In defence of Larry Walker -- Seven Gold Gloves to go with impact bat

Canadian Larry Walker was not only one of the best offensive outfielders in the major league during his 16-year career, he was also a seven-time Gold Glove Award winner in the field.

By Tracy Ringolsby

Inside the Seams

Larry Walker hit for average.

Larry Walker hit for power.

Larry Walker stole bases.

And Larry Walker played defence.

Walker earned seven Gold Glove Awards in his career, one of 18 outfielders to win seven or more. Seven of those 18 are in the Hall of Fame, six of whom were elected in their first year of eligibility, and Andre Dawson, who was enshrined in his ninth year of eligibility.

Two others are not yet eligible — Ichiro Suzuki and Torii Hunter.

Three are currently on the ballot — Walker, Andruw Jones and Barry Bonds.

That leaves six who were not elected — five not getting past their first year of eligibility plus Curt Flood, who was on the ballot for 15 years, the former limit for a player’s candidacy. It has since been reduced to a 10-year maximum for a player to be on the ballot..

Flood is the only outfielder to win seven or more Gold Gloves who was on the ballot more times than Walker.

Player (GG) HOF Status On Ballot
Roberto Clemente (12) Hall of Fame 1973
Willie Mays (12) Hall of Fame 1979
Ken Griffey Jr. (10) Hall of Fame 2016
Andruw Jones (10) On ballot for 2nd year Since 2018
Al Kaline (10) Hall of Fame 1980
Ichiro Suzuki (10) 2024 1st year eligible  
Torii Hunter (9) 2021 1st year eligible  
Paul Blair (8) 1986 8 votes 1.9 percent 1986
Barry Bonds (8) On ballot Since 2013
Andre Dawson (8) Hall of Fame 2002-10
Jim Edmonds (8) 2016 11 votes 2.5 percent 2016
Dwight Evans (8) 1998 49 votes 10.4 percent 1997-1999
Garry Maddox (8) 1992 no votes 1992
Curt Flood (7) 1996 71 votes 15 percent 1982-1996
Larry Walker (7) On ballot Since 2011
Devon White (7) 2007 no votes 2007
Dave Winfield (7) Hall of Fame 2001
Carl Yastrzemski (7) Hall of Fame 1989