.
Kirt Manwaring, NL San Francisco Giants (1993)
2.4 dWAR. This would be the only individual award that Manwaring would collect in MLB but it was well earned. Realistically, he probably should have won the Gold Glove last year too, as he had a Defensive bWAR of 2.5 and finished second overall in the NL. This year he finished first. He also led in Caught Stealing Percentage, Total Zone Runs and Fielding Percentage. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Manwaring was never on the ballot despite being eligible in 2005.
Ivan Rodriguez, AL Texas Rangers (3) (1994)
1.0 dWAR. Rodriguez have decent season defensively, but a Gold Glove one? He would win his first Silver Slugger this year. Ranked #9 on Notinhalloffame.com. Entering his first year of eligibility.
Tony Pagnozzi, NL St. Louis Cardinals (3) (1994)
1.1 dWAR. In this strike shortened season, Pagnozzi finished 10th in the National League in Defensive bWAR and in Caught Stealing Percentage. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Pagnozzi was never on the ballot despite being eligible in 2004.
Ivan Rodriguez, AL Texas Rangers (4) (1995)
1.7 dWAR. I-Rod would go to his fourth straight All Star Game and win his second consecutive Silver Slugger. He would lead the AL Catchers in Assists and Total Zone Runs. Ranked #9 on Notinhalloffame.com. Entering his first year of eligibility.
Charles Johnson, NL Florida Marlins (1995)
1.8 dWAR. This would be the first individual accolade for Charles Johnson who would finish seventh in Rookie of the Year voting. Johnson led the NL Catchers in Assists. He finished second overall in Defensive bWAR. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Johnson was on the ballot for one year in 2011 but did not receive any votes.
Ivan Rodriguez, AL Texas Rangers (5) (1996)
3.2 dWAR. Ivan Rodriguez would finish second overall in Defensive bWAR in the American League. He would also lead the AL Catchers in Putouts, Assists, Double Plays Turned, Runners Caught Stealing, Caught Stealing Percentage and Total Zone Runs. Ranked #9 on Notinhalloffame.com. Entering his first year of eligibility.
Charles Johnson, NL Florida Marlins (2) (1996)
2.0 dWAR. Johnson would lead the National League Catchers in Double Plays Turned, Runners Caught Stealing and Fielding Percentage. He finished third in the National League in Defensive bWAR. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Johnson was on the ballot for one year in 2011 but did not receive any votes.
Ivan Rodriguez, AL Texas Rangers (6) (1997)
2.9 dWAR. This year, Rodriguez would lead everyone in the American League in Defensive bWAR. He would also lead the Catchers in the AL In Assists, Caught Stealing Percentage and Total Zone Runs. Ranked #9 on Notinhalloffame.com. Entering his first year of eligibility.
Charles Johnson, NL Florida Marlins (3) (1997)
2.6 dWAR. This was easily the best year of Charles Johnson’s career. He would have one of his better offensive seasons and finished eleventh in MVP Voting, while going to his first All Star Game. This was also the season where the Florida Marlins won their first World Series. Johnson would also finish first in Defensive bWAR. He also led in Runners Caught Stealing, Total Zone Runs and Fielding Percentage. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Johnson was on the ballot for one year in 2011 but did not receive any votes.
Ivan Rodriguez, AL Texas Rangers (7) (1998)
2.6 dWAR. I-Rod took second place in Defensive bWAR in the American League. The Catcher would lead all in the AL in Putouts, Assists, Runners Caught Stealing, Caught Stealing Percentage and Total Zone Runs. Ranked #9 on Notinhalloffame.com. Entering his first year of eligibility.
Charles Johnson, NL Florida Marlins (4) (1998)
1.4 dWAR. While this was the lowest Defensive bWAR he would post while winning a Gold Glove, it was still enough for eighth overall in the National League. He would lead the NL Catchers in Total Zone Runs. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Johnson was on the ballot for one year in 2011 but did not receive any votes.
Ivan Rodriguez, AL Texas Rangers (8) (1999)
2.7 dWAR. Another Gold Glove, Another appearance in the All Star game, Another Silver Slugger. This time however, for the first and only time, Ivan Rodriguez would be named the American League Most Valuable Player. Again he led the AL Catchers in Caught Stealing Percentage and Total Zone Runs. He would also finish third in Defensive bWAR in the American League. Ranked #9 on Notinhalloffame.com. Entering his first year of eligibility.
Mike Lieberthal, NL Philadelphia Phillies (1999)
0.7 dWAR. A bit of a curious choice, Mike Lieberthal actually went to his first All Star Game and did have one of his best offensive seasons. Defensively he did leas the Catchers in Assists and Fielding Percentage though also led in Passed Balls. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Lieberthal was not on the ballot despite being eligible in 2013.
Ivan Rodriguez, AL Texas Rangers (9) (2000)
1.0 dWAR. Was this one on reputation? Rodriguez had an OK season defensively but still led the AL in Caught Stealing Percentage. Ranked #9 on Notinhalloffame.com. Entering his first year of eligibility.
Mike Matheny, NL St. Louis Cardinals (2000)
2.4 dWAR. Mike Matheny finished second overall in the National League in Defensive bWAR and would lead the Catchers in Runners Caught Stealing and Total Zone Runs. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Matheny was not on the ballot despite being eligible in 2012.
Ivan Rodriguez, AL Texas Rangers (10) (2001)
1.8 dWAR. This year would end his dominance in Texas but not in Baseball. Rodriguez would again lead Catchers in Caught Stealing Percentage and Total Zone Runs. Ranked #9 on Notinhalloffame.com. Entering his first year of eligibility.
Brad Ausmus, NL Houston Astros (2001)
1.9 dWAR. Ausmus would finish seventh overall in Defensive bWAR in the National League. He would lead the National League Catchers is Total Zone Runs. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Ausmus was on the ballot for one year in 2016 but did not receive any votes.
Bengie Molina, AL Anaheim Angels (2002)
1.7 dWAR. Molina would help the Angels win their first World Series this year. In the regular season he would lead the American League Catchers in Caught Stealing Percentage and Total Zone Runs. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Molina was not on the ballot despite being eligible on 2016.
Brad Ausmus, NL Houston Astros (2) (2002)
1.2 dWAR. While Ausmus would have a good season defensively he did not lead in any defensive metric. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Ausmus was on the ballot for one year in 2016 but did not receive any votes.
Bengie Molina, AL Anaheim Angels (2) (2003)
0.9 dWAR. Molina would again lead Catchers in the AL in Caught Stealing Percentage and Total Zone Runs. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Molina was not on the ballot despite being eligible on 2016.
Mike Matheny, NL St. Louis Cardinals (2) (2003)
0.4 dWAR. Matheny led the NL Catchers in Fielding Percentage. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Matheny was not on the ballot despite being eligible in 2012.
Ivan Rodriguez, AL Detroit Tigers (11) (2004)
0.1 dWAR. By this time, Ivan Rodriguez had won the World Series in Florida, but a Gold Glove with a 0.1 Defensive bWAR?. This was not earned at all. Ranked #9 on Notinhalloffame.com. Entering his first year of eligibility.
Mike Matheny, NL St. Louis Cardinals (3) (2004)
0.4 dWAR. Like the year before, Matheny only led in Fielding Percentage. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Matheny was not on the ballot despite being eligible in 2012.
Mike Matheny, NL San Francisco Giants (4) (2005)
0.4 dWAR. Matheny may have had the same Defensive bWAR but he did lead the Catchers in the NL in Assists and Runners Caught Stealing. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Matheny was not on the ballot despite being eligible in 2012.
Ivan Rodriguez, AL Detroit Tigers (12) (2006)
1.0 dWAR. I-Rod had a better year, leading the AL Catchers in Total Zone Runs. Ranked #9 on Notinhalloffame.com. Entering his first year of eligibility.
Brad Ausmus, NL Houston Astros (3) (2006)
1.0 dWAR. Ausmus remained a consistent defensive gem for the Astros and would lead in Fielding Percentage. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. Ausmus was on the ballot for one year in 2016 but did not receive any votes.
Ivan Rodriguez, AL Detroit Tigers (13) (2007)
0.7 dWAR. Another gifted Award? Likely, but not the first time this occurred with a Gold Glove. Regardless this man should be a Hall of Famer. Ranked #9 on Notinhalloffame.com. Entering his first year of eligibility.
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) 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) 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% |
So who is up next?
The following are the players who have won the Gold Glove at Catcher who have retired but have not met the mandatory years out of the game to qualify for the Baseball Hall of Fame:
None as of this writing
The following are the players who have won the Gold Glove at Catcher who are still active.
Russell Martin, NL Los Angeles Dodgers (2007)
2.6 dWAR. Russell Martin would win his only Silver Slugger this year and also went to his first All Star Game. Martin finished second in Defensive bWAR in the National League and would lead the Catchers in Putouts, Assists, Double Plays Turned, Runners Caught Stealing and Range Factor per Game. 33 Years Old, Playing for the Toronto Blue Jays.
Joe Mauer, AL Minnesota Twins (2008)
0.2 dWAR. Joe Mauer would win the Silver Slugger and the American League Batting Title. He did lead in Total Zone Runs and Fielding Percentage, however his overall defensive performance was not Gold Glove worthy. 33 Years Old, Playing for the Minnesota Twins.
Yadier Molina, NL St. Louis Cardinals (2008)
1.0 dWAR. Molina was already a World Series Champion by the time he won his first individual award. He had already eclipsed 2.0 in Defensive bWAR in the two years previous. 33 Years Old, Playing for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Joe Mauer, AL Minnesota Twins (2) (2009)
0.7 dWAR. Mauer won the MVP Award and won the Batting Title, OBP and Slugging Titles along the way. He did not lead in any defensive category. 33 Years Old, Playing for the Minnesota Twins.
Yadier Molina, NL St. Louis Cardinals (2) (2008)
1.9 dWAR. Yadier Molina finished sixth in Defensive bWAR this year and this was also his first All Star Game appearance. He would lead the Catchers in Total Zone Runs. 33 Years Old, Playing for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Joe Mauer, AL Minnesota Twins (3) (2010)
0.9 dWAR. Mauer would again finish in the top ten in AL MVP voting (eighth). Mauer would win again, but again with a Defensive bWAR under 1.0. He would however lead the American League Catchers in Fielding Percentage. 33 Years Old, Playing for the Minnesota Twins.
Yadier Molina, NL St. Louis Cardinals (3) (2010)
2.9 dWAR. Molina finished third in Defensive bWAR this year, and his 2.9 is his highest to date. He would lead the National League Catchers in Assists, Caught Stealing Percentage and Total Zone Runs. 33 Years Old, Playing for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Matt Wieters, AL Baltimore Orioles (2011)
2.7 dWAR. This was Weiters first season as an All Star and with a 20 Home Run season. He would finish third overall in the American League in Defensive bWAR and would lead the AL Catchers in Double Plays Turned. 30 Years Old, Playing for the Baltimore Orioles.
Yadier Molina, NL St. Louis Cardinals (4) (2011)
0.4 dWAR. This was a down year defensively for Molina, though he was an All Star Game again, though he would still won the Platinum Glove. Odds are, that Molina was only focused on the fact that his Cardinals won the World Series, the second time for Molina. 33 Years Old, Playing for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Matt Wieters, AL Baltimore Orioles (2) (2012)
1.3 dWAR. Weiters would again go to the All Star Game and would lead the AL Catchers in Putouts and Total Zone Runs. 30 Years Old, Playing for the Baltimore Orioles.
Yadier Molina, NL St. Louis Cardinals (5) (2012)
2.6 dWAR. Molina would bounce back and finished third in the National League in Defensive bWAR. Molina would also lead the NL Catchers in Double Plays Turned. Molina would also win the Platinum Glove and the Wilson Defensive Player of the Year. 33 Years Old, Playing for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Salvador Perez, AL Kansas City Royals (2013)
2.2 dWAR. Salvador Perez would not just become the starting Kansas City Royal Catcher, but would emerge as an All Star. Perez would also lead the AL Catchers in Assists and Runners Caught Stealing. This year, Perez finished 4th in Defensive bWAR 26 Years Old, Playing for the Kansas City Royals.
Yadier Molina, NL St. Louis Cardinals (6) (2013)
2.1 dWAR. The Cardinals Catcher finished eighth in Defensive bWAR and led in Total Zone Runs in the National League. Molina would win the Wilson Defensive Player of the Year. 33 Years Old, Playing for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Salvador Perez, AL Kansas City Royals (2) (2014)
2.1 dWAR. Perez returned to the All Star Game and finished 8th overall in the American League in Defensive bWAR. Perez would lead all of the AL Catchers in Total Zone Runs. 26 Years Old, Playing for the Kansas City Royals.
Yadier Molina, NL St. Louis Cardinals (7) (2014)
1.5 dWAR. The Cardinals Catcher finished eighth in Defensive bWAR and led in Total Zone Runs in the National League and would again win the Platinum Glove. 33 Years Old, Playing for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Salvador Perez, AL Kansas City Royals (3) (2015)
1.5 dWAR. An All Star again, Perez would lead the American League Catchers in Assists. His highlight however was winning the World Series as well as the MVP of the Fall Classic. 26 Years Old, Playing for the Kansas City Royals.
Yadier Molina, NL St. Louis Cardinals (8) (2015)
1.5 dWAR. Once again wining the Platinum Glove and going to the All Star Game (his eighth appearance). He would lead the NL Catchers in Putouts. 33 Years Old, Playing for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Salvador Perez, AL Kansas City Royals (4) (2016)
2.0 dWAR. Once again an All Star, Salvador Perez would be tops in the AL Catchers in Putouts, Assists, Runners Caught Stealing, Caught Stealing Percentage, Total Zone Runs and Fielding Percentage. Perez would finish 7th in Defensive bWAR. 26 Years Old, Playing for the Kansas City Royals.
Buster Posey, NL San Francisco Giants (2016)
2.0 dWAR. By this point, Posey had already won the Rookie of the Year, an MVP Award, three Silver Sluggers and three World Series Rings. Posey earned his first Gold Glove by Leading all NL Catchers in Double Plays Turned, Total Zone Runs and by finishing 4th in Defensive bWAR. 29 Years Old, Playing for the San Francisco Giants.
Well, the Catcher position did not yield as many faux pas winners, as other of the positions we will talk about certainly did. Still, it also hasn’t seen a plethora of winners go to the Hall of Fame.
We will continue around the diamond and tackle First Base next.
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