Yadier Molina wins 7th Rawlings Gold Glove Award

St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina has won his seventh consecutive Rawlings Gold Glove Award. Molina edged out Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Russell Martin and Milwaukee Brewers backstop Jonathan Lucroy.

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The catcher continues to build on his Hall of Fame credentials for Cooperstown and that has come after missing seven weeks this season after tearing a ligament in his thumb. With his seventh straight win, he joins Ozzie Smith (1982-92), Bob Gibson (1965-73) and Curt Flood (1963-69) in becoming the only players franchise history to accomplish seven wins in a row.

As far as catchers are concerned, Molina is tied with Bob Boone and trails only Ivan Rodriguez (13) and Johnny Bench (10). Amongst non-outfielders, Molina joins Greg Maddux, Rodriguez and Omar Vizquel in taking home at least seven gold gloves since 1990.

With his injury this season, Molina was limited to only 106 games behind the plate. It didn’t matter in the end. Opposing managers and coaches account for 75% of the vote and they have seen enough of Molina to know better than to send their runners against his arm. This season, Molina threw out a league-best 48% amongst those catchers starting 50 games or more. Defensively, Molina saved eight runs.

Adam Wainwright was also a finalist for the National League pitchers but fell short in his bid for a third Gold Glove Award.