This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/31/2010
Rawlings didn't leave the minor leagues out when it developed the Gold Glove Award, given annually for fielding excellence in the majors.
The minor leaguers who stood out were given Silver Glove Awards. Rawlings began their Gold Glove Award in 1957, the same year this Silver Glove was awarded to then Yankees farmhand Johnny Blanchard. Johnny was behind the plate for the Denver Bears in both 1957-58. He made it to the Yankees full time in 1959 where he played until 1965 but was with the Yankees in 1955 as well.
Blanchard would enjoy an eight year career in the majors.
A catcher's mitt is painted silver and includes the following branded on the pocket: "Minor League All Star Fielding Team". A curved gold placard holds the glove in-place and reads on front: "1957 Rawlings Silver Glove Award John Blanchard Minor League All Star Fielding Team".
A solid wood base and statue of a fielder (minor oxidation) are found on front.
This is the first "silver" glove award we have seen, and of a big league mainstay nonetheless.
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