Four of the nine Gold Glove winners in the National League were recognized for the first time when Rawlings announced the 2009 awards Wednesday afternoon.Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp, Astros outfielder Michael Bourn, Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman and Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright were the first-time honorees.
Two members of the NL champion Phillies -- center fielder Shane Victorino and shortstop Jimmy Rollins -- were recognized for their defensive excellence. Victorino was a Gold Glover for the second straight year, while Rollins won it for a third consecutive time.
The Cardinals were the only other team with multiple honorees in the NL. Catcher Yadier Molina joined Wainwright, both pictured above right, in forming only the fifth Gold Glove battery made up of teammates in the history of the award. The last came in 2006, when the Tigers' Ivan Rodriguez and Kenny Rogers both won Gold Gloves.
Rounding out the 2009 team were Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, who won for the second straight year, and Dodgers second baseman (and free agent) Orlando Hudson, who was recognized for the fourth time, his third in the NL.
The AL Gold Glove winners were announced Tuesday and can be found here.
