What a way to close out the MLB 2014 season for the AL East champion Baltimore Orioles than to have three of their players win Golden Gloves. The Orioles year after year display qualities of a ball club that can cause problems in the majors but seem to run into a speed bump or two each season. During the off-season management open up their pocket books and took a chance on spending to bring in quality players and from the looks of it their system worked this season. Some believe the Yankee way isn't respectable because you're pulling very talented individuals in by adding multiple zeros after the commas, but the purpose of playing professional sports in what? In the words of my old coach Herm Edwards "WE PLAY TO WIN". There's no moral code to the word win, it's either you win or you don't. Second place will not be recognized in the history books only first place. The Orioles took a different approach and it paid off for them and for the city of Baltimore. The Orioles swept the Tigers to face the Kansas City Royals in the ALCS where they lost but a major improvement from the past few seasons.
What is the Golden Glove Award you may ask? It's an award given annually to an individual player who has displayed superior play during the season in their respective position on the field. In the AL the Kansas City Royals who couldn't win it all in the World Series claimed three spots on the 2014 AL Golden Glove Awards list for catcher, first base and left field. Seattle and Boston added one player each for second base and third base, but rounding out the list for the last three spots were Baltimore Orioles players. Claiming the Golden Glove for an outstanding right fielder went to Nick Markakis. Markakis finished his 2014 season with a batting average of .276 with 14 home runs and 50 runs batted in and a on base percentage of .342. Nick had a good showing during the post season with a .258 batting average and one home run. Markakis was a fan favorite in Baltimore and by his stats proved why he won a Golden Glove. Taking the Golden Glove for the position of short stop was J.J. Hardy. Hardy finished with a season average of .268, 9 home runs, 52 runs batted in and a on base percentage of .309. Hardy has been proving his worth since going to the majors straight from high school. Since being with the Orioles he has etched his name as a top short stop in the majors. Rounding out the list for the Orioles Golden Glove winners is none other than center fielder Adam Jones. Adam Jones year after year puts on a show when the stadium lights come on. This past season I have seen in person how Adam Jones can change the complexion of the game whether he's not having a good game to coming up to bat and taking one out of the park with one swing. In 2014 Jones finished with a .281 batting average, 29 home runs, 96 runs batted in and a on base percentage of .311. When he comes out of the locker room for a game he's ready to give his all and to show why he is one of if not thee base center fielder in the game.
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