History of Didi Gregorius in Timeline

Mariekson Julius "Didi" Gregorius, a Curaçaoan professional baseball shortstop, currently plays for the Algodoneros de Unión Laguna in the Mexican League. He previously had a notable MLB career, playing for the Cincinnati Reds, Arizona Diamondbacks, New York Yankees, and Philadelphia Phillies. Gregorius is known for his fielding skills and contributions to the Yankees, where he was a key player for several seasons, filling the shortstop position after Derek Jeter's retirement.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1955: Antonio Gregorius at Pan American Games

In 1955, Antonio Gregorius, Didi's paternal grandfather, pitched in four games for the Netherlands Antilles at the Pan American Games.

February 18, 1990: Didi Gregorius' Birth

On February 18, 1990, Mariekson Julius "Didi" Gregorius was born in Curaçao.

Others born on this day/year

1995: Family moved to Curaçao

In 1995, the Gregorius family moved from Amsterdam to Curaçao to follow Gregorius Sr.'s baseball career.

1997: Yankees Break the MLB Single-Season Record

In 2018, Didi Gregorius helped the Yankees break the MLB single-season record which was previously set by the 1997 Seattle Mariners. Gleyber Torres hit the Yankees' 265th home run of the year on September 29.

2006: Semi-Pro Team Win

In 2006, Didi Gregorius, his brother, and his father played together on a semi-pro team that won its league.

2006: Interest from Cincinnati Reds

In 2006, Jim Stoeckel, a scout for the Cincinnati Reds, became interested in Gregorius after watching him play in an under-18 tournament with the Dutch Antilles.

2007: Semi-Pro Team Win

In 2007, Didi Gregorius, his brother, and his father played together on a semi-pro team that won its league.

2007: Signed with the Reds

In 2007, MLB scouts noticed Gregorius, and he signed with the Cincinnati Reds after they offered to bring him to the United States.

2008: Professional Baseball Debut

In 2008, Didi Gregorius made his professional baseball debut with the Gulf Coast Reds.

2009: Adopted Nickname "Didi"

In 2009, Didi Gregorius adopted the nickname "Didi" because his American teammates had difficulty pronouncing his given name, "Mariekson".

2009: Played for the Netherlands National Baseball Team

In 2009, Didi Gregorius first played for the Netherlands national baseball team at the Baseball World Cup.

2009: Minor League Baseball

In 2009, Didi Gregorius played primarily with the rookie-level Billings Mustangs and also appeared with the High-A Florida State League for the Sarasota Reds.

2011: Honorary Knighthood

In 2011, Didi Gregorius and his teammates received honorary knighthood after defeating Cuba in the gold medal match at the Baseball World Cup.

2011: Health Issues and Recovery

In 2011, Gregorius experienced health issues including elevated cholesterol, proteins, and hypertension, leading to a kidney malfunction diagnosis. After adopting a vegetarian diet and medication regimen, he returned to the field after two months.

2011: Kidney Malfunction

In 2011, a chronic kidney malfunction hindered Gregorius' rise through the Reds' farm system, causing him to miss two months of the season.

2011: Knighted Under the Order of Orange-Nassau

In 2011, after the Netherlands defeated Cuba in the Baseball World Cup final, Didi Gregorius and his teammates were knighted under the Order of Orange-Nassau, 5th class, granting him the official title "Sir".

September 5, 2012: Major League Debut

On September 5, 2012, Didi Gregorius made his major league debut for the Reds, starting in place of Zack Cozart.

September 2012: MLB Debut

In September 2012, Didi Gregorius made his major league debut.

December 11, 2012: Traded to the Diamondbacks

On December 11, 2012, Gregorius was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks as part of a three-team trade.

2012: Double-A and Triple-A seasons

In 2012, Gregorius played for the Pensacola Blue Wahoos and later for the Triple-A Louisville Bats.

April 18, 2013: First Major League Home Run

On April 18, 2013, Didi Gregorius hit his first major league home run off of Phil Hughes of the New York Yankees.

2013: Strained Ulnar Collateral Ligament

In 2013, Didi Gregorius suffered a strained ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow while working out for the World Baseball Classic, preventing him from participating in the tournament.

February 2014: Jeter's Retirement Announcement

In February 2014, Derek Jeter announced his retirement, leading the Yankees to search for a replacement.

December 5, 2014: Acquired by the Yankees

On December 5, 2014, the Yankees acquired Didi Gregorius in a three-team trade with Arizona and Detroit.

December 2014: Acquired by the Yankees

In December 2014, the Yankees acquired Gregorius to replace the recently retired Derek Jeter, and he played the next five seasons for the team.

2014: Competition and Playing Time with the Diamondbacks

In 2014, Didi Gregorius competed for the starting shortstop role with the Diamondbacks and split playing time throughout the season, playing 80 major league games.

2014: Aggravation of Ulnar Collateral Ligament Tear

In 2014, when Didi Gregorius was acquired by the Yankees, he had already suffered an "asymptomatic" partial ulnar collateral ligament tear. He aggravated his injury when he made a throw from the outfield in Game 2 of the ALCS.

2016: Breakout Season

In 2016, Didi Gregorius had a breakout year, setting career highs in slugging percentage, doubles, home runs, and RBIs, and he hit his first walk-off home run.

2017: Broke Jeter's Home Run Record

In 2017, Didi Gregorius broke Derek Jeter's single-season home run record and put up 20 or more home runs in three consecutive seasons.

2017: Participated in the World Baseball Classic

In 2017, Didi Gregorius played in the World Baseball Classic as a designated hitter for the Dutch national team, batting .348 with one home run and eight RBIs, helping the team reach the semifinals. He had to leave the tournament early due to a shoulder injury.

2017: Shoulder Injury and Return

In 2017, Didi Gregorius suffered a shoulder injury during the World Baseball Classic, sidelining him for several weeks. He began rehab assignments on April 22 and was activated on April 28. On September 4, Gregorius hit his 20th home run, a Yankees first. On September 20, Gregorius hit his 25th home run, passing Jeter's record. He finished the season with a .287 batting average in 136 games.

2018: Career-High Performance and Slump

In 2018, Didi Gregorius began the season with a career-high eight-RBI performance on April 3. He led the league in April with 10 home runs, 30 RBIs, and a .766 slugging percentage, earning AL Player of the Week and Month honors. He experienced a slump in May and early June, but recovered with two home runs on June 12. Gregorius finished the regular season with a .268 average, 86 RBIs, and 89 runs, contributing to the Yankees' MLB single-season home run record.

December 16, 2019: Signed with the Philadelphia Phillies

On December 16, 2019, Didi Gregorius signed a one-year, $14 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. He and pitcher Zack Wheeler were key free-agent acquisitions for the team.

2019: Tommy John Surgery and Return

In 2019, Didi Gregorius began the season on the injured list due to Tommy John surgery. He was activated on June 7, and on July 23, he went 5-for-5 with seven RBIs. He hit his 100th career home run that same day. Gregorius finished the regular season with a .238 average. The Yankees were defeated in six games by the Astros in the ALCS.

2019: Resumed "Victory Tweets"

In 2019, Didi Gregorius resumed posting "victory tweets" after winning games, using the hashtag "#startspreadingthenews" and incorporating emojis assigned to teammates, after a brief hiatus during his recovery from Tommy John surgery.

2019: Postseason Grand Slam

In 2019, after recovering from Tommy John surgery, Gregorius hit a postseason grand slam, securing the Yankees' place in the 2019 American League Championship Series.

2020: Picked up Tattooing During Pandemic

In 2020, Didi Gregorius picked up tattooing as a hobby during the COVID-19 pandemic pause in the MLB season.

2020: Phillies season amid COVID-19 pandemic

In 2020, Didi Gregorius played a good addition with the Philadelphia Phillies. Despite being considered "high-risk" due to his kidney disorder, he chose to play, wearing a face mask. He finished among the top shortstops in MLB for RBIs, hits, home runs, and batting average.

February 10, 2021: Re-signed with the Phillies

On February 10, 2021, Didi Gregorius re-signed with the Philadelphia Phillies on a two-year, $28 million contract.

2021: Career Low Batting Average

In 2021, Gregorius batted a career low .209, hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic, associated visa issues, and a battle with pseudogout.

August 4, 2022: Phillies Released Gregorius

On August 4, 2022, Didi Gregorius was released by the Philadelphia Phillies after struggling offensively.

August 2022: Release from Phillies

In August 2022, the Phillies released Didi Gregorius.

May 1, 2023: Signed with Algodoneros de Unión Laguna

On May 1, 2023, Didi Gregorius signed with the Algodoneros de Unión Laguna of the Mexican League, where he had a successful stint, hitting .359 with 11 home runs in 26 games.

June 8, 2023: Signed Minor League Contract with Seattle Mariners

On June 8, 2023, Didi Gregorius signed a minor league contract with the Seattle Mariners. He played for the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers before opting out of his contract on August 2.

October 23, 2023: Selected in Baseball United Draft

On October 23, 2023, Didi Gregorius was selected third overall in the inaugural Baseball United draft by the Dubai Wolves.

November 2023: Played in Baseball United All-Star Showcase Event

In November 2023, Didi Gregorius participated in the Baseball United all-star showcase event, going 2-for-8 with a double for the United West All-Stars.

2023: Played in World Baseball Classic

In 2023, Didi Gregorius played for the Dutch in the World Baseball Classic.

April 7, 2024: Signed Again with Algodoneros de Unión Laguna

On April 7, 2024, Didi Gregorius signed again with the Algodoneros de Unión Laguna of the Mexican League.

2024: Played in 2024 WBSC Premier12

Didi Gregorius played for the Dutch in the 2024 WBSC Premier12 and was named to the All-World Team as the best shortstop.

2024: Named to Curaçao Suns Roster

In 2024, Didi Gregorius was named to the Curaçao Suns roster in the Caribbean Series in Miami.

2025: Named MVP of 2025 European Championship

Didi Gregorius was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2025 European Championship, batting .321 with one home run in 6 games as the Netherlands won the tournament in Rotterdam.