Here are some interesting facts about Cody Bellinger that highlight his background, achievements, and unique aspects of his career:
1. Baseball Family Heritage
- Father and Brother Played in the MLB: Cody comes from a baseball family. His father, Clay Bellinger, played in the Major Leagues as an infielder for the New York Yankees (1999-2002), and his brother, Cole Bellinger, is also a baseball player who has played in the minors.
2. Incredible Rookie Year
- In his rookie season in 2017, Bellinger hit 39 home runs, the most ever by a Dodgers rookie, and he was named the National League Rookie of the Year. He set a record for the most home runs by a rookie in the NL and finished with 97 RBIs.
3. 2019 NL MVP Season
- Cody Bellinger’s 2019 season was one of the best in recent memory. He hit .305, with 47 home runs, 115 RBIs, and a 1.035 OPS, earning him the National League MVP. He was also named to the All-Star team and won the Silver Slugger for his performance at the plate.
4. Gold Glove Winner
- Bellinger is a standout defender. He won a Gold Glove award in 2019 for his play in the outfield, particularly his range and ability to track down difficult balls in center field. He’s known for his athleticism and versatility defensively.
5. Postseason Heroics in 2020
- During the 2020 postseason, Bellinger provided some clutch moments. He hit a crucial home run in Game 7 of the NLCS against the Atlanta Braves, helping the Dodgers win the series and advance to the World Series. The Dodgers went on to win their first championship since 1988, and Bellinger earned a ring.
6. The Famous “Shoulder Pop”
- After hitting his pivotal home run in the 2020 NLCS, Bellinger injured his shoulder while celebrating. He famously popped his shoulder out of its socket while high-fiving his teammates in a dramatic celebration. Despite the injury, he continued to perform well throughout the postseason.
7. A Unique Batting Stance
- Bellinger is known for his distinctive batting stance. He holds his bat with a high leg kick and wide stance that provides him with a fluid, powerful swing. This stance is often compared to other power hitters, but Bellinger’s style is uniquely his own.
8. Fast Start, Quick Learning
- Bellinger’s rise to the Major Leagues was rapid. He made his debut in 2017 at just 21 years old, and in his first season, he had a 1.042 OPS in the regular season and contributed significantly in the postseason. His quick success is a testament to his natural talent and work ethic.
9. Has Played Multiple Positions
- Bellinger has shown incredible versatility, playing primarily in the outfield but also seeing time at first base. His ability to shift between positions gives his teams flexibility in constructing the roster.
10. Part of a Legendary Dodgers Outfield
- During the 2017-2020 seasons, Bellinger was part of an incredible Dodgers outfield alongside stars like Joc Pederson and Mookie Betts. This trio was known for their defensive excellence and ability to hit for power.
11. Comedic Moments
- Despite his intense on-field presence, Bellinger is known to have a fun and humorous side. He often shares funny moments with his teammates and is active on social media, sharing behind-the-scenes content with fans. His relaxed, friendly demeanor makes him a fan favorite.
12. Injuries and Recovery
- Bellinger struggled with injuries in the later years of his career, particularly to his right shoulder (sustained after the 2020 celebration incident) and his leg. These injuries significantly affected his performance in 2021 and 2022, but he showed signs of recovery and a bounce-back year in 2023 with the Chicago Cubs.
13. Transition to the Chicago Cubs
- After a down year in 2022 with the Dodgers, Bellinger signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Cubs for the 2023 season. This move gave him the opportunity to rejuvenate his career and regain some of his earlier form, and he had a solid season at the plate, helping the Cubs stay competitive.
14. A Strong Young Leader
- Cody Bellinger became a leader in the Dodgers’ clubhouse at a very young age. He earned the respect of his teammates not only because of his talent but also his commitment to the game and his maturity despite his youth. His leadership was key in the Dodgers’ deep postseason runs.
15. A Multi-Sport Athlete in High School
- Before focusing on baseball, Bellinger was a multi-sport athlete in high school. He played basketball and was also a standout in football, earning recognition as a wide receiver. His background in multiple sports helped shape his athleticism and skills on the baseball field.
Cody Bellinger’s journey in baseball has been filled with incredible highs, some struggles, and impressive resilience. He’s known not just for his athleticism and talent but also for his personal growth as a player, leader, and fan favorite.