History of Fernando Tatís Jr. in Timeline

Fernando Tatís Jr., nicknamed "El Niño," is a Dominican professional baseball player for the San Diego Padres, playing right field and shortstop. The son of former MLB player Fernando Tatís Sr., he is a prominent figure in Major League Baseball.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1997: Father Played in Major Leagues

Fernando Tatís Jr.'s father played third base in the major leagues starting in 1997.

January 2, 1999: Fernando Tatís Jr. Born

On January 2, 1999, Fernando Gabriel Tatís Medina Jr., known as Fernando Tatís Jr., was born. He is a Dominican professional baseball player.

Others born on this day/year

2010: Father Played in Major Leagues

Fernando Tatís Jr.'s father played third base in the major leagues until 2010.

2015: Signed by White Sox

In 2015, Fernando Tatís Jr. was signed by the Chicago White Sox as an international free agent from the Dominican Prospect League.

June 4, 2016: Traded to Padres

On June 4, 2016, the Chicago White Sox traded Fernando Tatís Jr., along with Erik Johnson, to the San Diego Padres for James Shields.

2017: Minor League Season

In 2017, Fernando Tatís Jr. played for the Fort Wayne TinCaps and the San Antonio Missions, achieving a .278 batting average with 22 home runs and 75 RBIs.

July 23, 2018: Season-Ending Surgery

On July 23, 2018, Fernando Tatís Jr. underwent season-ending surgery for a broken left thumb and ligament damage.

March 26, 2019: Opening Day Roster

On March 26, 2019, the Padres announced that Fernando Tatís Jr. made their Opening Day roster.

April 1, 2019: First MLB Home Run

On April 1, 2019, Fernando Tatís Jr. hit his first major league home run.

2019: MLB Debut

In 2019, Fernando Tatís Jr. made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut.

2019: Errors Committed

In 2019, Tatís committed 18 errors, the fifth-most in MLB that season.

2019: Younger Brother Signed

In 2019, Tatís's younger brother, Elijah, signed with the Chicago White Sox organization as an infielder.

2019: Season-Ending Injury

In August of 2019, Fernando Tatís Jr. suffered a back injury that ended his season, finishing with a .317 batting average, 22 home runs, and third place in Rookie of the Year Award balloting.

2020: Grand Slam Controversy

During the 2020 season, Fernando Tatís Jr. was involved in a controversy for swinging at a 3-0 pitch and hitting a grand slam against the Texas Rangers, leading to discussions about baseball's "unwritten rules".

2020: Most Entertaining Player

In 2020, ESPN ranked Tatís as the most entertaining MLB player.

2020: MVP Award Finish

In 2020, Fernando Tatís Jr. finished in fourth place for the National League MVP Award.

2020: NL Leader in Power-Speed

In 2020, Fernando Tatís Jr. led the National League in power-speed number (13.4) while batting .277 with 17 home runs and 11 stolen bases, and had the highest average exit velocity among all major league hitters.

2020: Silver Slugger Award

In 2020, Fernando Tatís Jr. won the Silver Slugger Award.

2020: Wild Card Series Home Runs

In Game 2 of the 2020 Wild Card Series against the St. Louis Cardinals, Fernando Tatís Jr. hit two home runs to help the Padres win the series.

2020: Improved Fielding Percentage

In the shortened 2020 season, Tatís committed only three errors and raised his fielding percentage 40 points to .984.

July 6, 2021: Unusual High Catch

On July 6, 2021, Fernando Tatís Jr. received media attention for an unusually high catch during a game, which appeared to resemble a double jump typically seen in video games.

December 2021: Possible Motorcycle Accident

In December 2021, Fernando Tatís Jr. may have been involved in a motorcycle accident in the Dominican Republic, which could have contributed to a fractured scaphoid bone.

2021: Contract Extension

Before the 2021 season, Fernando Tatís Jr. signed a 14-year, $340 million contract extension with the San Diego Padres.

2021: NL Home Run Leader

Fernando Tatis Jr. finished the 2021 season with a .282 batting average, 97 RBIs, 25 stolen bases, and led the National League with 42 home runs. He also won his second consecutive Silver Slugger Award and finished third in NL MVP voting.

2021: All-Star and Contract Extension

In 2021, Fernando Tatís Jr. was named an All-Star and secured a 14-year, $340 million contract extension with the Padres, also winning his second Silver Slugger Award.

2021: 21 Errors Committed

In 2021, Tatís committed 21 errors, the third-most in the league that year.

March 16, 2022: Surgery for Fractured Bone

On March 16, 2022, Fernando Tatís Jr. underwent surgery for a fractured scaphoid bone suffered during the offseason, potentially related to motorcycle accidents.