The prestigious award is given to the best defensive position players in Major League Baseball as voted by managers and coaches in the league. One stipulation that is required in the process is that they cannot vote for their own players. The award is sponsored by Rawlings athletic company.

In 2008, Greg Maddux won his 18th Gold Glove award at the pitcher position. Jimmy Rollins, David Wright, and Carlos Beltran won their second straight Gold Glove awards.

First-time award winners in the National League for 2008 included Brandon Phillips of the Cincinnati Reds, Nate McLouth of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Shane Victorino of the Philadelphia Phillies, Adrian Gonzalez of the San Diego Padres and Yadier Molina of the St. Louis Cardinals.

In the American League, Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners and Torii Hunter of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim earned their eighth straight Gold Glove awards. Mike Mussina of the New York Yankees earned his seventh Gold Glove award and Grady Sizemore of the Cleveland Indians and Adrian Beltre of the Seattle Mariners earned their second straight Gold Gloves.

Other American League gold glovers include Joe Mauer of the Minnesota Twins, Carlos Pena of the Tampa Bay Rays, and Michael Young of the Texas Rangers.MLB.com: Hunter, Ichiro among AL Gold Glovers (November 6, 2008)

• Pitcher: Greg Maddux
• Catcher: Yadier Molina
• First Baseman: Adrian Gonzalez
• Second Baseman: Brandon Phillips
• Shortstop: Jimmy Rollins
• Third Baseman: David Wright
• Outfielder: Nate McLouth
• Outfielder: Carlos Beltran
• Outfielder: Shane Victorino

• Pitcher: Mike Mussina
• Catcher: Joe Mauer
• First Baseman: Carlos Pena
• Second Baseman: Dustin Pedroia
• Shortstop: Michael Young
• Third Baseman: Adrian Beltre
• Outfielder: Torii Hunter
• Outfielder: Grady Sizemore
• Outfielder: Ichiro Suzuki