It is not surprising that Greg Maddux won his 17th Gold Glove earlier this week. But I do have a complaint on the article at MLB.com about his winning. The article said, correctly, it was the 17th time Maddux had won. But the article went on to say: "Brooks Robinson has the most Gold Gloves for a position player. … 16."
No! Greg Maddux has the most Gold Gloves for a position player because he is a position player. When Greg Maddux is pitching, it’s almost like there is an extra infielder – because he is a fielder.
There are plenty of pitchers who think their only job is to throw the ball. Greg Maddux understands he can get batters out by throwing the ball – and by fielding the ball.
If you want to see the proper way for the pitcher to throw the ball to first base after fielding a ground ball, watch Greg Maddux. He doesn’t underhand it or lob it or make some other silly throw. He just fields the ball and makes a regular throw. It’s simple, it’s safe, and it’s not going to get messed up.
In fact, if you want to make a video to teach kids how to field when they are pitching, all you have to do is get some tapes of Greg Maddux pitching. A couple edits here and there and, presto, you have your tape. And I bet it would win a Gold Glove
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