Didi Gregorius's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 8, 2026

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

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

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.

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: 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".

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: 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.

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: 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.