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.