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Brandon Crawford Wins Fourth Career Gold Glove

by uclabruins.com
Nov 8, 2021
Brandon Crawford (photo: Darren Yamashita-USA Today Sports)

After recording a career year on both sides of the ball, San Francisco Giants shortstop and UCLA alumnus Brandon Crawford was rewarded on Sunday with the fourth Gold Glove award of his career.

Crawford, who won the award for the first time since 2017, has now been a Gold Glove finalist five times in his career. He previously took home the Gold Glove in three consecutive seasons starting in 2015. He now trails only Willie Mays (12) and Barry Bonds (5) for the most career Gold Gloves in Giants franchise history.

The Pleasanton, Calif. native made highlight-reel plays up the middle on a near-daily basis during the 2021 season, including a memorable leaping catch of a Mookie Betts line drive during the National League Division Series.

He ranked in the top-three in the National League among shortstops in a number of advanced metrics, including the SABR Defensive Index, outs above average, and defensive runs saved. He committed just nine errors on 517 chances, tying his career-high for fielding percentage (.983).

Crawford becomes just the sixth shortstop ever to win a Gold Glove at their age-34 season or later, joining an exclusive club that includes Ozzie Smith and Derek Jeter in its ranks.

Overall, Crawford had the finest season yet of his 11-year MLB career in 2021. He set career highs in every slash category (.298/.373/.522) as well as home runs (24) and RBIs (90) in addition to his spectacular defense. His 6.1 WAR were the highest on the NL-West-winning Giants and seventh overall among NL position players. His two-way production helped the Giants set a franchise record for wins (107-55) while capturing their first NL West crown since 2012. UCLA's shortstop from 2006-08, Crawford was named an MLB All-Star for the third time in his career and made his fourth trip to the MLB Playoffs.

In addition to winning the Gold Glove, Crawford is also a finalist for the NL Comeback Player of the Year and NL Silver Slugger (SS). 

Stay tuned to @UCLABaseball on Twitter for all team updates.

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