Alex Gordon's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Alex Gordon. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Alexander Jonathan "Alex" Gordon is a retired American professional baseball player. A left fielder, he spent his entire MLB career (2007-2020) with the Kansas City Royals. Before turning pro, Gordon played college baseball at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Gordon was known for his defensive abilities and was a key part of the Royals' success in the mid-2010s, including their World Series championship in 2015.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1977: McRae's Record Doubled

In 1977, Hal McRae set the team record for single-season doubles.

1995: Erstad Drafted First Overall

In 1995, Darin Erstad was selected with the first pick of the Major League Baseball (MLB) draft.

2000: Gordon broke the record for most home runs in an MLB season since 2000

On September 19, 2017, Alex Gordon hit the 5,694th home run of the MLB season against Ryan Tepera, breaking the record for the most home runs in an MLB season, with the previous record having been set in the 2000 season.

2002: Named Gatorade Nebraska Player of the Year

In 2002, Alex Gordon was named the Gatorade Nebraska Player of the Year for his performance at Lincoln Southeast High School.

2003: Last Royal to Steal Home Before Gordon

In 2003, Mendy Lopez was the last Royal to steal home before Alex Gordon did it in 2009.

2004: Named Big 12 Conference Player of the Year

In 2004, Alex Gordon was named the Big 12 Conference Player of the Year and was named to the First Team All-Big 12 Team.

2005: Gordon Wins Collegiate Awards and Drafted by Royals

In 2005, Alex Gordon won the Brooks Wallace Award, Dick Howser Trophy, and Golden Spikes Award. The Kansas City Royals selected him with the second overall pick in the 2005 MLB Draft.

2005: Swept Collegiate Baseball Awards

In his junior year of 2005, Alex Gordon swept the collegiate baseball awards, including the Dick Howser Trophy, Golden Spikes Award, the Brooks Wallace Award, and the American Baseball Coaches Association Rawlings Player of the Year Award.

2007: Most Games Played Since Rookie Year

In 2011, Alex Gordon played in over 150 games, which was the most games he had played in at the major league level since his rookie year in 2007.

2011: Breakout Season and Gold Glove Award

2011 was a breakout season for Alex Gordon as he set career highs in batting average, runs scored, stolen bases, and home runs. He also won his first American League Gold Glove Award.

2012: Award Winning Season

In 2012, Alex Gordon finished with a .294 batting average, led the majors with 51 doubles, won a Fielding Bible Award, and won a Gold Glove Award.

2013: All-Star Selection and Gold Glove Award

In 2013, Alex Gordon earned his first All-Star selection, third consecutive Gold Glove Award, and second Fielding Bible Award.

2014: Gordon Plays in the World Series

In 2014, Alex Gordon and the Royals qualified for the postseason, with Gordon batting .204 and hitting a crucial single in Game 7 of the World Series, ultimately being stranded at third base.

2014: Hutch Award, Gold Glove, Fielding Bible, and Platinum Glove awards

In 2014, Alex Gordon received the Hutch Award for his off-the-field contributions, which included raising over $1 million for cancer research and supporting youth baseball in Omaha. He also received the Gold Glove, Fielding Bible, and Platinum Glove awards for his outstanding defensive performance.

2015: World Series Championship

In 2015, Alex Gordon and the Royals won the World Series against the New York Mets, marking the first World Series title for the team since 1985. During Game 1, he hit a ninth-inning home run to tie the game, contributing to the Royals' eventual victory. His overall postseason performance included a .241 batting average with 2 home runs and 6 RBIs.

2015: Royals Win World Series, Gordon Signs Contract

In 2015, Alex Gordon was a member of the Kansas City Royals' World Series championship team. That offseason, he signed a four-year free agent contract to stay with the team.

2015: American Legion Graduate of the Year

In 2015, Alex Gordon won the American Legion's Graduate of the Year award.

May 4, 2017: Franchise Record for Hit by Pitch

On May 4, 2017, Alex Gordon was hit by a pitch from Derek Holland, marking his 79th career hit by pitch and breaking Mike Macfarlane's franchise record.

2018: Sixth Gold Glove and Fourth Fielding Bible Award

In 2018, Alex Gordon won his sixth Gold Glove and his fourth Fielding Bible award, adding to his accolades for defensive excellence.

2019: Best Offensive Season Since 2015 and Seventh Gold Glove

In 2019, Alex Gordon had his best offensive season since 2015, with a .266 batting average, .345 OBP, .396 SLG, 13 home runs, and 76 RBIs. He also won his seventh career Gold Glove.