In a long career in the sporting goods industry, Elmer Blasco was best known as the creator of Major League Baseball's annual award for the best defensive players at each position.

"He invented the Gold Glove Award," said Lindsay Naber, brand manager with St. Louis-based Rawlings sporting goods, which sponsors the award. "He was a sales manager for our company and it occurred to him that there were awards for hitting, but none for defense."

Mr. Blasco, 87, who spent more than 35 years in sports marketing and publishing, died Friday, Aug. 1, of a heart attack in his home in Hoffman Estates. He was a longtime resident of Mt. Prospect who moved about a year ago to Hoffman Estates.

He also was a longtime contributor to the Mt. Prospect community, serving on the Park District board, helping establish a memorial to veterans and a few years ago initiating a fishing derby for children.


Mr. Blasco began working for Rawlings in 1950, handling sales, marketing and promotional duties......