History of DJ LeMahieu in Timeline
David John LeMahieu is an American professional baseball player. He currently plays for the New York Yankees and has previously played for the Chicago Cubs and Colorado Rockies. His primary position is infielder.
July 13, 1988: Birth of DJ LeMahieu
On July 13, 1988, DJ LeMahieu was born.
1998: LeMahieu Makes History with AL Batting Title
In 1998, DJ LeMahieu became the ninth Yankee to win an AL batting title, a feat last accomplished by Bernie Williams.
2005: LSU Returns to NCAA Post-Season Play
In 2005, the LSU Tigers returned to NCAA post-season play after a period of absence, marking a significant achievement for the program.
2007: Drafted by the Detroit Tigers but Opts for College
In 2007, DJ LeMahieu was drafted by the Detroit Tigers but chose to pursue a college baseball career instead, demonstrating his commitment to education and personal growth.
2008: Carrying Momentum from the 2008 Season
DJ LeMahieu carried his strong performance from the 2008 season into the start of the 2009 season, showcasing his consistency and skill.
2008: Cape Cod Baseball League All-Star and Championship
In 2008, DJ LeMahieu excelled in the Cape Cod Baseball League, earning All-Star honors and helping his team win the League Championship Series.
2008: Successful Freshman Season at LSU
In 2008, DJ LeMahieu had a standout freshman season at LSU, contributing to the team's success and earning recognition for his performance.
2009: Professional Debut in the Minor Leagues
Following the 2009 MLB draft, DJ LeMahieu began his professional career in the minor leagues, playing for the Peoria Chiefs.
2009: College World Series Championship and All-Tournament Selection
In 2009, DJ LeMahieu played a crucial role in LSU's College World Series championship victory, earning a spot on the All-Tournament team for his outstanding performance.
2009: Drafted by the Chicago Cubs
In 2009, DJ LeMahieu was drafted by the Chicago Cubs, marking the beginning of his professional baseball journey.
2010: Progression in the Minor Leagues
In 2010, DJ LeMahieu continued to develop his skills in the minor leagues, playing for the Daytona Cubs and earning recognition for his performance.
December 8, 2011: Trade to the Colorado Rockies
On December 8, 2011, DJ LeMahieu's career took another turn as he was traded to the Colorado Rockies, marking a significant point in his journey.
2011: MLB Debut with the Chicago Cubs
DJ LeMahieu made his MLB debut with the Chicago Cubs in 2011.
2011: Major League Call-Up and Minor League Success
In 2011, DJ LeMahieu experienced his first major league call-up with the Chicago Cubs while also excelling in the minor leagues, showcasing his potential for a successful career.
May 23, 2012: Major League Call-Up with the Colorado Rockies
On May 23, 2012, DJ LeMahieu received a call-up to the major leagues to join the Colorado Rockies, marking a significant step in his career.
2012: Starting the Season in the Minor Leagues
At the start of the 2012 season, DJ LeMahieu played in the minor leagues for the Colorado Springs Sky Sox.
2012: Trade to the Colorado Rockies
In 2012, DJ LeMahieu was traded to the Colorado Rockies, where he would go on to achieve significant success.
2014: Defensive Excellence and First Gold Glove
DJ LeMahieu's exceptional defense shone in 2014, leading to his first Gold Glove Award.
2014: First Gold Glove Award
DJ LeMahieu's exceptional defense was recognized in 2014 when he received his first Gold Glove Award.
2015: First All-Star Selection
DJ LeMahieu was recognized for his outstanding performance in 2015 with his first selection to the All-Star Game.
2015: First All-Star Game Appearance
In 2015, DJ LeMahieu's consistent performance earned him his first All-Star Game selection.
2016: National League Batting Champion
DJ LeMahieu's exceptional hitting skills were on full display in 2016 as he clinched the National League batting title.
2017: All-Star Selection and Gold Glove Award
In 2017, DJ LeMahieu continued to excel, earning both an All-Star selection and a Gold Glove Award for his outstanding performance.
2017: Second Gold Glove and All-Star Selection
In 2017, DJ LeMahieu earned his second Gold Glove Award and was also selected for the All-Star Game.
2018: Third Gold Glove Award and Free Agency
DJ LeMahieu continued his defensive dominance in 2018, earning his third Gold Glove Award. He also became a free agent after the season, opening up new possibilities for his career.
2018: Career-High Home Runs and Third Gold Glove
In 2018, DJ LeMahieu achieved a career-high in home runs while maintaining his defensive prowess, earning his third Gold Glove Award.
January 14, 2019: Signs with the New York Yankees
On January 14, 2019, DJ LeMahieu signed a two-year, $24 million contract with the New York Yankees, who planned to utilize him as a utility infielder.
August 8, 2019: LeMahieu's Unique Batting Style
Despite his size and initial scouting reports projecting him as a power hitter, DJ LeMahieu developed into a formidable opposite-field contact hitter. His high exit velocity allowed him to hit for extra bases despite a low launch angle.
2019: LeMahieu's Breakout Season with the Yankees
DJ LeMahieu had a remarkable season in 2019, setting new career highs in numerous offensive categories, including hits, doubles, home runs, RBIs, and runs scored. He maintained consistent performance throughout the season, boasting the lowest pull percentage among MLB batters. His exceptional year earned him his first Silver Slugger Award, a spot on the inaugural All-MLB First Team, and a fourth-place finish in the AL MVP voting.
2019: LeMahieu's Playoff Run and ALCS Game 6
During the 2019 playoffs, DJ LeMahieu played exclusively at first base. In a pivotal Game 6 of the ALCS, he hit a game-tying two-run home run in the ninth inning, bringing the score to 4-4 and momentarily saving the Yankees from elimination. However, the Astros would ultimately win the game on a walk-off home run by José Altuve.
2019: All-Star Selection and Silver Slugger Award with the Yankees
In 2019, DJ LeMahieu continued his success with the New York Yankees, earning an All-Star selection and his first Silver Slugger Award.
2020: LeMahieu's 2020 Season: Battling Injury and COVID-19
After recovering from COVID-19, DJ LeMahieu began the 2020 season on a strong note but suffered a left thumb sprain in August, sidelining him for several weeks. Despite these setbacks, he made a significant impact upon his return.
2020: American League Batting Title and Historic Achievement
DJ LeMahieu made history in 2020 by winning the American League batting title, becoming the first player in the modern era to win batting titles in both leagues.
January 27, 2021: LeMahieu Re-signs with the Yankees
On January 27, 2021, DJ LeMahieu solidified his future with the Yankees by signing a six-year, $90 million contract, marking a significant commitment from both player and team.
May 7, 2021: LeMahieu Achieves 300 Hits as a Yankee
In a testament to his consistent performance, DJ LeMahieu achieved the milestone of 300 hits with the Yankees on May 7, 2021. He reached this accomplishment in just 225 games, the second-fastest in team history, trailing only the legendary Joe DiMaggio.
May 25, 2021: LeMahieu Becomes a Father
DJ LeMahieu and his wife, Jordan, welcomed their first child, a daughter, on May 25, 2021.
2021: LeMahieu's Opposite-Field Approach
In 2021, DJ LeMahieu continued to showcase his unique hitting style, recording the lowest pull percentage and the highest opposite-field percentage in the major leagues.
2022: LeMahieu's Gold Glove Season
DJ LeMahieu's defensive prowess was acknowledged in 2022 when he became the first recipient of the American League Gold Glove Award for a utility player, highlighting his versatility and excellence in the field.
