Francoeur Wins First Gold Glove
November 6, 2007
Atlanta Braves' right fielder Jeff Francoeur won his first Gold Glove Award as one of the top defensive players at his position. The award voted on by Major League Baseball managers and coaches.
Francoeur had a career-high 19 outfield assists in 2007, tying for the Major League lead, and his 45 assists since being called up in July 2005 is the most in baseball. He started all 162 games last year, committed only five errors in 351 total chances.
Since 1980, Francoeur is one of just 12 players in Major League Baseball to win a Gold Glove by age 23.
Other National League Gold Glove winners were pitcher Greg Maddux (San Diego Padres), catcher Russell Martin (Los Angeles Dodgers), first baseman Derrek Lee (Chicago Cubs), second baseman Orlando Hudson (Arizona Diamondbacks), third baseman David Wright (New York Mets), shortstop Jimmy Rollins (Philadelphia Phillies), and outfielders Andruw Jones (Atlanta Braves), Carlos Beltran (New York Mets) and Aaron Rowand (Philadelphia Phillies).
