Jason Heyward facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jason Heyward
Heyward with the Chicago Cubs in 2016
Free agent
Outfielder
Born: (1989-08-09) August 9, 1989 (age 35) Ridgewood, New Jersey, U.S.
Bats: Left Throws: Left
debut
April 5, 2010, for the Atlanta Braves
MLB statistics (through May 23, 2025)
Batting average	.255
Hits	1,575
Home runs	186
Runs batted in	730
Stolen bases	125
Teams
Atlanta Braves (2010–2014) St. Louis Cardinals (2015) Chicago Cubs (2016–2022) Los Angeles Dodgers (2023–2024) Houston Astros (2024) San Diego Padres (2025)
Career highlights and awards
All-Star (2010) World Series champion (2016) 5× Gold Glove Award (2012, 2014–2017)

Jason Alias Heyward (born August 9, 1989), also known as "J-Hey", is an American professional baseball outfielder. He is currently a free agent, meaning he is not signed with a team right now. He has played for several teams in Major League Baseball (MLB), including the Atlanta Braves, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, Houston Astros, and San Diego Padres.

Heyward was first picked by the Braves in the 2007 MLB draft when he was still in high school in Georgia. He started playing in the minor leagues at age 17. He was so good that many sports news outlets called him the top young player in all of baseball in 2010.

Jason Heyward made his MLB debut as a starting player for the Braves in 2010. That same year, he was chosen for the National League (NL) All-Star team. He also finished second in the voting for the NL Rookie of the Year Award. Even though injuries affected his playing time in 2011 and 2013, Heyward had a fantastic year in 2012. He hit 27 home runs, helped score 82 runs, scored 93 runs himself, and stole 21 bases. After the 2014 season, he was traded to the Cardinals. In 2015, he joined the Cubs and was a key part of their team that won the World Series in 2016. Heyward played for the Dodgers in 2023 and 2024, and then for the Astros in 2024. He also played for the Padres in 2025.

Heyward is 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 m) tall and weighs 245 pounds (111 kg). He throws and bats left-handed. He often wears uniform number 22 to honor a high school friend and teammate who passed away. Many people consider Heyward one of the best outfield defenders in MLB. He has won several awards for his defense, including the Fielding Bible Award and the NL Rawlings Gold Glove Award five times (in 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017). He also won Wilson's MLB Defensive Player of the Year award in 2014.

Early Life and Baseball Beginnings

Growing Up in Georgia

Jason Heyward was born on August 9, 1989, in Ridgewood, New Jersey. His parents, Eugene and Laura, both went to Dartmouth. His father, Eugene, played basketball in college. Jason has a younger brother, Jacob, who also played baseball at the University of Miami. Jacob was later drafted by the San Francisco Giants in 2016.

Soon after Jason was born, his family moved to the Atlanta metropolitan area. Jason showed great talent in baseball from a very young age. Before he was 10, he played for a team that won a national championship. His father, Eugene, helped both his sons develop their love for baseball. He drove them to many tournaments and games, traveling thousands of miles.

Learning to Love the Game

Jason's father taught him that working hard and being disciplined were important in baseball. But he also stressed that the game should always be fun. Jason has kept this mindset throughout his life and career. He played in the famous East Cobb Baseball program, which has helped many players reach the major leagues. Heyward went to Henry County High School in McDonough, near Atlanta. He played basketball for a short time when he was younger, but focused only on baseball in high school.

A funny story from his high school days is that Heyward's powerful hits during batting practice once broke an oak tree in the outfield! In his sophomore year, Henry County High won the Georgia Class AAAA baseball championship. Heyward hit a game-tying home run in one game and a three-run single to win the series in another. As a senior, he had a great batting average of .520, with eight home runs and 29 runs batted in (RBIs).

Honoring a Friend

One of Heyward's close friends and teammates from high school, Andrew Wilmot, passed away in a traffic collision while in college. Andrew was a catcher and wore uniform number 22. Heyward later chose to wear number 22 in his major league career to honor his friend.

Many colleges wanted Heyward to play for them, including UCLA and Clemson. But the Atlanta Braves, his hometown team, had been watching him for years. They were very excited about his potential.

Professional Baseball Journey

Starting in the Minor Leagues

Heyward was the 14th player chosen in the 2007 Major League Baseball draft by the Atlanta Braves. Even though he had planned to go to UCLA, he decided to play professional baseball. He signed a contract with the Braves for $1.7 million.

At just 17 years old, Heyward began his professional career in the Braves' Minor League Baseball system. He played for two different minor league teams in 2007. He even hit a home run in his very first professional game! In 2007, Baseball America called Heyward the Braves' best young player. They said he was great at hitting with power and had excellent control of the strike zone.

Heyward continued to play in the minor leagues in 2008 and 2009, moving up through different levels. He was named the Player of the Month several times. He also played in the All-Star Futures Game, which features the best young players in baseball. In September 2009, both Baseball America and USA Today named Heyward their Minor League Player of the Year.

By the start of the 2010 season, many experts, including Baseball America and ESPN, said Heyward was the top young player in all of baseball. The Braves then added him to their main team roster.

Atlanta Braves (2010–2014)

Making a Big Splash in 2010

Heyward throwing the ball at Citi Field in 2010

After quickly moving through the minor leagues, the Braves invited Heyward to spring training in 2010. His hitting was amazing, with balls flying all over the field. The Braves' manager, Bobby Cox, decided to make him a regular player. Heyward even broke a car's sunroof with one of his powerful hits! He chose to wear number 22 to remember his high school friend, Andrew Wilmot.

Heyward was one of the most exciting young players to watch. Fans and experts thought he would have a Hall of Fame career. On March 26, the Braves announced he would be their starting right fielder.

In his very first MLB plate appearance, Heyward hit a three-run home run! It was estimated to be 471 feet (144 m) long. He was only the fifth Braves player to hit a home run in his first MLB at-bat.

Heyward played very well for the first 50 games, hitting 10 home runs. He was named the National League (NL) Rookie of the Month in April and May. However, a thumb injury in May caused him to miss some games. He was chosen for the NL All-Star team but couldn't play due to his injury.

On July 28, Heyward stole home base, which is a very rare play in baseball. He was the first Brave to do it in over ten years. On August 22, he hit two home runs in one game for the first time in his MLB career.

Heyward finished his first season with a .277 batting average, 18 home runs, and 83 runs scored. He was named the Sporting News NL Rookie of the Year and the Baseball America MLB Rookie of the Year. He came in second for the NL Rookie of the Year award.

Challenges and Comebacks (2011–2014)

Heyward entering the dugout before a spring training game in 2011

Heyward's second season in 2011 started with high hopes, but injuries caused him to struggle. He had shoulder soreness and was placed on the disabled list (DL) in May. When he returned, he found it hard to hit the ball well. On August 23, he hit his first career grand slam. The Braves missed the playoffs that year after a tough end to the season. Heyward's batting average dropped to .227, with 14 home runs and 42 RBIs.

In 2012, Heyward worked hard to improve. He changed his swing and diet, and strengthened his shoulder. He started slowly but soon began to play much better. On June 7, he hit two home runs in a game again. He also made a great throw from the outfield to get a runner out at home plate, saving a win.

After the 2012 season, Heyward won his first defensive awards: an MLB Fielding Bible Award and a National League Rawlings Gold Glove Award. He played in 158 games, hitting .269 with career highs of 27 home runs, 82 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases.

In 2013, Heyward had an appendectomy in April, which put him on the disabled list. He returned in May. On August 21, he was hit in the face by a pitch, which broke his jaw. He had surgery and returned in September, wearing a protective shield on his batting helmet. Despite the injuries, the Braves played very well when he was in the lineup.

Heyward running the bases in 2014

In 2014, Heyward signed a two-year contract with the Braves. He was already known as a top defensive outfielder, and he got even better that season. He made two amazing catches in one game against the Los Angeles Angels, helping the Braves win.

Heyward played in 149 games in 2014, batting .271 with 11 home runs and 20 stolen bases. He won several awards for his defense, including his second Rawlings NL Gold Glove Award and the Fielding Bible Award. He was also named the MLB right field Defensive Player of the Year and the overall MLB Defensive Player of the Year by Wilson Sporting Goods.

St. Louis Cardinals (2015)

On November 17, 2014, Heyward was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals. He took uniform number 22 to continue honoring his friend Andrew Wilmot.

Heyward batting for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2015

On April 5, 2015, exactly five years after his MLB debut, Heyward played his first game as a Cardinal. He had three hits and a stolen base in a win against the Chicago Cubs. He hit home runs in three straight games in June. On July 18, he had five hits in one game, matching his career high.

On August 16, Heyward hit two home runs in a game for the Cardinals for the first time. On September 30, he hit his second career grand slam, helping the Cardinals win their division title. He also made two amazing defensive plays in that game, taking away hits from other players.

Heyward finished the 2015 season with a career-high .293 batting average. He was one of the best outfielders in the league for his defense. The Cardinals lost in the playoffs that year. After the season, Heyward became a free agent and won his third Fielding Bible Award and his third Gold Glove.

Chicago Cubs (2016–2022)

World Series Champion (2016)

Heyward batting for the Chicago Cubs in 2016

On December 15, 2015, Heyward signed a large eight-year contract with the Cubs. At the time, it was the biggest contract the Cubs had ever given a player.

Heyward struggled with his hitting in his first season with the Cubs in 2016, batting only .230 with 7 home runs. However, he still won his fourth Gold Glove that season for his excellent defense.

In the playoffs, Heyward made important plays. In Game Four of the 2016 National League Division Series, he scored a key run that helped the Cubs advance. On October 25, 2016, Heyward and some teammates became the first African-Americans to play for the Cubs in a World Series game.

During a rain delay in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series, Heyward was credited with leading an inspiring meeting with his teammates. The Cubs went on to win the game, giving the team its first World Series championship in 108 years! Heyward won his third straight Gold Glove Award, becoming the first player to win three in a row with three different teams (Braves, Cardinals, and Cubs).

Later Years with the Cubs (2017–2022)

In 2017, Heyward had some injuries, including a sprained finger and a cut on his hand. He finished the season batting .259 with 11 home runs.

In 2018, Heyward was placed on the disabled list due to a concussion after trying to make a game-saving catch. On June 6, he hit a walk-off grand slam home run, winning the game for the Cubs in the last inning. He ended the season batting .270 with eight home runs.

Heyward started the 2019 season well. On April 6, he hit two home runs and stole two bases in one game, which is very rare. On May 8, he hit another walk-off home run, winning the game for the Cubs in extra innings. For the season, Heyward hit .251 with 21 home runs.

In the shorter 2020 season, Heyward batted .265 with six home runs. In 2021, his batting average was .214 with eight home runs.

In 2022, Heyward was placed on the injured list with a leg injury. In August, the Cubs announced that they would release Heyward at the end of the season. He was officially released on November 14, 2022. During his seven years with the Cubs, Heyward batted .245 with 62 home runs.

Los Angeles Dodgers (2023–2024)

On December 8, 2022, Heyward signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He worked on his swing and accepted a role where he would play against certain types of pitchers. He had a great season in 2023, playing in 124 games and batting .269 with 15 home runs. After the season, he received the Roy Campanella Award, given by Dodgers players and coaches to the most inspiring player on the team.

On December 6, 2023, Heyward signed a one-year contract to return to the Dodgers. In 2024, he played in 63 games, batting .208 with six home runs. He was released by the Dodgers on August 26, 2024.

Houston Astros (2024)

On August 29, 2024, Heyward signed a contract with the Houston Astros. In his first game as an Astro, he hit a key two-run double that helped his team win.

On September 24, 2024, the Astros won their division title. Heyward made a fantastic jumping catch and hit a two-run home run in that game, helping the Astros secure the win. He played in 24 games for the Astros, hitting 4 home runs. The Astros lost in the playoffs that year. After the season, he became a free agent.

San Diego Padres (2025)

On February 11, 2025, Heyward signed a one-year contract with the San Diego Padres. He played in 34 games for the Padres, batting .176 with two home runs. He was released by the team on June 24, 2025.

Awards and Honors

Jason Heyward has received many awards throughout his career for his excellent play, especially his defense.

Personal Life

In September 2012, Heyward was chosen as one of ten people to represent a "Real Men Wear Pink" campaign against breast cancer. He shared that one of his grandmothers was battling the condition and that her fight inspired him to participate.

Jason's brother, Jacob, is a coach for the San Francisco Giants organization. Jacob also played baseball and was drafted by the Atlanta Braves and later by the Giants.

Jason is married to Vedrana, and they have a son who was born in March 2022.

See also

In Spanish: Jason Heyward para niños

• List of Major League Baseball players with a home run in their first major league at bat