Dexter Fowler Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Dexter Fowler

Fowler with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2017

Center fielder

Born: March 22, 1986 (age 39)
Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.

Batted: Switch

Threw: Right

debut

September 2, 2008, for the Colorado Rockies

Last appearance

April 9, 2021, for the Los Angeles Angels

MLB statistics

Batting average

.259

Home runs

127

Runs batted in

517

Teams

Colorado Rockies (2008–2013)
Houston Astros (2014)
Chicago Cubs (2015–2016)
St. Louis Cardinals (2017–2020)
Los Angeles Angels (2021)

Career highlights and awards

All-Star (2016)
World Series champion (2016)

Medals

Men's baseball

Representing United States
Olympic Games
Bronze	2008 Beijing	Team

William Dexter Fowler (born March 22, 1986) is an American former professional baseball player. He was a talented center fielder in Major League Baseball (MLB). Dexter played for several teams, including the Colorado Rockies, Houston Astros, Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, and Los Angeles Angels.

He proudly represented the United States national baseball team at the 2008 Summer Olympics. A major highlight of his career was winning the World Series with the Chicago Cubs in 2016. Dexter was also known for hitting many "triples," leading all MLB players with 72 triples in the 2010s.

Dexter Fowler: A Baseball Star
Images for kids
See also

Dexter Fowler: A Baseball Star

Early Life and Olympic Dream

Dexter Fowler was born in Atlanta, Georgia. He went to Milton High School in Milton, Georgia. While playing baseball there, he was an amazing hitter. He hit .457 and had 14 home runs in just 105 tries.

Dexter had offers to play baseball at famous universities like Harvard and the University of Miami. But he chose to follow his dream of playing in Major League Baseball instead. Before joining the Rockies, he only hit with his right hand.

As a young player in the minor leagues in 2008, Dexter got a special chance. He was chosen to play for the U.S. team at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China. His team won the bronze medal by beating Japan 8–4. It was a great achievement!

Starting His Professional Journey

Drafted by the Rockies

The Colorado Rockies picked Dexter in the 14th round of the 2004 Major League Baseball draft. This was his first step toward becoming a professional player. In 2008, he was chosen to play in the All-Star Futures Game. This game features the best young players in baseball.

Fowler with the Colorado Rockies

Before the Olympics, Dexter was playing really well for the Tulsa Drillers. This was the Rockies' Double-A team. He was hitting .337, had nine home runs, 61 runs batted in (RBIs), and 20 stolen bases.

Making His MLB Debut

Dexter was called up to the Major Leagues for the first time on September 2, 2008. He made his debut that same day. He came into a game as a pinch runner for the Rockies.

On September 10, 2008, Dexter got his first ever hit in the MLB. It was an infield single against the Atlanta Braves. On April 8, 2009, he hit his first career home run. It was a "lead-off" home run, meaning he hit it on the very first pitch of the game! He was the first Rockies player to do that.

Later in 2009, Dexter tied a rookie record. He stole five bases in one game against the San Diego Padres. In 2010, he led all of Major League Baseball in triples, hitting 14 that season. He hit 15 triples in 2011, which was third-best in the National League.

His batting got even better in 2012. He hit 13 home runs and had 53 RBIs. His batting average was .300, which is very good.

Playing for Different Teams

Houston Astros

Fowler with the Houston Astros

In December 2013, Dexter was traded to the Houston Astros. He played 116 games for them in the 2014 season. He hit for a .276 average during his time with the Astros.

Chicago Cubs and World Series Glory

Fowler in 2016

In January 2015, Dexter was traded to the Chicago Cubs. He had a great 2015 season. He scored 102 runs, hit 17 home runs, and stole 20 bases. The Cubs made it to the playoffs that year for the first time in seven years. Dexter played a big part in their success.

In the 2015 playoffs, he batted .396 with two home runs. He was a key player for the Cubs.

Fowler at the 2016 Home Run Derby

Dexter signed a new contract with the Cubs in February 2016. He was chosen for his first All-Star Game in 2016. Six of his Cubs teammates were also selected!

In 2016, Dexter hit .276 with 13 home runs. He was very good at not swinging at pitches outside the strike zone.

On October 25, 2016, Dexter Fowler made history. He and three teammates became the first African-American players to play for the Cubs in a World Series game. Dexter was also the first African-American player to bat for the Cubs in a World Series.

In Game 7 of the World Series, Dexter hit a home run to start the game. This was a historic moment! The Cubs won that game 8–7. This gave the team their first championship in 108 years! After this amazing win, Dexter decided to become a free agent.

St. Louis Cardinals

Dexter Fowler with the St. Louis Cardinals

In December 2016, Dexter signed a five-year deal with the St. Louis Cardinals. He hit his first home run as a Cardinal in April 2017. He finished his first season with the Cardinals hitting .264 with 18 home runs.

In 2018, Dexter changed his position to play right fielder for the Cardinals. On May 6, 2018, he hit his first ever "walk-off" home run. This means his home run won the game for his team in the final inning! It was against his old team, the Chicago Cubs. He played 90 games in 2018.

In 2019, Dexter returned as the Cardinals' starting right fielder. He played 150 games and hit 19 home runs. He also had 67 RBIs. In 2020, he played 90 games.

Los Angeles Angels and Retirement

On February 4, 2021, the Cardinals traded Dexter to the Los Angeles Angels. Sadly, in an April 9 game, Dexter suffered a serious knee injury. He tore his left ACL, which meant he needed surgery and missed the rest of the season.

In March 2022, Dexter signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. He played a few games for their Triple-A team. But on May 3, he asked to be released from his contract.

Finally, on January 31, 2023, Dexter Fowler announced that he was retiring from professional baseball. He had a fantastic career!

Off the Field

Dexter Fowler is married to Aliya Fowler. They have two daughters together. Dexter is a Christian. He is also good friends with his former teammate Chris Nelson. Chris is also from Georgia, just like Dexter.