Marcell Ozuna Idelfonso Bio
Marcell Ozuna Idelfonso, born on November 12, 1990, is a Dominican professional baseball designated hitter and outfielder who is currently a free agent. He previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Miami Marlins, St. Louis Cardinals, and Atlanta Braves. Ozuna made his MLB debut in 2013 with the Marlins and quickly established himself as a prominent player, being a three-time MLB All-Star and earning multiple accolades including the Gold Glove Award and Silver Slugger awards. In 2020, he led the National League in home runs and runs batted in, showcasing his powerful hitting abilities.
Early Life and Background
Marcell Ozuna Idelfonso was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. His father is a former painter, and his mother is a housekeeper. He has one brother and two sisters, and he is the cousin of former MLB player Pablo Ozuna. Growing up in a family with a modest background, Ozuna was exposed to baseball at a young age, which laid the foundation for his future career.
Path to Baseball
Ozuna was signed by the Florida Marlins as an amateur free agent in 2008, receiving a $49,000 bonus. He began his professional career in the Dominican Summer League, where he showcased his talent by hitting .279 with six home runs and 43 runs batted in over 63 games. His performance in the minor leagues, including stints with the GCL Marlins and the Greensboro Grasshoppers, helped him develop into a promising player, leading to his promotion to the major leagues in 2013.
Marcell Ozuna Idelfonso Career
Early Career (2013–2017)
Marcell Ozuna made his major league debut on April 30, 2013, with the Miami Marlins. He recorded his first career hit, a single off Jeremy Hefner of the New York Mets, and hit his first home run in his fifth game against Cole Hamels of the Philadelphia Phillies. Over the next few years, Ozuna established himself as a key player for the Marlins, earning recognition for his offensive and defensive skills. In 2017, he was named an All-Star for the first time and won the Gold Glove Award, highlighting his breakout season where he batted .312 with 37 home runs and 124 RBIs.
Breakthrough (2018–2020)
In December 2017, Ozuna was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals, where he continued to excel. He hit his 100th career home run in June 2018 and was named NL Player of the Week multiple times. His tenure with the Cardinals was marked by consistent performance, culminating in a successful 2020 season with the Atlanta Braves. Ozuna signed a one-year contract with the Braves in January 2020 and quickly made an impact, leading the National League in home runs and RBIs that season.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Marcell Ozuna has achieved significant milestones, including being a three-time All-Star and winning the Gold Glove Award and multiple Silver Slugger Awards. His ability to hit for power and average has made him a valuable player in the league.
Marcell Ozuna Idelfonso Award Nominations
Marcell Ozuna has received multiple nominations throughout his career, including three All-Star selections and recognition as a top player in various categories.
Marcell Ozuna Idelfonso Awards Won
Ozuna has won several prestigious awards, including the Gold Glove Award in 2017 and the Silver Slugger Award in both 2017 and 2020. His achievements reflect his skill and dedication to the game.
Marcell Ozuna Idelfonso Family
Marcell Ozuna is married to Genesis Guzman. The couple has three children together, and they have maintained a relatively private family life despite Ozuna’s public career.
Personal Life
Ozuna’s personal life has seen its share of challenges, including legal issues. In May 2021, he was arrested and charged with aggravated assault, which led to a 20-game suspension. Despite these incidents, he continues to focus on his career and family life.