Chicago Cubs Baseball

I read where Rawlings, makers of fine baseball gloves everywhere, is sponsoring the “Summer of Glove,” a promotion honoring  the top defensive players of the last 50 years.

The event coincides with the 50th anniversary of Rawlings sponsorship of baseball’s annual Gold Glove awards.  The promotion began last week and will run to June 19th.

Voting is open to the public, and better yet, it’s an opportunity for Chicago Cub baseball fans to get one (0r two) of our own on the team.  The Cubs are well represented on the 50-man ballot with Greg Maddux, Ryne Sandberg and Andre Dawson.

Sadly to say, Ron Santo is not among the six third basemen chosen for the ballot.  The people at Rawlings opted to go with Ken Boyer, who won the coveted Gold Glove five times1958 to 1963.   Santo was the Gold Glove winner from 1964-68.

I encourage all to visit http://www.rawlingsgoldglove.com, cast your vote and spend a little time perusing.  The Rawlings folks did a really nice job in providing not only a fun, but an informative promotion.

Here’s how I voted:

• Pitcher: Greg Maddux - Mad Dog makes fielding his position look easy.
• First Base: Bill White - overlooked, great defensive player.
• Second Base: Joe Morgan -  one-half of the best double play combo of the ’70s.
• Shortstop: Ozzie Smith - the most agile shortstop I’ve ever witnessed.
• Third Base: Mike Schmidt - swept the carpet clean on the turf at Veterans.
• Outfield: Willie Mays - maybe the best all-around player to ever play the game.
• Outfield: Roberto Clemente - probably the best arm ever - at any position.
• Outfield: Al Kaline - manned left field in cavernous Tiger Stadium.

And, I can’t resist - after his three errors in yesterday’s loss - I’m guessing Cesar Izturis probably won’t be on the ballot in the next 50 years.