In contrast to 2010, the Royals began the 2011 season with a hot start, tying for the best record in the American League with a 10–4 record after 14 games. The quick start followed a successful spring training season for the Royals. Success faded as the season progressed, however. The Royals last had a .500 record at 22-22, and then lost five games in a row. By the All-Star break, the Royals had a record of 37–54, the worst in the American League. On a more positive note, the season also saw the emergence of rookies such as Eric Hosmer and Aaron Crow, the team's representative in the 2011 All-Star game, as well as Alex Gordon's breakout year in left field, which resulted in him receiving a Gold Glove for his excellent display of defense and league leading 20 assists. The team ended with a fourth-place finish.