When Jason Heyward left the 2006 Perfect Game National Showcase in Fayetteville, Ark., on his way to the 2006 PG All-American Classic in San Diego, the majority of his scouting report spoke to his “major league body” and the “prodigious power” he generated with his left-handed bat.
A year later when Eric Hosmer left the 2007 PG National Showcase in Cincinnati on his way to the 2007 PG All-American Classic in San Diego, it was more of the same. Hosmer’s report echoed Heyward’s with the “major league body” reference and also spoke extensively of his advanced hitting tools.
But Heyward’s report also referenced his advanced defensive skills supplemented by a strong and accurate arm and excellent foot speed. Hosmer was singled-out as “an outstanding first baseman with light feet and soft hands and polished balance around the bag.”
The written words were a precursor of what was to come. Heyward, the St. Louis Cardinals’ 26-year-old right-fielder, and Hosmer, the World Champion Kansas City Royals 26-year-old first baseman, just completed their sixth and fifth major league seasons, respectively. They continue to prove with each passing of another calendar year they can hit at the big league level, and there is also plenty of proof in the pudding they can field their positions just as well if not better.
The Rawlings Gold Glove Awards were presented Tuesday night, handed out to the 18 players – nine each from the American and National leagues – opposing managers and coaches considered to be the best defensive players at their respective positions.
This year, 10 players with Perfect Game histories were honored, including PG All-American Classic and PG National Showcase alumni Heyward and Hosmer. Heyward previously received NL Gold Glove Awards in 2012 and 2014, and this marks the third straight year (2013-15) Hosmer won the award for defensive excellence in the AL.
Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado, an alumnus of the 2008 PG National Showcase in Minneapolis, received his third straight NL Gold Glove Award (2013-15), while Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed pitcher Zack Greinke, a veteran of the 2000 and 2001 PG World Showcase in Fort Myers, Fla., won his second straight (2014-15).
Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado, who was at the 2009 PG National Showcase in Minneapolis, took home his second AL Gold Glove, having previously won the award in 2013. Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt is another two-time recipient, also winning in 2013.
The other four recipients with PG histories, among those listed below, were all first-time winners.
2015 PG RAWLINGS GOLD GLOVE AWARD WINNERS
AMERICAN LEAGUE
First Base:
- Eric Hosmer, Kansas City Royals – 2007 PG All-American Classic; 2007 PG National Showcase; 2005-07 PG WWBA World Championship (MVP ’07); 2005-06 PG showcases; 2005-07 PG WWBA, PG BCS tournaments
Third Base:
- Manny Machado, Baltimore Orioles – 2009 PG National Showcase; 2009 PG WWBA World Championship; 2008-09 PG WWBA, PG BCS tournaments
Center Field:
- Kevin Kiermaier, Tampa Bay Rays – 2008 PG WWBA tournaments
Right Field:
- Kole Calhoun, Los Angeles Angels – 2004 PG ID Camp AZ Nov. 6
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Pitcher:
- Zack Greinke, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers – 2000-01 PG World Showcase; 2001 PG WWBA World Championship; 2001 18u PG WWBA National Championship
First Base:
- Paul Goldschmidt, Arizona Diamondbacks – 2004 PG WWBA tournaments
Third Base:
- Nolan Arenado, Colorado Rockies – 2008 PG National Showcase; 2007-08 PG showcases; 2007-08 PG WWBA, PG BCS tournaments
Shortstop:
- Brandon Crawford, San Francisco Giants – 2004 PG WWBA tournaments
Center Field:
- A.J. Pollock, Arizona Diamondbacks – 2006 PG WWBA tournaments
Right Field:
- Jason Heyward, St. Louis Cardinals – 2006 PG All-American Classic; 2006 PG National Showcase; 2004-05 PG National Underclass Showcase; 2005-06 PG WWBA World Championship; 2004-06 PG WWBA tournaments