Andrew McCutchen Wins NL Gold Glove
By Matt Shetler
The Pittsburgh Pirates had really only one shot to take home some hardware to recognize stellar performance for the 2012 season and like he did all season long, Andrew McCutchen delivered.
Sep 10, 2012; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) catches a fly ball hit by the Cincinnati Reds left fielder Chris Heisey (not pictured) during the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-US PRESSWIRE
McCutchen, who claimed the National League hits crown during the regular season, was recognized for his defense Tuesday night, winning his first Gold Glove award.
Cutch became the seventh Pirates outfielder to capture a gold glove, after a season in which made just one error and had a .997 fielding percentage. He is the Pirates first Gold Glove winner since Nate McLouth captured the award in 2008.
In winning the award as the best defensive center fielder, McCutchen beat out Drew Stubbs of the Cincinnati Reds and Michael Bourn of the Atlanta Braves.
In addition to McCutchen and McLouth, the two most recent winners, Roberto Clemente won a Gold Glove in 12 straight seasons from 1961-72. Andy Van Slyke won it five times. Barry Bonds and Dave Parker won it three times apiece.
McCutchen is also a top candidate for the National League Most Valuable Player, but isn’t expected to win the award.