He also became the first infielder to win the award for a team that ranked last in the majors in fielding percentage.

"This really means everything to me," said Young, who along with Alex Rodriguez (2002 and 2003) are the only Rangers shortstops ever to win the award. "I knew when I moved over there the only way for me to get better was through hard work. I knew I had the arm strength and the ability to play short, but it was about the work. The thing is, this makes me more motivated to work even harder to improve for 2009."

Young led the AL in fielding percentage at shortstop at .984 and participated in the most double plays of any major league shortstop (113). Young also ranked first among AL shortstops in Revised Zone Rating, a stat created by Fielding Bible author John Dewan to measure defensive efficiency.

Young unseated Chicago's Orlando Cabrera for the Gold Glove. Cabrera made 16 errors to Young's 11.

"It's a tremendous honor," Rangers GM Jon Daniels said. "Statistically, this may not have been his best year at the plate, but to win the (Marvin) Miller Award (for baseball success and community service) and the Gold Glove speaks very highly of his commitment and his work ethic on and off the field. To see the work he put in day in and day out, to play with two broken fingers and to win this award makes this one his more impressive seasons to me."

The award comes at an interesting moment in Young's career. The Rangers' top position player prospect is shortstop Elvis Andrus. The 20-year-old is expected to begin next season at Class AAA Oklahoma, but his ascent could, at some point, force the Rangers to consider asking Young to switch positions again.

Daniels indicated the Rangers won't be making any such requests this winter. On the season's last day, he said, "Michael is our shortstop."