Who Has the Most Gold Gloves?

Pitcher Greg Maddux won 18 Gold Gloves during his 23-year career, more than any other player in Major League Baseball history.

History of the Gold Glove Award

The first Gold Glove awards were handed out in 1957, with the goal of recognizing the best defensive player at each position on the diamond in each league.

In particular, Gold Gloves are awarded to the following positions: catcher, first base, second base, third base, shortstop, pitcher, and the three outfield positions.

For the first four years (1957-60), the outfield awards were broken down into specific positions, with one award given to each of a right fielder, a center fielder, and a left fielder.

From 1961 through 2010, though, the requirement to address specific outfield positions was removed, with voters awarding instead giving three blanket “outfield” Gold Gloves in each league.

Then, in 2011, the former standard was adopted again, and the outfield awards were once again pinned down to one each of a right fielder, a center fielder, and a left fielder.

Who votes for Gold Glove awards?

As of 2021, Gold Glove award winners are picked by managers and coaches in each league, with the restriction that they cannot vote for players on their own team, along with a 25% contribution from members of the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR).

Who has won the most Gold Gloves at each position?

Here are the players who have won the most Gold Gloves at each position, through 2020:

Pitcher: Greg Maddux – 18 Gold Gloves
Catcher: Ivan Rodriguez – 13 GG
1st base: Keith Hernandez – 11 GG
2nd base: Roberto Alomar – 10 GG
3rd base: Brooks Robinson – 16 GG
Shortstop: Ozzie Smith – 13 GG
Right field: Roberto Clemente – 12 GG
Centerfield: Willie Mays – 12 GG
Left field: Barry Bonds – 8 GG