Jeremy Hellickson wins share of AL Gold Glove Award

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Jeremy Hellickson become the fifth Ray to win a Gold Glove Award when he was named a co-winner at the starting pitcher position on Tuesday, sharing the award with Jake Peavy of the Chicago White Sox.

This is the first time a Ray pitcher has garnered a Gold Glove, with Hellickson joining outfielder Carl Crawford (2010), third baseman Evan Longoria (2009, 2010) and first baseman Carlos Pena (2008) as previous winners for the Rays.

Hellickson's co-award is the first time two pitchers have shared the Gold Glove, and just the third time a tie has occurred at any position, the last instance occurring in 2007 when four National League outfielders were chosen.

Hellickson, the 2011 American League Rookie of the Year, was quite surprised to learn he had won the award, voted on by coaches and managers. Via The Tampa Bay Times:

"It still hasn't set in. I'd much rather have been playing this last month, but this is a pretty cool award to win."

Hellickson became the first pitcher to win a Gold Glove within his first three seasons since the Gold Glove was first given out in 1957. He is the youngest American League pitcher to capture the award since Bret Saberhagen in 1989.