D-backs outfielder Gerardo Parra earns Rawlings Gold Glove Award

PHOENIX - Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Gerardo Parra has been named the 2011 Rawlings Gold Glove Award® recipient for National League left fielder, as announced by Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. The award recognizes the best defensive players at their respective positions as voted by Major League Baseball managers and coaches. Parra was one of nine first-time winners this season.

Parra, 24, is the third D-backs player to win a Rawlings Gold Glove Award®, joining outfielder Steve Finley (1999, 2000) and second baseman Orlando Hudson (2006, 2007). Parra posted a .993 fielding percentage, committing only 2 errors in 281 total chances, with 12 assists in 125 games (117 starts) in left field. Among NL leftfielders, Parra ranked first in assists and fourth in fielding percentage. Among all NL outfielders, his 12 assists tied for the most with the Colorado Rockies' Carlos Gonzalez. Parra's 12 assists tied for the most in a season in franchise history with Eric Byrnes in 2007. On May 18 vs. the Atlanta Braves, Parra threw out a pair of Braves' runners at third base in the sixth inning to become the first outfielder in franchise history to accomplish the feat, according to Elias Sports Bureau. Overall, Parra appeared in 135 games (124 starts) in the outfield and posted a .990 fielding percentage with 3 errors in 303 total chances. He also played 14 games (6 starts) in rightfield and 2 games (1 start) in center field.

Parra has an opportunity for further recognition with the first-ever Rawlings Platinum Glove Award fan vote, which allows fans across the country to vote for the best defender in each league. Voting is ongoing at Rawlings Facebook page (www.facebook.com/rawlings) through Monday, November 6 at 11 p.m. ET. The Rawlings Platinum Glove Award winner from each League will be presented with their trophies during the 2011 Rawlings Gold Glove Award® Presentation Ceremony presented by Gold Sport Collectibles on Friday, November 11 at The Pierre in New York City. In addition to the trophy presentation to this year's award winners, Ozzie Smith will be inducted into the Rawlings Gold Glove Award® Hall of Fame and noted baseball fan Jerry Seinfeld will perform an hour-long show.