Baseball’s “heavy metal” double play – The 2015 Rawlings Gold Glove and Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Awards – honoring the best defensive and offensive players in each league at each position are on the books – and a handful (four fingers and a thumb) of players were honored for their excellence both at the plate and in the field. The five players who captured both a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger for the 2015 season were: Astros’ second baseman Jose Altuve; Diamondbacks’ first baseman Paul Goldschmidt; Marlins’ second baseman Dee Gordon; Giants’ shortstop Brandon Crawford; and Rockies’ third baseman Nolan Arenado. This year’s Sliver Slugger and Gold Glove winners’ lists each included nine first-time honorees. So, it’s no surprise that all five double-winners captured a Gold Glove and a Sliver Slugger in the same year for the first time.
Paul Goldschmidt – heavy metal hero – a 2015 Gold Glove and Silver Slugger; and he even threw in 21 stolen bases.
Since 1980, the combination of a Gold Glove/Silver Slugger has been achieved 174 times by 95 different players. You’ll find a complete list of the players who have earned recognition as the offensive and defensive leader in their respective leagues at the end of this post. (I’m also including lists of 2015’s individual Silver Slugger and Gold Glove winners). Since the Silver Slugger is awarded to three outfielders annually regardless of their position (LF, CF, RF), the Sliver Slugger and GG/SS combo lists in this post do not break outfielders out by position. Before, we take a look at the full lists, here are few bits of SS/GG combination trivia.
- The fewest GG/SS combo winners in a single season 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.
- Ivan Rodriguez (C), Ken Griffey, Jr. (OF) and Barry Bonds (OF) have each won the double (Silver Slugger/Gold Glove) crown in a season an MLB-record seven times.
- Ivan Rodriguez won the SS/GG combo for his position a record six consecutive seasons (1995-1999).
- 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)
- Ivan Rodriguez has the longest time period between his first and last SS/GG double crown (11 seasons – 1994-2004).
- Mike Hampton is the only pitcher to win the Silver Slugger and Gold Glove in the same season (Braves – 2003).
- Scott Rolen (3B) is the only player to win the SS/GG combo in a season in which he played for two different teams (2002, Phillies/Cardinals). 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 his only SS/GG combo season.
- 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).
- Eighteen players have captured a total of 22 MVP Awards in the same season they also won Silver Sluggers, led by Giants’ outfielder Barry Bonds, who achieved the MVP/SS/GG three times (1990, 1992, 1993). Two-time winners of the MVP/SS/GG include: Mike Schmidt (Phillies, 1981, 1986); Dale Murphy (Braves, 1982, 1983); Those accomplishing the MVP/SS/GG once are: Robin Yount (Brewers-1982); Ryne Sandberg (Cubs-1984); Willie McGee (Cardinals-1985); Cal Ripken, Jr. (Orioles-1991); Jeff Bagwell (Astros-1994); Barry Larkin (Reds-1995); Ken Caminiti (Padres-1996); Ken Griffey, Jr. (Mariners-1997); Larry Walker (Rockies-1997); Ivan Rodriguez (Rangers-1999); Ichiro Suzuki (Mariners-2001); Alex Rodriguez (Rangers-2003); Jimmy Rollins (Phillies-2007); Dustin Pedroia (Red Sox-2008); Joe Mauer (Twins-2009)
- Outfielders have achieved the SS/GG combo most often (65 times), but if you factor in the potential to outfielders to achieve three combos each season, second baseman have been most successful, putting up 29 SS/GG seasons.
- The top team in terms of SS/GG seasons is the Yankees (13)
- The White Sox are the only teams to never have a player win a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger in the same season.
2015 Silver Slugger Award Winners
Catcher
Brian McCann, Yankees
Buster Posey, Giants
First Base
Miguel Cabrera, Tigers
Paul Goldschmidt, Diamondbacks
Second Base
Jose Altuve, Astros
Dee Gordon, Marlins
Third Base
Josh Donaldson, Blue Jays
Nolan Arenado, Rockies
Shortstop
Xander Bogaerts, Red Sox
Brandon Crawford, Giants
Outfield
Mike Trout, Angels
Nelson Cruz, Mariners
J.D. Martinez, Tigers
Andrew McCutchen, Pirates
Bryce Harper, Nationals
Carlos Gomez, Rockies
Pitcher
Madison Bumgarner, Giants
DH
Kendrys Morales, Royals
_______________________________________________________________
2015 Awards Recognizing Fielding Excellence
The three most significant defensive recognitions are:
Rawlings Gold Glove … This is the most senior (and most recognized and publicized) defensive award, established in 1957. It is also considered the most subjective, with 75 percent of the results dependent on a vote of MLB managers and coaches and 25 percent on statistical defensive metrics (provided by MLB and the Society for American Baseball Research – SABR).
The Fielding Bible Award … Established in 2006, the Fielding Bible Awards are considered to be less subjective than the Gold Gloves. These awards are voted on by a panel of twelve sabermetrically-inclined and experienced journalists (and bloggers).
Wilson Defensive Player(s) of the Year … Established in 2012, this recognition is based on scouting reports, traditional defensive statistics and sabermetric measures like Defensive Runs Saved (DRS), Defensive Wins Above Replacement (dWAR) and other less self-explanatory statistics.
______________________________________________________________
Full List of Same Year Gold Glove/Silver Slugger Winners by Season
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 Tiexeira, 1B, Yankees
Ryan Zimmerman, 3B, Nationals
Deterk 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 Veritek, 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 Gold Glove/Silver Slugger combo winners listed alphabetically:
Alomar, Roberto … 1992; 1996; 1999; 2000
Altuve, Jose … 2015
Arenado, Nolan … 2015
Baker, Dusty … 1981
Bagwell, Jeff … 1994
Bell, Buddy … 1984
Bell, Jay … 1993
Beltre, Adrian … 2011
Beltran, Carlos … 2006; 2007
Biggio, Craig … 1994; 1995; 1997
Boggs, Wade … 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 … 2015
Gonzalez, Adrian … 2011; 2014
Gonzalez, Carlos … 2010
Gordon, Dee … 2015
Green, Shawn … 1999
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
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
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; 1083; 1984; 1985
Murray, Eddie … 1983; 1984
Palanco, Placido … 2007
Palmeiro, Rafael … 1998
Parrish, Lance … 1983; 1984
Pedroia, Dustin … 2008
Phillips, Brandon … 2011
Puckett, Kirby … 1986; 1987; 1988; 1989; 1992
Pujols, Albert … 2010
Renteria, Edgar … 2002
Ripken, Cal, Jr. … 1991
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
Tiexeira, 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
I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT
Member: Society for American Baseball Research (SABR); The Baseball Reliquary; Baseball Bloggers Alliance.
