History of Gunnar Henderson in Timeline

Gunnar Henderson is an American professional baseball player currently playing shortstop and third base for the Baltimore Orioles. He debuted in MLB in 2022. In 2023, he earned the American League Rookie of the Year Award and a Silver Slugger Award. His performance led to being named an All-Star in 2024, marking him as a significant talent in Major League Baseball.

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Full Timeline

1999: Cal Ripken Jr. Cover Athlete

In 1999, Cal Ripken Jr. was on the cover for MLB The Show, before Gunnar Henderson.

June 29, 2001: Gunnar Henderson's Birth

On June 29, 2001, Gunnar Randal Henderson was born. He later became a professional baseball player.

Others born on this day/year

2019: Alabama Player of the Year

In 2019, as a senior at John T. Morgan Academy, Gunnar Henderson was named the Alabama Player of the Year after an impressive season of batting .559 with significant stats in doubles, triples, home runs, runs scored, and RBIs, along with stolen bases. He was also named the Alabama Independent School Association Player of the Year in basketball.

2019: Drafted by Baltimore Orioles

In 2019, the Baltimore Orioles selected Gunnar Henderson in the second round of the Major League Baseball draft with the 42nd overall pick. He signed with the club for a $2.3 million signing bonus and was assigned to the rookie-level Gulf Coast League Orioles. He finished his first professional season with a .259 batting average, one home run, and 11 RBI.

2020: Alternate Training Site and Instructional League

In 2020, after the minor league season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Gunnar Henderson was added to the Orioles' alternate training site midway through the Major League season and then took part in the team's fall Instructional League.

January 8, 2021: Uniform Number Retirement

On January 8, 2021, Gunnar Henderson's uniform number 2 was retired by the Morgan Academy baseball program, two years after his graduation.

2021: Minor League Promotions

In 2021, Gunnar Henderson began the season with the Low-A Delmarva Shorebirds and was promoted to the High-A Aberdeen IronBirds and the Double-A Bowie Baysox during the year. Over 105 games between the three teams, he slashed .258/.350/.476 with 17 home runs, 74 RBI, 28 doubles and 16 stolen bases.

June 28, 2022: Hitting for the Cycle

On June 28, 2022, the day before his 21st birthday, Gunnar Henderson hit for the cycle in an 8–2 win over the Gwinnett Stripers while playing for the Triple-A Norfolk Tides.

August 31, 2022: MLB Debut with Orioles

On August 31, 2022, Gunnar Henderson's contract was selected by the Orioles, and he was promoted to the active roster. He started in a game against the Cleveland Guardians, hitting his first major league home run off Triston McKenzie.

2022: MLB Debut

In 2022, Gunnar Henderson made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut for the Baltimore Orioles.

June 11, 2023: Longest Home Run on Eutaw Street

On June 11, 2023, Gunnar Henderson hit a 462-foot home run against the Kansas City Royals, setting a record for the farthest home run ever hit onto Eutaw Street in the 31-year history of Camden Yards.

October 26, 2023: AL Rookie of the Year by The Sporting News

On October 26, 2023, Gunnar Henderson was announced as the AL Rookie of the Year by The Sporting News.

2023: Rookie of the Year and Silver Slugger Award

In 2023, Gunnar Henderson won the American League Rookie of the Year Award and a Silver Slugger Award.

2024: All-Star Selection

In 2024, Gunnar Henderson was named an All-Star.

2024: All-Star Selection and Career Highs

In 2024, Gunnar Henderson was selected to his first All-Star game and finished the regular season with career highs of 37 home runs, 92 RBI, .893 OPS, .281 AVG, and 21 stolen bases.