Cody Bellinger is a name not unknown to baseball fans these days. The 25-year-old Los Angeles Dodgers player is one of the most sought-after players in the sport today. Bellinger has proven himself to be a valuable asset to the Dodgers, showcasing his talent not just at the plate, but also in the field.
Born on July 13, 1995, in Scottsdale, Arizona, Bellinger was introduced to baseball at a young age, as his father, Clay Bellinger was a former Major League Baseball player. While in high school, Bellinger excelled in both baseball and basketball. However, his passion for baseball ultimately led him to pursue a career in the sport.
Bellinger was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fourth round of the 2013 MLB Draft. It did not take long before he made his debut in the minor leagues, for the Arizona League Dodgers, Ogden Raptors, and the Great Lakes Loons. In 2016, he was promoted to the AA Tulsa Drillers, where he finished the season with a .263 batting average and 23 home runs.
The following year, Bellinger was once again promoted to AAA Oklahoma City Dodgers, where he continued to impress with his hitting and fielding abilities. He was eventually called up to the Los Angeles Dodgers in April of that same year. Bellinger made his rookie debut on April 25, 2017, against the San Francisco Giants, where he hit his first career home run in his second at-bat. He went on to have a remarkable rookie season and was awarded the National League Rookie of the Year award.
Bellinger’s success did not end there. In the 2018 season, he helped lead the Dodgers to the World Series, where they fell short to the Boston Red Sox. He was also named to the MLB All-Star Game, won his first Gold Glove award, and was awarded the National League Championship Series MVP.
The 2019 season was no different for Bellinger, who led the Dodgers to their seventh straight National League West title. He continued to break records and set new milestones, becoming the only player in MLB history to hit 20 home runs and steal 10 bases before June. He also won his second consecutive Gold Glove award and was named to his second consecutive MLB All-Star Game.
Despite the shortened 2020 season, Bellinger was still able to showcase his talent and help the Dodgers win their first World Series championship since 1988. He continued to make history by becoming the first player in MLB history to win a Gold Glove award as both a first baseman and center fielder.
Bellinger’s success as a player can be attributed to his work ethic and determination. He has proven to be a versatile player, able to play both first base and outfield positions. He has also made significant improvements in his hitting, becoming a more patient hitter and improving his contact rate.
Off the field, Bellinger is known for his community outreach efforts. He has worked with organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club and LA Dream Center to help uplift and inspire youth. He also launched his clothing line, “Codylove,” in 2020, where a portion of the proceeds go to supporting various charities.
In conclusion, Cody Bellinger is a young baseball sensation whose talent and dedication to the sport have made him one of the most sought-after players in the game today. With several awards and accomplishments under his belt, he continues to prove that he is a valuable asset to the Los Angeles Dodgers and the sport of baseball as a whole.