CarL1 Wilmington Blue Rocks

Two Former Blue Rocks Receive Gold Gloves

Published on November 2, 2011 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Wilmington Blue Rocks News Release


Kansas City, MO - Two former Wilmington Blue Rocks, Jacoby Ellsbury and Alex Gordon, received Rawlings Gold Glove Awards last night for their stellar defensive play in the 2011 Major League season. The Gold Glove winners are determined by balloting among managers and coaches around each league. Former Blue Crewer Carlos Beltran, who won three straight Gold Gloves from 2006-08, fell just short in this year's final voting in the National League.

Ellsbury, a 2006 Wilmington alumnus and now center fielder for the Boston Red Sox, earned his first career Gold Glove. He did not make a single error in 394 total chances while leading American League center fielders in starts, innings and putouts. Ellsbury's stellar glovework was just part of a standout season that ultimately put him at or near the top of the MVP discussion, an honor that will be handed out on Nov. 21. Last month, Ellsbury was named the A.L. Comeback Player of the Year.

Gordon, a third baseman for the Royals until last year, is now among baseball's elite outfielders. Gordon, who rehabbed with the 2009 Blue Crew, won the Rawlings Gold Glove as the American League's best defensive left fielder. He was selected over the New York Yankees' Brett Gardner and the Tampa Bay Rays' Sam Fuld.

"I was thrilled, I couldn't be happier about the award," Gordon told MLB.com. "I have a lot of people to thank. Just changing positions last year, I never thought I'd be in this position today."

Gordon led the Major Leagues this year with 20 outfield assists, half of which cut down a runner at the plate. He also committed just three errors while leading all American League left fielders in fielding percentage (.991) and range factor/game (2.24). Earlier today, the Kansas City Chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA) named Gordon the Les Milgram Player of the Year.

The Blue Rocks' 2012 season gets underway on Friday, April 6 in Myrtle Beach, SC against the Pelicans (Texas Rangers). Frawley Stadium lights the lights for the 2012 home opener on Friday, April 13 when the Blue Crew hosts the Frederick Keys (Baltimore Orioles). For ticket information, please call 302-888-BLUE or visit bluerocks.com. Season tickets are on sale now and the team's 2012 schedule is available online.

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Carolina League Stories from November 2, 2011


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