Gunnar Henderson Bio
Gunnar Randal Henderson is an American professional baseball shortstop and third baseman for the Baltimore Orioles of Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut in 2022 and won the American League Rookie of the Year Award and a Silver Slugger Award in 2023. He was named an All-Star in 2024.
Early Life and Background
Gunnar Henderson was born on June 29, 2001, in Montgomery, Alabama, and grew up in Selma, Alabama. He attended John T. Morgan Academy, where he excelled in both basketball and baseball. During his sophomore season, Henderson committed to play college baseball at Auburn University. As a senior in 2019, he was named the Alabama Player of the Year after an impressive season where he batted .559 with 17 doubles, nine triples, 11 home runs, 69 runs scored, and 75 RBIs, while also stealing 32 bases. In addition to his baseball achievements, Henderson was recognized as the Alabama Independent School Association Player of the Year in basketball, averaging 17 points and 11 rebounds per game. His contributions to the Morgan Academy baseball program were honored when his uniform number 2 was retired on January 8, 2021.
Path to Baseball
The Baltimore Orioles selected Gunnar Henderson in the second round of the 2019 Major League Baseball draft with the 42nd overall pick. He signed with the team for a $2.3 million signing bonus and was assigned to the rookie-level Gulf Coast League Orioles. In his first professional season, he finished with a .259 batting average, one home run, and 11 RBIs. The 2020 minor league season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Henderson was added to the Orioles’ alternate training site and participated in the team’s fall Instructional League. By the start of the 2021 season, he was recognized as the best overall athlete in the Orioles’ minor league system. He began the season with the Low-A Delmarva Shorebirds and was promoted through the ranks to the High-A Aberdeen IronBirds and the Double-A Bowie Baysox. Over 105 games, he achieved a batting line of .258/.350/.476 with 17 home runs, 74 RBIs, 28 doubles, and 16 stolen bases.
Gunnar Henderson Career
Early Career (2022)
Gunnar Henderson began the 2022 season with the Bowie Baysox, entering as a consensus top-100 prospect across baseball. He batted .312/.452/.573 in 157 at-bats, hitting eight home runs and driving in 35 runs in 47 games before being promoted to the Triple-A Norfolk Tides. On June 28, 2022, he made headlines by hitting for the cycle in a game against the Gwinnett Stripers. Henderson was selected to represent the Orioles at the 2022 All-Star Futures Game. He was promoted to the major leagues on August 31, 2022, and made his debut that same day against the Cleveland Guardians, where he hit his first major league home run. In 34 games with the Orioles, he batted .259 with four home runs and 18 RBIs. Following the season, he was named the 2022 Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year.
Breakthrough (2023)
In 2023, Gunnar Henderson had a standout rookie season. He hit a remarkable 462-foot home run against the Kansas City Royals, marking the farthest home run ever hit onto Eutaw Street at Camden Yards. He recorded two four-hit games, including one against the New York Yankees where he also hit two home runs and had five RBIs. Henderson finished the regular season with 28 home runs, 82 RBIs, a .814 OPS, and a .255 batting average. His performance earned him several accolades, including the American League Rookie of the Year Award and the Silver Slugger Award for utility players. He was also recognized as the 2023 Major League Baseball Players Association Outstanding Rookie of the Year.
Notable Works and Milestones
Gunnar Henderson’s signature work in 2023 included his impressive statistics and achievements, such as being named the American League Rookie of the Year and winning the Silver Slugger Award. His dramatic moments included hitting a historic home run and performing exceptionally in the postseason.
Breakthrough (2024)
In 2024, Gunnar Henderson continued to build on his success. He was awarded the March/April American League Player of the Month Award, showcasing his strong start to the season. In 29 games, he posted a batting line of .291/.356/.624 with 10 home runs, 24 RBIs, and six stolen bases. Henderson was selected to his first All-Star game and finished the regular season with career highs of 37 home runs, 92 RBIs, a .893 OPS, and a .281 batting average.
Gunnar Henderson Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Gunnar Henderson has received numerous nominations, including the prestigious American League Rookie of the Year Award in 2023 and the All-Star selection in 2024.
Gunnar Henderson Awards Won
Gunnar Henderson has achieved significant recognition in his young career, including winning the American League Rookie of the Year Award in 2023 and the Silver Slugger Award in the same year. He was also named the American League Player of the Month in March/April 2024.
Gunnar Henderson Family
Information regarding Gunnar Henderson’s family is not publicly available at this time.
Personal Life
Details about Gunnar Henderson’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly disclosed.