Premier12 star Ha-Seong Kim became the first Korean player and the first Asian position player to win a Major League Baseball (MLB) gold glove. The 28-year-old infielder was voted the best utility of the National League.
During the 2023 season, Kim appeared at second base, shortstop and third base for the San Diego Padres and combined for 16 defensive runs saved, 10 at second and three each at third and short. He also became a finalist for the award at second base.
Kim was Korea's starting shortstop at the WBSC Premier12 2019. He went 9-for-27, a .333 batting average, with one home run and six RBIs. He committed one error in eight games, completing 29 assists and turning three double plays.
Another international baseball alumnus made history. Anthony Volpe (New York Yankees) was named the American League Gold Glove shortstop.
Volpe, 22, made his MLB debut for the Yankees on 30 March. During his international career, he helped the United States win the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup 2013 and the U-18 Pan American Championship 2018. He was also part of the silver-medal US team at the U-15 Baseball World Cup 2016.
Volpe is one of two rookies earning the honour in 2023. The other is National League gold glove centre fielder Brenton Doyle of the Colorado Rockies.
Mauricio Dubon of the Houston Astros earned the American League utility gold glove, becoming the first player born in Honduras to achieve the honour.
Dubon, 29, was born in San Pedro Sula and attended the Capital Christian High School in Sacramento, California, as an exchange student. He was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 2013, made his MLB debut for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2019, and helped the Houston Astros win the 2022 World Series. He played every position except pitcher and catcher during the 2023 season.
All the MLB 2023 Gold Glove winners
