Jason Heyward and Andrelton Simmons Honored as Rawlings Gold Glove Winners
Both players earn their second Gold Glove Award
The Atlanta Braves had two players named tonight as 2014 Rawlings Gold Glove Award winners, as right fielder Jason Heyward and shortstop Andrelton Simmons each earned the award for their outstanding defensive play this past season at their respective positions. Both Heyward and Simmons are being honored for the second time in their career, as Heyward earned his first Gold Glove in 2012, and Simmons was tabbed a Gold Glove shortstop in 2013. The two are the first pair of Braves teammates to earn Gold Gloves since 2007, when outfielders Jeff Francoeur and Andruw Jones were honored. Established in 1957, the Gold Glove Award recognizes the best defensive players at their respective positions. The award is voted on by managers and coaches in each league, and also includes a sabermetric component, which was taken into consideration in the voting process for the second consecutive season this year.
Heyward, 25, led the Major Leagues this past season with 32 defensive runs saved in 149 games played in right field. His .997 fielding percentage ranked second among National League outfielders, while he tied for the National League lead with nine assists. On April 29, 2014, Heyward committed his first error (throwing) since September 4, 2012, spanning a stretch of 151 games and 323 total chances without committing an error. One of the league's strongest defensive threats in the outfield, Heyward was recognized as ESPN's Defensive Player of the Month for June and was also a unanimous selection of the 2014 Fielding Bible Award among Major League right fielders.
Simmons, the recipient of the 2013 Rawlings Platinum Glove, appeared in 146 games at shortstop and tied for second in the majors with 28 defensive runs saved. During last season's final month, Simmons, who is known for his highlight-reel defensive plays, was recognized as ESPN's Defensive Player of the Month for September and at the conclusion of the season, was unanimously selected as the 2014 Fielding Bible Award winner at the shortstop position.
Heyward and Simmons, along with St. Louis Cardinals catcher, Yadier Molina, are each featured on the 2014 Rawlings Platinum Glove Award ballot. Voting for the Platinum Glove Award winner starts immediately and can be found exclusively at platinumglove.rawlings.com. Voting concludes Wednesday (November 5th) evening. The Platinum Glove Award winner will be announced at the Rawlings Gold Glove Award Ceremony on November 7th.