Dee Strange-Gordon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dee Strange-Gordon |
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Strange-Gordon with the Seattle Mariners in 2018
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| Second baseman / Shortstop / Center fielder | |||
| Born: April 22, 1988 Windermere, Florida, U.S. |
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| debut | |||
| June 6, 2011, for the Los Angeles Dodgers | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| June 7, 2022, for the Washington Nationals | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .286 | ||
| Home runs | 18 | ||
| Runs batted in | 236 | ||
| Stolen bases | 336 | ||
| Teams | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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Devaris "Dee" Strange-Gordon (born April 22, 1988) is an American former professional baseball player. He was known for his incredible speed. He played as a second baseman, shortstop, and center fielder in Major League Baseball (MLB). Strange-Gordon played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Miami Marlins, Seattle Mariners, and Washington Nationals.
He made his MLB debut with the Dodgers in 2011. He was mostly a shortstop and second baseman. Later, with the Mariners, he also played in the outfield. In 2015, his first year with the Marlins, Strange-Gordon had an amazing season. He hit for a high batting average (.333), got 205 hits, and stole 58 bases. He led the National League in all three areas. He was the first player since Jackie Robinson in 1949 to lead the league in both batting average and stolen bases. Throughout the 2010s, Strange-Gordon stole more bases (330) than any other MLB player. He officially retired from professional baseball after the 2022 season.
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Early Life and Family
Dee Strange-Gordon was born in Windermere, Florida. His father, Tom Gordon, was also a famous MLB pitcher. Dee's mother was Devona Denise Strange. When Dee was seven years old, his mother passed away. His father, Tom, then raised him with the help of Dee's grandmother.
Even though his dad played baseball, Dee first loved basketball. He didn't start playing baseball until high school. He even had a chance to play college basketball for the Louisville Cardinals.
Baseball Journey
Starting Out in Baseball
Dee played baseball at Avon Park High School and later at Seminole Community College and Southeastern University. The Los Angeles Dodgers chose him in the fourth round of the 2008 Major League Baseball Draft.
In 2009, playing for the Great Lakes Loons, Dee hit .301 and stole 73 bases. He was named the league's Most Valuable Player. The Dodgers also picked him as their "Minor League Player of the Year." By 2011, he was considered the Dodgers' top young player.
Playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers
Dee Strange-Gordon joined the Dodgers in MLB on June 6, 2011. He came into his first game as a pinch runner and scored a run. The next day, in his first start, he got three hits and stole a base. On July 1, he made a rare play by stealing second, third, and home base all in the same inning! He was the first Dodger to do this since 1928. In 56 games that year, he hit .304 and stole 24 bases.
In 2012, Dee hit his first career home run. He was leading the league in stolen bases when he hurt his thumb in July. He returned later but had lost his starting spot. In 2013, he spent more time in the minor leagues. The team also started having him play second base and center field to make him more versatile.
In 2014, Dee became the Dodgers' starting second baseman. He had a fantastic first half of the season. He led the league in triples (9) and stolen bases (42). He was chosen to play in the 2014 Major League Baseball All-Star Game. He finished the 2014 season with 64 stolen bases, the most in all of Major League Baseball. He also led the majors with 12 triples.
Time with the Miami Marlins
In December 2014, Dee was traded to the Miami Marlins. In 2015, he continued his amazing play. He tied a Major League record by getting 50 hits in his team's first 28 games. He won the National League batting title with a .333 average. He also won his first Rawlings Gold Glove Award for his great defense at second base.
In April 2016, Major League Baseball suspended Dee for 80 games. This was because he tested positive for certain substances.
On September 26, 2016, a day after his teammate and friend José Fernández passed away, Dee hit a very special home run. He started his at-bat batting right-handed, like José, and wore José's helmet. After the first pitch, he switched to his normal left-handed batting stance. He then hit his first home run of the year. It was a very emotional moment, and he said it felt like they "had some help" from above. This home run became a famous moment in baseball history.
In 2017, he batted .308 and led the majors in bunt hits.
Playing for the Seattle Mariners
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In December 2017, the Marlins traded Dee to the Seattle Mariners. He started playing in the outfield for the Mariners. However, when another player was suspended, Dee returned to playing second base.
In 2018, Dee batted .268 and stole 30 bases. He was known for his speed. He also had a disagreement with a teammate in the locker room that year. In 2019, he stole 22 bases. In 2020, he continued to be a utility player, playing second base, left field, and shortstop. He was known for being one of the fastest players from home plate to first base.
The Mariners decided not to keep Dee for the 2021 season, making him a free agent.
Later Career and Retirement
After leaving the Mariners, Dee signed minor league contracts with a few teams, including the Cincinnati Reds, Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago Cubs, and Pittsburgh Pirates.
In December 2021, he signed a minor league contract with the Washington Nationals. He played well in spring training and made the team's opening day roster in April 2022. On April 12, he even made his first career appearance as a pitcher in a game! He was released by the Nationals in June 2022.
According to his father, Tom Gordon, Dee has now retired from professional baseball. He owns a farm in central Florida.
Personal Life and Charity Work
Dee's half-brother, Nick Gordon, was also a high draft pick in baseball.
Dee Strange-Gordon is very involved in charity work. He created "Flash of Hope," a charity that helps children whose parents have passed away due to domestic abuse. He invites one child each month to join him in the clubhouse and during batting practice. He has also been nominated for the Roberto Clemente Award multiple times. This award honors players who are great on the field and also do a lot of good in their communities. In 2020, he won the Hutch Award for his work.
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Friends and family call Dee "Varis." He was known professionally as "Dee Gordon" for many years. In 2020, he decided to use his full legal surname, Strange-Gordon, to honor his deceased mother.
See also
- List of Major League Baseball batting champions
- List of Major League Baseball annual stolen base leaders
- List of Silver Slugger Award winners at second base
- List of Gold Glove Award winners at second base
- List of second-generation Major League Baseball players
