20-year Marliniversary: Lee, Castillo win Gold Gloves

On this day 20 years ago, first baseman Derrek Lee and second baseman Luis Castillo became the second and third Florida Marlins ever to win a Gold Glove.

Pitcher Jesús Luzardo hopes to join the list on Sunday night, but throughout Florida/Miami Marlins history, eight different players have won a Gold Glove. On this day 20 years ago, the Marlins had multiple winners for the first time as first baseman Derrek Lee and second baseman Luis Castillo each took home the hardware.

The Florida Marlins, Atlanta Braves and St. Louis Cardinals were the National League teams to have multiple winners on Nov. 5, 2003. Prior to the selection, catcher Charles Johnson, who won three straight Gold Gloves from 1995 to 1997, had been the only Marlin ever to win one.

A 6-foot-5 rangy first baseman, Lee boasted a .996 fielding percentage in 2003 as the Marlins went on to win their second World Series. Perhaps his most memorable play from that season came in Game 5 of the World Series as he was able to handle an in-between hop off the bat of Hideki Matsui before touching first for the final out to give the Marlins a 6-4 win and a 3-2 series lead.

Known for his speed, Castillo’s range was undeniable while his throwing arm was among the best in the league for second basemen. Castillo held a .986 fielding percentage, led the National League with 286 putouts and was involved in 99 double plays.

The two also had solid seasons at the plate for the eventual world champions. Castillo hit a team-best .314 with a career-high six home runs, 39 RBIs and 21 stolen bases. Lee also finished with 21 steals while batting .271 with 31 home runs and 92 RBIs.

Castillo would go on to win three straight Gold Gloves from 2003 to 2005. Lee would add two more as a member of the Chicago Cubs in 2005 and 2007. Their firsts came as a member of the champion Marlins on this day two decades ago.

Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Mike Ferguson is a contributor for Fish on First, who covers Miami Marlins history. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson

Leave a Comment

%d bloggers like this: