Maddux Wins Record 17th Gold Glove

Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2007 | 10:56 a.m.

Padres pitcher Greg Maddux won his record 17th Gold Glove while Boston first baseman Kevin Youkilis earned his first award Tuesday for fielding excellence.

Detroit catcher Ivan Rodriguez won for the 13th time and outfielders Andruw Jones, Ichiro Suzuki and Torii Hunter added to their totals. The Colorado Rockies, who set a major league record for fielding percentage, did not have a winner.

Maddux broke a tie with Baltimore third baseman Brooks Robinson and pitcher Jim Kaat for the most Gold Gloves.

Known for his quick reflexes on the mound even at 41, Maddux won his first Gold Glove in 1990 with the Chicago Cubs. The 347-game winner has taken home the honor every year since except for 2003, when Mike Hampton broke his streak.

Earlier this week, Maddux and San Diego agreed to a one-year contract for next year.

The Gold Gloves were first awarded in 1957. Managers and coaches vote on players in their own leagues.

Detroit second baseman Placido Polanco was among 10 first-time winners. Polanco did not make an error this season.

Youkilis began his career as a third baseman and shifted over to first base full-time in 2006. He did not commit an error at first this year; he made three errors in 13 games at third base.

"You realize how much a good first baseman helps when you're at third base," Youkilis said.

Youkilis has played an AL-record 190 straight games at first base without an error. His streak is three short of the major league mark set by Steve Garvey from 1983-85.

Youkilis did not start the final two games of Boston's sweep in the World Series. Minus the designated hitter in Colorado, the Red Sox started David Ortiz at the spot.

The Red Sox shifted Youkilis across the diamond after getting third baseman Mike Lowell in a trade with Florida. The move let Youkilis become an everyday player.

"It was a little nerve-racking in knowing I had to learn a whole new position," Youkilis said. "For me, it was a learning experience."

Rodriguez extended his record for catchers. Jones won his 10th award, all with Atlanta before becoming a free agent.

Suzuki won his seventh in a row, earning the honor after shifting from right field to center for Seattle. Hunter won his seventh straight with Minnesota before filing for free agency.

"I am very happy for this award because it ties my accomplishment reached in Japan of seven straight Gold Gloves," Suzuki said through a translator.

Among the other AL winners: Minnesota pitcher Johan Santana, Angels shortstop Orlando Cabrera, Seattle third baseman Adrian Beltre and Cleveland outfielder Grady Sizemore.

Other NL winners were: Dodgers catcher Russell Martin, Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee, Arizona second baseman Orlando Hudson, Philadelphia shortstop Jimmy Rollins, Mets third baseman David Wright and outfielders Carlos Beltran of the Mets, Aaron Rowand of Philadelphia and Jeff Francoeur of Atlanta.

Rowand and Francoeur tied in the voting.

The Gold Gloves are presented by Rawlings.