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 2024 season)
Batting average	.256
Hits	1,560
Home runs	184
Runs batted in	718
Stolen bases	125
Teams
Atlanta Braves (2010–2014) St. Louis Cardinals (2015) Chicago Cubs (2016–2022) Los Angeles Dodgers (2023–2024) Houston Astros (2024)
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), known as "J-Hey", is an American professional baseball outfielder. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for teams like the Atlanta Braves, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Houston Astros.

Heyward was picked by the Braves in the 2007 MLB draft right out of high school. He started playing in the minor leagues at age 17. Many experts called him the best young player in all of baseball in 2010.

He made his MLB debut with the Braves in 2010 as their starting right fielder. That year, he was chosen for the National League All-Star team. Heyward is known as one of the best outfield defenders in MLB. He has won five Gold Glove Awards for his amazing fielding. In 2016, he helped the Cubs win the World Series.

Early Life and Baseball Dreams

Jason Heyward was born on August 9, 1989, in Ridgewood, New Jersey. His parents, Eugene and Laura, both went to Dartmouth College. Jason's uncle, Kenny Washington, was a college basketball star for UCLA. Jason also has a younger brother, Jacob, who played college baseball.

The Heyward family moved to the Atlanta metropolitan area when Jason was very young. He started playing baseball early and showed great talent. His father, Eugene, helped both Jason and Jacob follow their passion for baseball. He drove them to many games and tournaments.

Jason's dad taught him that working hard and being disciplined were important. But he also made sure that baseball was always fun. Jason played for a famous team called East Cobb Baseball, which has produced many major league players.

High School Baseball Star

Heyward went to Henry County High School in McDonough, Georgia. He played basketball for a short time but focused only on baseball in high school. A funny story from his high school days is that his powerful hits during batting practice once broke an oak tree in the outfield!

In high school, Heyward led his team to state championships. In one exciting game, he hit a huge home run to tie the score and later hit a three-run single to win the series. As a senior, he batted an amazing .520, hitting eight home runs.

Heyward wears uniform number 22 in honor of a close high school friend and teammate, Andrew Wilmot, who passed away. Many colleges wanted Heyward to play for them, including UCLA and Clemson. But the Atlanta Braves had been watching him for years and were very interested.

Professional Baseball Journey

Starting in the Minor Leagues

The Atlanta Braves picked Jason Heyward as the 14th overall player in the 2007 Major League Baseball draft. Even though he had a scholarship offer from UCLA, he chose to sign with the Braves for $1.7 million.

Heyward started his professional career in the minor leagues at age 17. He hit a home run in his very first professional game! Experts quickly noticed his talent. Baseball America called him the Braves' best young player and praised his power and how well he understood the strike zone.

He moved up through different minor league teams, showing off his skills. By 2009, both Baseball America and USA Today named him their Minor League Player of the Year. Before the 2010 season, many baseball experts said Heyward was the top young player in all of baseball.

Atlanta Braves (2010–2014)

Heyward throwing the ball at Citi Field in 2010

In 2010, the Braves invited Heyward to spring training. His hitting was so impressive that manager Bobby Cox decided to make him a regular player. Cox even said the balls Heyward hit made a special, loud sound! One of his hits even broke the sunroof of a team official's car. Heyward chose to wear number 22 to remember his high school friend, Andrew Wilmot.

Fans were very excited about Heyward, calling him "The J-Hey Kid." This nickname was inspired by the famous baseball player Willie Mays, who was called "The Say Hey Kid." The Braves made Heyward their starting right fielder.

Exciting MLB Debut

On April 5, 2010, in his very first MLB plate appearance, Heyward hit a three-run home run! It was estimated to be 471 feet long. He was only the fifth Braves player to hit a home run in his first MLB at-bat.

Heyward started his rookie season incredibly well, hitting 10 home runs in his first 50 games. He was named the National League Rookie of the Month for April and May. He was even chosen as a starter for the NL All-Star team, but couldn't play due to a thumb injury.

He 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 finished second in the voting for the overall NL Rookie of the Year award.

Battling Injuries and Improving Defense

Heyward entering the dugout before a spring training game in 2011

Heyward's second season in 2011 was tougher because of injuries, especially to his shoulder. He hit a home run in his first at-bat of the season, becoming only the second MLB player ever to homer in his first at-bat of both his rookie season and the next season. Later, he hit his first career grand slam.

In 2012, Heyward worked hard to improve his game. He changed his swing and diet and strengthened his shoulder. He had a great season, hitting 27 home runs, driving in 82 runs, and stealing 21 bases. After the season, he won his first Fielding Bible Award and Rawlings Gold Glove Award for his excellent defense in right field.

In 2013, Heyward had to deal with more injuries, including an appendectomy and a broken jaw from being hit by a pitch. He even wore a protective shield on his helmet when he returned. Despite this, the Braves played very well when he was in the lineup.

Heyward running the bases in 2014

In 2014, Heyward continued to shine defensively. He made some incredible catches, including two against star player Mike Trout, showing why he was considered one of the best defenders in baseball. He won his second Gold Glove and was named the MLB Defensive Player of the Year by Wilson Sporting Goods.

St. Louis Cardinals (2015)

In November 2014, Heyward was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals manager, Mike Matheny, who also wore number 22, gave his number to Heyward so he could continue to honor his friend Andrew Wilmot.

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. He had a great season, hitting a career-high .293 batting average. His amazing defense continued, and he won his third Gold Glove Award.

Chicago Cubs (2016–2022)

Heyward batting for the Chicago Cubs in 2016

In December 2015, Heyward signed a big eight-year contract with the Chicago Cubs. He immediately showed his team spirit by paying for hotel suites for his teammate David Ross and his family on all road trips. Ross was a mentor to Heyward, and Heyward wanted to thank him.

Heyward's hitting numbers were not as high in his first season with the Cubs in 2016, but he still won his fourth Gold Glove. He played a key role in the playoffs, helping the Cubs reach the 2016 World Series.

World Series Champion

In Game 7 of the 2016 World Series, during a rain delay, Heyward gathered his teammates for an inspiring talk. The Cubs went on to win the game, ending their 108-year wait for a World Series championship! Heyward made history by becoming the first position player to win three straight Gold Glove Awards with three different teams (Braves, Cardinals, and Cubs).

He continued to play for the Cubs, dealing with some injuries in 2017 and 2018. In 2018, he hit an exciting "walk-off" grand slam home run, winning the game for the Cubs in the last inning. In 2019, he hit 21 home runs, his most since 2012.

In the shorter 2020 season, Heyward played well, batting .265. In 2021 and 2022, he struggled with injuries and his performance declined. In November 2022, the Cubs released him.

Los Angeles Dodgers (2023–2024)

In December 2022, Heyward signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He worked hard to improve his swing and took on a new role, playing against certain types of pitchers. He had a great comeback season in 2023, batting .269 with 15 home runs. His teammates and coaches gave him the Roy Campanella Award for being the most inspiring Dodger.

He signed again with the Dodgers for 2024. On August 22, he hit a pinch-hit, go-ahead three-run home run in his last at-bat for the Dodgers before being released a few days later.

Houston Astros (2024)

On August 29, 2024, Heyward signed 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, he made an amazing jumping catch and hit a two-run home run to help the Astros win their division title. He played in 24 games for the Astros, hitting 4 home runs. After the season, he became a free agent.

Awards and Honors

Personal Life

In 2012, Jason Heyward helped promote a "Real Men Wear Pink" campaign to raise awareness for breast cancer. He shared that his grandmother was battling the condition, and her strength inspired him.

Jason's brother, Jacob, is also involved in baseball as a coach for the San Francisco Giants. Jason is married to Vedrana Heyward, and they have a son born in 2022.

See also

In Spanish: Jason Heyward para niños

• List of Major League Baseball career putouts as a right fielder leaders
• List of Major League Baseball players with a home run in their first major league at bat