Cody Bellinger Bio
Cody James Bellinger is an American professional baseball outfielder and first baseman who is currently a free agent. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, and New York Yankees. Bellinger was born on July 13, 1995, in Scottsdale, Arizona, to former MLB player Clay Bellinger and Jennifer Bellinger. He made his MLB debut with the Dodgers in 2017 and quickly rose to prominence, becoming the National League Rookie of the Year in the same year. Bellinger won a World Series title in 2020 and earned numerous accolades, including the National League Most Valuable Player award in 2019. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated impressive power at the plate, establishing himself as a key player in the league.
Early Life and Background
Cody James Bellinger was born on July 13, 1995, in Scottsdale, Arizona. He is the son of Clay and Jennifer Bellinger. His father played for the New York Yankees and Anaheim Angels of Major League Baseball from 1999 to 2002, winning two World Series during that time. Clay Bellinger also coached the Chandler, Arizona National Little League team, where Cody played and helped the team reach the 2007 Little League World Series at the age of 11. Bellinger became a standout baseball player for Hamilton High School in Chandler, where he was voted team MVP as both a junior and senior, hitting .429 in his senior season. Despite his success, many scouts were hesitant to draft him due to his weight and lack of home runs in his final year of high school.
Path to Baseball
The Los Angeles Dodgers selected Bellinger in the fourth round of the 2013 MLB Draft, where he chose to sign with the team instead of attending college to play for the Oregon Ducks. Bellinger began his professional career in the Rookie League with the AZL Dodgers, where he faced challenges with plate discipline but showed potential. He continued to develop in the minor leagues, eventually earning a spot on the Class A-Advanced Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, where he helped the team win a California League championship title and was named the California League Championship Series MVP. After a strong spring training performance in 2017, Bellinger was called up to the Dodgers, marking the beginning of his MLB career.
Cody Bellinger Career
Early Career (2017–2018)
Bellinger made his MLB debut on April 25, 2017, against the San Francisco Giants, where he quickly made an impact by scoring his first major league hit and hitting his first home runs shortly after. He set multiple records during his rookie season, including being the fastest player in MLB history to record four multi-home run games. Bellinger finished his rookie season with 39 home runs and was named the National League Rookie of the Year. In 2018, he continued to excel, helping the Dodgers reach the World Series and earning the NLCS MVP award for his performance.
Breakthrough (2019)
The 2019 season marked a significant breakthrough for Bellinger, as he led MLB in several categories, including runs, hits, and batting average. He achieved a remarkable batting average of .305, with 47 home runs and 115 RBIs. His outstanding performance earned him the National League MVP award, along with the Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards, making him the first Dodger in history to win all three honors in the same season. Bellinger’s success solidified his status as one of the premier players in baseball.
Notable Works and Milestones
Bellinger is known for his powerful hitting and defensive skills, earning multiple All-Star selections and accolades throughout his career. He won a World Series title with the Dodgers in 2020 and was recognized as the NL Comeback Player of the Year in 2023 after a successful stint with the Chicago Cubs.
Cody Bellinger Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Cody Bellinger has received numerous nominations for prestigious awards, reflecting his impact on the game and his exceptional performance on the field.
Cody Bellinger Awards Won
Bellinger has won several notable awards, including the National League MVP award in 2019, the Gold Glove Award in 2019, and the National League Rookie of the Year award in 2017. He also won the NL Comeback Player of the Year award in 2023, showcasing his resilience and ability to bounce back from challenges.
Cody Bellinger Family
Cody Bellinger has one brother, Cole, who was selected by the San Diego Padres in the 15th round of the 2017 MLB Draft. Cole played for two seasons in the Padres farm system before retiring from baseball in 2021. Cody is married to Chase Carter, and they have two daughters, born in November 2021 and April 2023.
Personal Life
Bellinger is known for his passion for gaming, and a character inspired by him appears in the video game Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. He recorded his movements using motion capture technology for the game, showcasing his interests outside of baseball.