The 54th Mitsui Golden Glove Award, given to defense specialists from both the Central and Pacific Leagues, was announced, with Orix infielder Kotaro Kobayashi winning the award for the first time in his sixth year as a pro. This season, he played shortstop in 115 games (116 appearances), playing 975 2/3 innings, the most in the Pacific League, and recording a defense percentage of .986 (7 errors), second in the league. "I was honestly surprised, as I never thought I would be selected. It's an award I've always wanted, so I'm really happy," he said with a cheerful voice.
The Pacific League short stop, Seibu 's Genda, had won the award for seven consecutive years until last year. Kurebayashi's closest win was two years ago, when he missed out by just one vote. This time, he won the award by five votes. "I will continue to do my best to contribute to the team's win defense. I will continue to work hard every day so that I can be selected again," he said, renewing his determination.
catcher Kenya Wakatsuki, who has been selected for Samurai Japan, has received the award for the second time in two years. He is the first catcher from the team to receive the award multiple times, and he said emphatically, "I will continue to work hard, never forgetting my spirit of constant effort, to grow more in all aspects - mind, technique, and body - and become a player who will be selected again and again."
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