NEW YORK Seattle Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki was named to the American League Gold Glove team Tuesday for the ninth straight year.
Ichiro, 36, became the first player to win a Gold Glove which is presented for fielding excellence in each of his first nine major-league seasons. He also is just the seventh outfielder in big-league history to earn at least nine gold gloves in a career. Los Angeles Angels center fielder Torii Hunter matched Suzuki on Tuesday by winning his ninth straight Gold Glove.
Tuesdays announcement extended the streak of at least one Mariner earning a Gold Glove to 23 consecutive seasons, the longest current streak in the majors.
Also named to the 2009 AL team were New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter and first baseman Mark Teixeira.
First-time AL winners included Tampa Bay third baseman Evan Longoria, Baltimore outfielder Adam Jones and White Sox pitcher Mark Buehrle.
Minnesota catcher Joe Mauer and Detroit second baseman Placido Polanco each earned their second Gold Glove awards. The National League winners will be announced Wednesday.