50th Edition of Rawlings Gold Glove Awards® for MLB Leads Off Golden Anniversary Celebration

America to Debate and Vote on All-Time Rawlings Gold Glove Team; Original 1957 Rawlings Gold Glovers to be Honored

ST. LOUIS (Oct. 26, 2006) — For 50 years, the Rawlings Gold Glove Award® has been baseball's ultimate and undisputed measure of excellence in the field. Next week, Rawlings will launch the award’s Golden Anniversary by unveiling the 50th editions of the American League and National League Rawlings Gold Glove teams, and providing details of a nationwide fan vote to select the all-time Rawlings Gold Glove Golden Anniversary team — the greatest fielder at each position.

Nothing beats a great baseball debate, and voting for the Rawlings Gold Glove Golden Anniversary team will be akin to turning a triple play: it will be a tremendous challenge … and the debate will be feverish. How would America choose between Willie Mays, Ken Griffey, Jr., Jim Edmunds and Roberto Clemente? Johnny Bench or Pudge Rodriguez? Ozzie Smith, Derek Jeter or Omar Vizquel? Brooks Robinson or Scott Rolen? Jim Katt or Greg Maddux?

A panel of baseball historians and experts — including those who played, managed, governed and reported on the game — will set the ballot: 50 players, several at each position. The ballot will be revealed and turned over to the fans during Spring Training for a national vote. The all time Rawlings Gold Glove Golden Anniversary Team will be revealed during the All-Star break.