Jul 13, 1995
Cancer
Scottsdale, AZ
30 years old
N/A
N/A
Baseball Player
⚾ Cody Bellinger: From Rookie Sensation to Veteran Leader
🧒 Early Life and Baseball Roots
Cody James Bellinger was born on July 13, 1995, in Scottsdale, Arizona. He grew up in a baseball-centric household; his father, Clay Bellinger, played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Yankees and the Anaheim Angels. Cody's early exposure to the sport was evident when he participated in the 2007 Little League World Series representing Chandler, Arizona. He attended Hamilton High School in Chandler, where he excelled in baseball, earning team MVP honors during his junior and senior years. In 2013, he was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fourth round of the MLB Draft, opting to sign with the team and forgo his commitment to the University of Oregon.
🏆 MLB Career and Achievements
Bellinger made his MLB debut with the Dodgers on April 25, 2017. He quickly made an impact, setting a Dodgers rookie record with 39 home runs and earning the National League Rookie of the Year award. In 2019, he had a standout season, batting .305 with 47 home runs and 115 RBIs, which led to him being named the National League Most Valuable Player (MVP). He also received a Gold Glove Award and a Silver Slugger Award that year.
After a decline in performance and injuries, Bellinger signed with the Chicago Cubs in December 2022. In 2023, he experienced a resurgence, batting .307 with 26 home runs and 97 RBIs, earning the National League Comeback Player of the Year award. He re-signed with the Cubs for the 2024 season, posting a .266 average with 18 home runs and 78 RBIs.
In December 2024, Bellinger was traded to the New York Yankees in exchange for right-handed pitcher Cody Poteet. The Yankees took on the majority of Bellinger's $27.5 million salary, with the Cubs contributing $5 million. Bellinger is expected to bolster the Yankees' batting lineup and fill positions in the outfield or at first base following Juan Soto's departure.
📊 Career Statistics and Honors
Batting Average: .257
Home Runs: 198
RBIs: 609
Runs Scored: 611
Hits: 954
Major Awards:
National League MVP (2019)
National League Rookie of the Year (2017)
Gold Glove Award (2019)
Silver Slugger Awards (2019, 2023)
National League Comeback Player of the Year (2023)
World Series Champion (2020)
👨👩👧 Personal Life
Bellinger is married to Chase Carter, a Bahamian model known for her work with brands like Victoria's Secret Pink and Maybelline. The couple began dating in 2020, got engaged in June 2023, and were married later that year. They have two daughters: Caiden, born in November 2021, and Cy, born in April 2023.
Cody Bellinger's journey through MLB showcases his resilience and adaptability, making him a valuable asset to any team he joins.
