Leather and Lumber Equation: Gold Glove + Silver Slugger = Heavy Metal

Regular readers of BBRT know that I have a particular fondness for players that bring “lumber and leather” to their game. With that in mind, this post will focus on players who have captured what BBRT thinks of as “MLB’s Heavy Metal Doubleheader” – winning a Silver Slugger and Gold Glove in the same season.  You have to admire those players who can earn recognition as be named the best at their positions both defensively and offensively.

Note: The Hillerich and Bradsby Silver Slugger Awards were first presented in 1980 (the Rawlings Gold Glove Awards were launched in 1957), so the list of double winners is relatively recent (at least as defined by someone who went to their first World Series game the year the Gold Glove Awards were initiated).

In 2019, four players earned both a Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger:

• Phillies’ catcher J.T. Realmuto;
• Red Sox’ RF Mookie Betts;
• Dodgers’ RF Cody Bellinger; and
• Diamondbacks’ pitcher Zack Greinke.

Let’s take a quick look at how they earned their gold and silver – and add some “Heavy Metal” trivia. along the way.

Phillies, C,  J.T. Realmuto

In his sixth MLB season (five as a regular), Realmuto picked up his second Silver Slugger (2018 & 2019) and first Gold Glove Award. On offense, Realmuto hit .275, with 25 home runs, 83 RBI and 94 runs scored.  In games he played as a catcher, Realmuto topped NL backstops in hits (144), runs batted in (79) and stolen bases (9).  He also finished in the top five among NL catchers in average and home runs (he hit 23 of his home runs while in the catcher’s spot and one each as a DH and one as a pinch hitter).   On defense, he led NL catchers in Defensive WAR at 1.9 and threw out an MLB-best 43 base runners – leading the NL with a 46.3 percent caught stealing rate.  He also led NL catchers in double plays and finished among the NL’s top five catchers in pitch “framing.”

Mookie Betts, RF, Red Sox

This is Betts’ second straight season of combined Gold Glove/Silver Slugger excellence – making him the 26^th MLB player with consecutive “Heavy Metal” seasons.  It was Betts’ third Silver Slugger Award and fourth Gold Glove (in six MLB seasons; five of 100 or more games).  On offense, Betts hit .295, with 40 doubles, five triples and 29 home runs. He also had 80 RBI, 97 walks and his 135 runs scored led all of major league baseball.  On defense, the far-ranging right fielder was first among AL rightfielders in fielding percentage (.996) and second among AL rightfielders in both putouts (274) and assists (8). When you add in his games in centerfield, Betts led all AL outfielders in putouts (320) and was third in assists (10).  His 15 Defensive Runs Saved trailed only the Yankees’ Aaron Judge and Dodgers’ Cody Bellinger among MLB rightfielders.

Cody Bellinger, RF, Dodgers

In 2019, Dodgers’ RF Cody Bellinger – in his third MLB season – picked up his first Gold Glove and Single Slugger Awards. (Bellinger started 102 games in RF, 28 at 1B and 21 in CF). Offensively, Bellinger hit .305 (ninth in the NL), with 47 home runs (third in the NL), 115 RBI (seventh in the NL), 121 runs scored (second in the NL) and 15 stolen bases (in 20 attempts).   He led the NL in total bases (351) and his NL-topping 21 intentional walks indicate the respect he earned at the plate.  In the field, his 10 outfield assists as a rightfielder were second in the league and his .990 fielding percentage led all NL righfielders, as did his 19 Defensive Runs Saved.

 

Zack Greinke, P, Diamondbacks/Astros

Greinke, in his 16^th MLB season, picked up his sixth Gold Glove (consecutive) and second Silver Slugger Award.  Traded by the Diamondbacks to the Astros (in the AL, with its DH, but don’t get me started on that) at the July trade deadline, Greinke did enough damage with his bat early to earn a Silver Slugger. He got only two at bats with Houston (hitting one double).  His overall stat line for the season was 14-for-56 (.280), with four doubles, one triple, three home runs and eight RBI.  Although switching leagues put him out of the running for AL or NL defensive leadership, his 68 total chances topped all MLB pitchers, as did his 33 putouts and 34 assists (tying the Braves’ Max Fried). Greinke made only one error, for a .985 fielding percentage.

Zack Greinke (2019 – Diamondbacks Astros) and Mike Hampton (2003 Braves) are the only pitchers to win a Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger in the same season.

–A FEW ADDITIONAL BITS OF SAME-SEASON SILVER SLUGGER AND GOLD GLOVER TRIVIA–

• The Chicago White Sox are the only team to never have a player capture a Silver Slugger Award and Gold Glove in the same season.
• The fewest GG/SS combo winners in a single season (since 1980) is one – Dodgers’ 1B Adrian Gonzalez in 2014.
• The most players to achieve the GG/SS combo in a season is nine – back in 1984: Lance Parrish, C, Tigers; Keith Hernandez, 1B, Mets; Eddie Murray, 1B, Orioles; Ryne Sandberg, 2B, Cubs; Lou Whitaker, 2B, Tigers; Mike Schmidt, 3B, Phillies; Buddy Bell, 3B, Rangers; Dave Winfield, OF, Yankees; Dale Murphy, OF, Braves.
• Roberto Alomar (2B) is the only player to win the single-season Gold Glove/Silver Slugger combo with three different teams (Blue Jays-1992; Orioles-1996; Indians-1999, 2000)
• Scott Rolen (3B) and Zack Greinke are the only player to win the SS/GG combo in a season in which they played for two different teams. In 2002, Rolen was traded from the Phillies to the Cardinals on July 29. He played 100 games for the Phillies and 55 for the Cardinals in what would be his only SS/GG combo season.  For Greinke’s particulars see the paragraphs on Greinke above.
• Adrian Gonzalez (1B) and Matt Williams (3B) are the only players to capture a SS/GG single-season combination in both the AL and NL. Gonzalez – Dodgers-2014; Red Sox-2011. Williams – Indians-1997; Giants-1993-1994.
• The only team to have three SS/GG winners in the same season is the 1993 Giants (Robby Thompson (2B), Matt Williams (3B), Barry Bonds (OF).

__________________________________________________________________

Now, we’ve look at 2018’s “Heavy Metal Doubleheader” winners. Here’s a look back at those who have won both awards in the same season in the past.  Since 1980, the combination of a Gold Glove/Silver Slugger has been achieved in a season 194 times by 104 different players.  Here are a couple of list that might be of interest.  (Since the Silver Slugger is awarded to three outfielders annually regardless of their position (LF, CF, RF), GG/SS combo lists in this post does not break outfielders out by position.)

—Full List of Same-Year Gold Glove/Silver Slugger Winners by Season—

2019

J.T. Realmuto, C, Phillies; Mookie Betts, RF, Red Sox; Cody Bellinger, RF, Dodgers; Zack Greinke, P, D-backs/Astros

2018

Nolan Arenado, 3B, Rockies; Mookie Betts, OF, Red Sox; Nick Markakis, OF, Braves’ Salvador Perez, C, Royals

2017

Nolan Arenado, 3B, Rockies; Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, Diamondbacks; Eric Hosmer, 1B, Royals; Marcell Ozuna, OF, Marlins

2016

Nolan Arenado, 3B, Rockies; Mookie Betts, Of, Red Sox; Salvador Perez, C, Royals; Anthony Rizzo, 1B, Cubs

2015

Jose Altuve, 2B, Astros; Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, Diamondbacks; Dee Gordon, 2B, Marlins; Nolan Arenado, 3B, Rockies; Brandon Crawford, SS, Giants.

2014

Adrian Gonzalez, 1B, Dodgers

2013

Yadier Molina, C, Cardinals; Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, Diamondbacks; J.J. Hardy, SS, Orioles; Adam Jones, OF, Orioles

2012

Adam LaRoche, 1B, Nationals; Robinson Cano, 2B, Yankees; Chase Headley, 3B, Padres; Andrew McCutchen, OF, Pirates

2011

Adrian Gonzalez, 1B, Red Sox; Brandon Phillips, 2B, Reds; Adrian Beltre, 3B, Rangers; Troy Tulowitzki, SS, Rockies; Jacob Ellsbury, OF, Red Sox; Matt Kemp, OF, Dodgers

2010

Joe Mauer, C, Twins; Albert Pujols, 1B, Cardinals; Robinson Cano, 2B, Yankees; Troy Tulowitzki, SS, Rockies; Carl Crawford, OF, Rays; Carlos Gonzalez, OF, Rockies

2009

Joe Mauer, C, Twins; Mark Tiexiera, 1B, Yankees; Ryan Zimmerman, 3B, Nationals’ Derek Jeter, SS, Yankees’ Matt Kemp, OF, Dodgers; Ichiro Suzuki, OF, Mariners; Torii Hunter, OF, Angels

2008

Joe Mauer, C, Twins’ Dustin Pedroia, 2B, Red Sox; David Wright, 3B, Mets; Grady Sizemore, OF, Indians

2007

Russell Martin, C, Dodgers; Placido Polanco, 2B, Tigers; David Wright, 3B, Mets; Jimmy Rollins, SS, Phillies; Carlos Beltran, OF, Mets; Ichiro Suzuki, OF, Mariners

2006

Derek Jeter, SS, Yankees; Carlos Beltran, OF, Mets

2005

Jason Varitek, C, Red Sox; Mark Tiexierea, 1B, Rangers; Derrek Lee, 1B, Cubs; Andruw Jones, OF, Braves

2004

Ivan Rodriguez, C, Tigers; Jim Edmonds, OF, Cardinals

2003

Brett Boone, 2B, Mariners; Edgar Renteria, SS, Cardinals; Alex Rodriguez, SS, Rangers; Mike Hampton, P, Braves

2002

Todd Helton, 1B, Rockies; Scott Rolen, 3B, Cardinals/Phillies; Eric Chavez, 3B, A’s; Edgar Renteria, SS, Cardinals; Alex Rodriguez, SS, Rangers

2001

Todd Helton, 1B, Rockies; Ichiro Suzuki, OF, Mariners

2000

Roberto Alomar, 2B, Indians; Darin Erstad, OF, Angels

1999

Ivan Rodriguez, C, Rangers; Robert Alomar, 2B, Indians; Larry Walker, OF, Rockies; Ken Griffey, Jr., OF, Mariners; Shawn Green, OF, Blue Jays

1998

Ivan Rodriguez, C, Rangers; Rafael Palmeiro, 1B, Rangers; Ken Griffey, Jr. OF, Mariners

1997

Ivan Rodriguez, C, Rangers; Craig Biggio, 2B, Astros; Chuck Knoblauch, 2B, Twins; Matt Williams, 3B, Indians; Larry Walker, OF, Rockies; Barry Bonds, OF, Giants; Ken Griffey, Jr, OF, Mariners

1996

Ivan Rodriguez, C, Rangers; Roberto Alomar, 2B, Orioles; Ken Caminiti, 3B, Padres; Barry Larkin, SS, Reds; Barry Bonds, OF, Giants; Ken Griffey, Jr. OF, Mariners

1995

Ivan Rodriguez, C, Rangers; Craig, Biggio, 2B, Astros; Barry Larkin, SS, Reds

1994

Ivan Rodriguez, C, Rangers; Jeff Bagwell, 1B, Astros; Craig Biggio, 2B, Astros; Matt Williams, 3B, Giants; Wade Boggs, 3B, Yankees; Barry Bonds, OF, Giants; Ken Griffey, Jr., OF, Mariners

1993

Robby Thompson, 2B, Giants; Matt Williams, 3B, Giants; Jay Bell, SS, Pirates; Barry Bonds, OF, Giants; Ken Griffey, Jr, OF, Mariners

1992

Roberto Alomar, 2B, Blue Jays; Larry Walker, OF, Expos; Andy Van Slyke, OF, Pirates; Barry Bonds, OF, Pirates; Kirby Puckett, OF, Twins

1991

Will Clark, 1B, Giants; Ryne Sandberg, 2B, Cubs; Cal Ripken, Jr., SS, Orioles; Barry Bonds, OF, Pirates’ Ken Griffey, Jr., OF, Mariners

1990

Benito Santiago, C, Padres; Ryne Sandberg, 2B, Cubs; Kelly Gruber, 3B, Blue Jays; Barry Bonds, OF, Pirates; Ellis Burks, OF, Red Sox

1989

Ryne Sandberg, 2B, Cubs; Eric Davis, OF, Reds; Kirby Puckett, OF, Twins; Tony Gwynn, OF, Padres

1988

Benito Santiago, C, Padres; Ryne Sandberg, 2B, Cubs; Andy Van Slyke, OF, Pirates; Kirby Puckett, OF, Twins

1987

Don Mattingly, 1B, Yankees; Ozzie Smith, SS, Cardinals; Tony Gwynn, OF, Padres; Eric Davis, OF, Reds; Kirby Puckett, OF, Twins; Andre Dawson, OF, Cubs

1986

Don Mattingly, 1B, Yankees; Frank White, 2B, Royals; Mike Schmidt, 3B, Phillies; Tony Gwynn, OF, Padres; Kirby Puckett, OF, Twins

1985

Don Mattingly, 1B, Yankees; Ryne Sandberg, 2B, Cubs; Lou Whitaker, 2B, Tigers; Tim Wallach, 3B, Expos; George Brett, 3B, Royals; Willie McGee, OF, Cardinals; Dale Murphy, OF, Braves; Dave Winfield, OF, Yankees

1984

Lance Parrish, C, Tigers; Keith Hernandez, 1B, Mets; Eddie Murray, 1B, Orioles; Ryne Sandberg, 2B, Cubs; Lou Whitaker, 2B, Tigers; Mike Schmidt, 3B, Phillies; Buddy Bell, 3B, Rangers; Dave Winfield, OF, Yankees; Dale Murphy, OF, Braves

1983

Lance Parrish, C, Tigers; Eddie Murray, 1B, Orioles; Lou Whitaker, 2B, Tigers; Mike Schmidt, 3B, Phillies; Dale Murphy, OF, Braves; Dave Winfield, OF, Yankees; Andre Dawson, OF, Expos

1982

Gary Carter, C, Expos; Mike Schmidt, 3B, Phillies; Robin Yount, SS, Brewers; Dale Murphy, OF, Braves; Dave Winfield, OF, Yankees

1981

Gary Carter, C, Expos; Manny Trillo, 2B, Phillies; Mike Schmidt, 3B, Phillies; Andre Dawson, OF, Expos; Rickey Henderson, OF, A’s; Dwight Evans, OF, Red Sox; Dusty Baker, OF, Dodgers

1980

Keith Hernandez, 1B, Cardinals; Cecil Cooper, 1B, Brewers; Andre Dawson, OF, Expos; Willie Wilson, OF, Royals

____________________________________________

Your Same-Season, Gold Glove/Silver Slugger combo winners listed alphabetically:

Alomar, Roberto … 1992; 1996; 1999; 2000

Altuve, Jose … 2015

Arenado, Nolan … 2015; 2016; 2017; 2018

Baker, Dusty … 1981

Bagwell, Jeff … 1994

Bell, Buddy … 1984

Bell, Jay (SS) … 1993

Cody Bellinger … 2019

Beltre, Adrian (3B) … 2011

Beltran, Carlos (OF) … 2006; 2007

Biggio, Craig (2B) … 1994; 1995; 1997

Betts, Mookie (OF) … 2016; 2018, 2019

Boggs, Wade (3B) … 1994

Bonds, Barry … 1990; 1991; 1992; 1993; 1994; 1996; 1997

Boone, Brett … 2003

Brett, George … 1985

Burks, Ellis … 1990

Caminiti, Ken … 1996

Cano, Robinson … 2010; 2012

Carter, Gary … 1981; 1982

Chavez, Eric … 2002

Clark, Will … 1991

Cooper, Cecil …1980

Crawford, Brandon … 2015

Crawford, Carl … 2010

Dawson, Andre … 1980; 1981; 1983; 1987

Davis, Eric … 1987; 1989

Edmonds, Jim … 2004

Ellsbury, Jacob … 2011

Erstad, Darin … 2000

Evans, Dwight … 1981

Goldschmidt, Paul … 2013; 2015; 2017

Gonzalez, Adrian … 2011; 2014

Gonzalez, Carlos … 2010

Gordon, Dee … 2015

Green, Shawn … 1999

Zack Greinke … 2019

Griffey, Ken Jr. … 1991; 1993; 1994; 1996; 1997; 1998; 1999

Gruber, Kelly … 1990

Gwynn, Tony … 1986; 1987; 1989

Hampton, Mike … 2003

Hardy, J.J. … 2013

Headley, Chase … 2012

Helton, Todd … 2002

Henderson, Rickey … 1981

Hernandez, Keith … 1980; 1984

Eric Hosmer … 2017

Hunter, Torii … 2009

Jeter, Derek … 2006; 2009

Jones, Adam … 2013

Jones, Andruw … 2005

Kemp, Matt … 2009; 2011

Knoblauch, Chuck … 1997

Larkin, Barry … 1995; 1996

LaRoche, Adam … 2012

Lee, Derrek … 2005

Markakis, Nick … 2018

Martin, Russell … 2008

Mattingly, Don … 1985; 1986; 1987

Mauer, Joe … 2008; 2009; 2010

McCutchen, Andrew … 2012

McGee, Willie … 1985

Molina, Yadier … 2013

Murphy, Dale … 1982; 1983; 1984; 1985

Murray, Eddie … 1983; 1984

Marcell Ozuna … 2017

Polanco, Placido … 2007

Palmeiro, Rafael … 1998

Parrish, Lance … 1983; 1984

Pedroia, Dustin … 2008

Salvador, Perez … 2016; 2018

Phillips, Brandon … 2011

Puckett, Kirby … 1986; 1987; 1988; 1989; 1992

Pujols, Albert … 2010

J.T. Realmuto … 2019

Renteria, Edgar … 2002

Ripken, Cal, Jr. … 1991

Anthony Rizzo … 2016

Rodriguez, Alex … 2002; 2003

Rodriguez, Ivan … 1994; 1995; 1996; 1997; 1998; 1999; 2004

Rolen, Scott … 2002

Rollins, Jimmy … 2007

Sandberg, Ryne … 1984; 1985; 1988; 1989; 1990; 1991

Santiago, Benito … 1988; 1990

Schmidt, Mike … 1981; 1982; 1983; 1984; 1986

Sizemore, Grady … 2008

Smith, Ozzie … 1987

Suzuki, Ichiro … 2001; 2007; 2009

Thompson, Robby … 1993

Tiexiera, Mark … 2005, 2009

Trillo, Manny … 1981

Tulowitzki, Troy … 2010; 2011

Van Slyke, Andy … 1988; 1992

Varitek, Jason … 2005

Walker, Larry … 1992; 1997; 1999

Wallach, Tim … 1985

White, Frank … 1986

Whitaker, Lou … 1983; 1984; 1985

Williams, Matt … 1993; 1994; 1997

Wilson, Willie … 1980

Winfield, Dave … 1982; 1983; 1984; 1985

Wright, David … 2007; 2008

Yount, Robin … 1982

Ryan Zimmerman … 2009

_____________________________________________

— 2019 SILVER SLUGGER WINNERS —

American League

C – Mitch Garver, Twins

1B – Carlos Santana, Indians

2B – DJ LeMahieu, Yankees

3B – Alex Bregman, Astros

SS – Xander Bogaerts, Red Sox

OF – Mookie Betts, Red Sox

OF – Mike Trout, Angels

OF – George Springer, Astros

DH – Nelson Cruz, Twins

National League

C – J.T. Realmuto, Marlins

1B – Freddie Freeman, Braves

2B – Ozzie Albies, Braves

3B – Anthony Rendon, Nationals

SS – Trevor Story, Rockies

OF – Christian Yelich, Brewers

OF – Cody Bellinger, Dodgers

OF – Ronald Acuna, Jr., Braves

P – Zack Greinke, Diamondbacks

____________________________________________________________

— 2019 DEFENSIVE AWARDS — 

.Primary resources:  MLB.com; Baseball-Reference.com; ESPN.com; FanGraphs.com

BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE ON THE TOP 100 BASEBALL BLOG LIST

Baseball Roundtable is on the Feedspot list of the Top 100 Baseball Blogs.  To see the full list, click here.

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT

Follow/Like Baseball Roundtable’s Facebook Page here.  More baseball commentary; blog post notifications; PRIZES.

Member: Society for American Baseball Research (SABR); The Baseball Reliquary; The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.