Regular readers of BBRT know that Baseball Roundtable has a particular fondness for players that bring “lumber and leather” to their game. This post (an annual BBRT tradition) 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 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 2020’s shortened season, only one player achieved “Heavy Metal” status, Dodgers’ rightfielder Mookie Betts. It was only the second time in Silver Slugger/Gold Glove history that only one MLB player earned both recognitions in the same campaign. (The first was Dodgers’ first baseman Adrian Gonzalez n 2014.) In the 2019 season four players earned Gold Glove and Silver Slugger recognition: Betts in right field for the Red Sox; Phillies’ catcher J.T. Realmuto; Dodgers’ RF Cody Bellinger; and Diamondbacks’ pitcher Zack Greinke.
Let’s look at Mookie Betts’ 2020 Heavy Metal Season.
Mookie Betts, RF, Los Angeles Dodgers
On the offensive side, Betts’ hit .292-16-39, with 47 runs scored and ten steals in 55 games during his first year in a Dodgers uniform. His 47 runs were fourth overall and first among outfielders in the National League. His 64 base hits were tenth in the NL; his 123 total bases seventh; his 16 home runs tied for third. His performance at the plate earned him his fourth Silver Slugger Award in six full MLB seasons.
On defense, he topped NL right fielders in putouts (113) and Defensive Runs Saved (11); leading in the range and positioning components of DRS among right fielders. Betts also won the 2020 Fielding Bible Award for right fielders. It was Betts’ fifth consecutive Gold Glove and fourth Fielding Bible Award (the Awards were established in 2006), the most won by any rightfielder.
Change of Venue? No Problem.
In. 2020 Mookie Betts joined Adrian Gonzalez (1B) and Matt Williams (3B) as the only players to capture a SS/GG single-season combination in both the AL and NL. Betts accomplished the feat with the Red Sox in 2016-18-19 and, of course, with the Dodgers in 2020. Gonzalez achieved the combination with the Red Sox in 2011 and the Dodgers in 2014. Williams did it with the Indians in 1997 and Giants in 1993-94.
–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 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 players 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. Greinke did it in 2019, , when he started the season with the Diamondbacks and was traded to the Astros at the July deadline. Despite moving to the AL with its DH, Geinke’s .280-3-8 season was goo enough to earn him a Silver Slugger.
- 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).
Zack Greinke (2019 Diamondbacks/Astros) and Mike Hampton (2003 Braves) are the only pitchers to win a Silver Slugger and Gold Glove in the same season.
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Now that we’ve looked at 2020’s “Heavy Metal Doubleheader” winner, 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 195 times by 104 different players – with 39 players accomplishing the feat more than once and 26 of those winning two or more consecutive SS/GG combinations. Here are a couple of lists that might be of interest. (Note: Since the Silver Slugger is awarded to three outfielders annually regardless of their position, the GG/SS combo lists in this post do not break outfielders out by position.)
—Full List of Same-Year Gold Glove/Silver Slugger Winners by Season—
2020
Mookie Betts,RF, Dodgers
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
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If you want to look up your favorite player(s), here is:
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; 2020
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
Primary Resources: Baseball-Reference,.com; MLB.com
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