Craig Counsell Gold Glove Awards
A defensive stalwart, but no Gold Gloves and no Diamondbacks tenure.
In the annals of Arizona Diamondbacks history, Craig Counsell does not appear as a player or an award winner associated with the franchise. While often remembered for his defensive prowess and later managerial success, Counsell never suited up for the D-Backs during his playing career from 1996 to 2005. Furthermore, despite his reputation as a reliable infielder, he did not receive any Gold Glove Awards in Major League Baseball.
- Gold Glove Wins
- 0
- Primary Teams
- Colorado Rockies, Milwaukee Brewers
- MLB Debut
- 1996
- All-Star Selections
- 1 (2003)
- Position
- Second Base/Third Base
- Arizona Affiliation
- None
Lore & Background
The absence of a Gold Glove on his resume does not diminish his standing as a durable and intelligent player, but it is crucial for D-Backs historians to distinguish him from contemporaries who did earn the honor. Players like Luis Gonzalez or Tony Womack defined defensive excellence in Arizona during that period. Counsell's legacy remains tied to the Rockies' early years and his subsequent transition into managing, rather than any hardware won with the Diamondbacks.
In Their Own Story
The air is thin in Denver, 2003. Craig Counsell crouches behind the plate for a moment before jogging out to second base. The crowd at Coors Field roars as he fields a sharp grounder, his glove snapping shut on a routine play that keeps an inning alive. He wipes sweat from his brow, thinking of the next pitch, unaware that this season would be his peak All-Star year, yet no Gold Glove would follow.
Reader's Guide
The Gold Glove Award recognizes fielding excellence in Major League Baseball, voted on by managers and coaches. To win one requires consistent defensive metrics and peer recognition over a full season.
Craig Counsell played primarily for the Colorado Rockies and Milwaukee Brewers during his tenure. While he was known for solid defense and versatility across infield positions, he never secured the unanimous or majority vote required to claim the hardware.
In the context of Arizona Diamondbacks history, it is important to note that Counsell has no statistical link to the franchise. Fans often confuse players from the late 90s era, but his defensive records belong to other teams. His true legacy lies in his transition to managing the Brewers and Rangers.
Did You Know?
- Craig Counsell was selected as an All-Star once during the 2003 season with the Rockies.
- He never played a single game for the Arizona Diamondbacks organization.
- Counsell later became a successful manager, winning Manager of the Year honors in Milwaukee.
- His defensive reputation often leads to confusion regarding Gold Glove eligibility.