Blue Jays' Stroman shares secret to winning first-ever Gold Glove Award

At long last, Marcus Stroman is a Gold Glove Award winner.

The 26-year-old Blue Jays starting pitcher got the good news Tuesday night, as Major League Baseball recognized fielding excellence.

Your 2017 Gold Glove Award winners: https://t.co/rzQdsKZ7ei pic.twitter.com/7h5l1yLI4r

— MLB (@MLB) November 8, 2017

In his first-ever nomination, Stroman beat out fellow American League pitchers Chris Sale (Boston) and Alex Cobb (Tampa Bay) for the award.

The right-hander was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing season for the Blue Jays. He compiled a 13-9 record, with a 3.09 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, and 164 strikeouts.

But of course, Stroman helps his team beyond his pitching.

In 201 innings pitched, he had a .979 fielding percentage, making just one error.

He also helped his team offensively season, finishing with a .286 batting average – albeit in just seven at-bats.

See you soon. 👀 @RawlingsSports pic.twitter.com/QcXCafT3VJ

— Marcus Stroman (@MStrooo6) November 8, 2017

So what’s his secret? Practice, duh.

Stroman says he takes at least 50 ground balls between each start, getting help from teammates Ryan Goins and Troy Tulowitzki.

Shout to @rgoins17 and #2Lo for letting me always work in on their pregame routine. I take at least 50 groundballs between every start!

— Marcus Stroman (@MStrooo6) November 8, 2017

Stroman is the first Blue Jays player to win a Gold Glove since R.A. Dickey won in 2013.

Centre fielder Kevin Pillar was also nominated for a Gold Glove for a third straight season, but was beat out by Minnesota’s Byron Buxton.

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