MANHATTAN — Yankee Captain Derek Jeter and first baseman Mark Teixeira won Gold Gloves on Tuesday, the baseball award that honors fielding excellence.
It was the fourth time Jeter won the award, and, at 35, he is the second-oldest player to ever receive it.
“I’ve always taken a great deal of pride in my defense, and being honored with a Gold Glove is an accomplishment I will never overlook,” Jeter said in a statement.
Jeter's previous Gold Gloves came in 2004, 2005 and 2006. For Teixeira, who made only four errors all season, it was the third time he was honored, receiving Gold Gloves in 2005 and 2006.
The Yankee duo were the only players on the same American League team to win this year. National League winners will be announced on Wednesday.
"Solid defense is the most underrated component of winning baseball, but it is something I have always taken pride in," Teixeira told the Associated Press.
"Winning a third Gold Glove means a lot to me, especially when good defense helped our entire team reach the ultimate goal of a world championship."
Jeter has been criticized for his defense in recent years, with some baseball analysts and armchair shortstops saying he's lost range at his position. But the opposing managers and player who voted on who wins the Gold Gloves clearly disagreed.
