Harrison Bader Bio
Harrison Joseph Bader, born on June 3, 1994, is an American professional baseball center fielder who is currently a free agent. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for several teams, including the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, Cincinnati Reds, New York Mets, Minnesota Twins, and Philadelphia Phillies. Bader is known for his defensive skills and speed on the base paths, earning him recognition as a top outfielder in the league. He won a Gold Glove Award in 2021, highlighting his exceptional defensive capabilities.
Early Life and Background
Harrison Bader was born in Bronxville, New York. He identifies as Jewish, with his father, Louis Bader, being Jewish, while his mother, Janice, is of Italian descent. Bader has a younger sister named Sasha and is related to musician Chris Baio and actor Scott Baio. He developed a passion for baseball at a young age, with his father throwing batting practice to him starting at age five. Bader played shortstop in the Eastchester Little League and grew up as a fan of the New York Yankees. He attended the Horace Mann School in the Bronx, where he excelled as a center fielder on the school’s baseball team, achieving a .500 batting average in his senior year.
Path to Baseball
After high school, Bader played college baseball for the University of Florida, where he made a significant impact. He initially committed to the University of Pittsburgh but later decommitted and accepted a scholarship from Florida. During his freshman year, he led the Gators with a .312 batting average and was named to the All-SEC Freshman Team. Bader continued to excel in college, leading the team in batting average as a sophomore and earning All-SEC honors. In the 2015 MLB Draft, the St. Louis Cardinals selected him in the third round, marking the beginning of his professional career.
Harrison Bader Career
Early Career (2015–2017)
Bader made his professional debut with the State College Spikes in the New York–Penn League, where he quickly showcased his talent by hitting two home runs in his first game. He was promoted to the Peoria Chiefs in the Midwest League, where he continued to impress, finishing the season with a .311 batting average and earning MiLB Organization All-Star honors. In 2017, he was promoted to the major leagues, making his debut with the St. Louis Cardinals. Bader recorded his first major league hit and home run during his rookie season, establishing himself as a promising player.
Breakthrough (2018–2021)
Bader’s breakthrough came in the 2018 season when he became the starting center fielder for the Cardinals. He finished his rookie campaign with a .264 batting average, 12 home runs, and 15 stolen bases, earning recognition for his defensive prowess. His sprint speed ranked among the fastest in the league, and he led MLB outfielders in several defensive metrics. In 2021, Bader won the Gold Glove Award, solidifying his status as one of the top defensive outfielders in baseball.
Notable Works and Milestones
Bader’s signature work includes his defensive achievements and his contributions to the Cardinals’ success during his tenure with the team. He was named to the Baseball America All-Star Rookie Team and was a finalist for the Rawlings Gold Glove, showcasing his impact on the field.
Harrison Bader Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Harrison Bader has received several nominations for prestigious awards, including the Rawlings Gold Glove and recognition for his performance in the All-Star Rookie Team.
Harrison Bader Awards Won
Bader won the Gold Glove Award in 2021, highlighting his exceptional defensive skills as a center fielder.
Harrison Bader Family
Bader comes from a close-knit family, with his father serving as the lead counsel for Verizon in New York. His mother has Italian roots, and he has a younger sister named Sasha.
Personal Life
Bader has been involved in various charitable efforts, including partnerships with organizations to support community initiatives. He has expressed his commitment to representing his Jewish heritage and has worn symbols of support for causes important to him during games.