Early Life and Education of Jason Heyward: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Jason Heyward. From birth to education, explore key events.

Jason Heyward, nicknamed "J-Hey," is a professional baseball outfielder currently playing for the San Diego Padres. His MLB career includes stints with the Atlanta Braves, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Houston Astros. Heyward is known for his defensive abilities, particularly in right field, and has won multiple Gold Glove Awards. While his offensive production has been inconsistent, his leadership and clubhouse presence are highly valued. He was a highly touted prospect early in his career and has remained a significant figure in MLB for over a decade.

Sections (4)

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

1964: Uncle Kenny Washington's NCAA Championship Win

In 1964, Jason Heyward's uncle, Kenny Washington, played basketball for a John Wooden-led NCAA championship UCLA team.

1965: Uncle Kenny Washington's NCAA Championship Win

In 1965, Jason Heyward's uncle, Kenny Washington, played basketball for a John Wooden-led NCAA championship UCLA team.

August 9, 1989: Jason Heyward's Birth

On August 9, 1989, Jason Alias Heyward, nicknamed "J-Hey", was born. He is an American professional baseball outfielder.

August 9, 1989: Jason Heyward's Birth in Ridgewood, New Jersey

On August 9, 1989, Jason Heyward was born in Ridgewood, New Jersey, the son of Dartmouth graduates Eugene and Laura Heyward.

1995: Brother Jacob's Birth

In 1995, Jason Heyward's younger brother, Jacob, was born.

2005: State Championship Win with Andrew Wilmot

In 2005, Jason Heyward was a teammate of Andrew Wilmot on the AAAA Georgia state championship team. Wilmot, who later died in a traffic collision, wore number 22, which Heyward honored by wearing it in his major league career.

February 2010: Batting Practice Oak Tree Incident

In February 2010, it was revealed that Jason Heyward's early batting practice exploits proved fatal to an oak tree in deep center field at his high school playing field.

March 2010: Spring Training and Number Change

In March 2010, Jason Heyward was invited to spring training with the Braves. His hitting drew significant attention, leading to his inclusion as a regular in the lineup. He hit two batting practice home runs, one damaging a Coca-Cola truck and another breaking the sunroof of Bruce Manno's car. Initially issued number 71, he requested and received number 22 in memory of Andrew Wilmot.

October 25, 2016: First African-Americans to play for Cubs in World Series game

On October 25, 2016, Jason Heyward, along with teammates Dexter Fowler, Addison Russell, and Carl Edwards Jr., became the first African-Americans to play for the Cubs in a World Series game.

2016: Brother Jacob Drafted by Giants

In 2016, Jason Heyward's younger brother, Jacob, was drafted by the San Francisco Giants.

2016: Paying for David Ross' Hotel Suites

In 2016, one of Jason Heyward's first acts after signing his contract with the Cubs was to pay for hotel suites large enough to accommodate teammate David Ross, his wife, and their three young children on all of the Cubs' road trips.

December 8, 2022: Heyward signs minor league contract with Los Angeles Dodgers

On December 8, 2022, Jason Heyward signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers that included an invitation to major league spring training, marking a new chapter in his career.