Mondesi, Edmonds Can Play the Field

Outfielders Raul Mondesi of the Dodgers and Jim Edmonds of the Angels won Gold Gloves on Wednesday for fielding excellence.

Mondesi, 26, who also won in 1995, is the Dodgers’ first two-time winner since first baseman Steve Garvey won four in a row in 1974-77.

He is the fourth Dodger outfielder to be so honored. Wally Moon (1960), Willie Davis (1971-73) and Dusty Baker (1981) were previous winners.

Mondesi recorded a .989 fielding percentage with 10 assists and four errors in 352 chances. It was his fourth consecutive season with 10 or more assists, and he tied for seventh in the league.

“I am thrilled . . . ,� Mondesi said. “I take my defense seriously and hope to contribute to the team in as many ways as possible.�

Edmonds, 27, is the first Angel outfielder to earn a Gold Glove since Devon White in 1989. He is the fifth outfielder in club history to be selected, joining Ken Berry (1972), Rick Miller (1978), Gary Pettis (1985-86) and White (1988-89).

Although restricted to 133 games because of injuries, Edmonds had 325 chances, making only five errors for a .985 fielding percentage. He had nine assists.

“[The award] was something I felt was important because it is an individual award,� Edmonds said. “I work hard on defense, and being able to win this shows how hard you’ve worked.�

Edmonds received wide attention for a catch he made in Kansas City on June 10. Dave Howard drove the ball to straightaway center. Edmonds, who had been playing shallow, ran straight back, dove and caught the ball fully extended on the warning track.

“I don’t know if that catch won it for me, but it sure put me on the map,� Edmonds said. “People started recognizing my efforts in the outfield after that.�

Seattle outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. and Atlanta pitcher Greg Maddux won their eighth consecutive Gold Gloves, San Francisco outfielder Barry Bonds won his seventh overall and Texas catcher Ivan Rodriguez won his sixth in a row.

The Gold Glove award, established in 1957, is presented each season to baseball’s best fielders, one for each position in both leagues. The winners are chosen by major league managers and coaches.