History of Justin Turner in Timeline
Justin Matthew Turner is an American professional baseball player. He is currently an infielder and designated hitter for the Toronto Blue Jays. Throughout his career in Major League Baseball (MLB), Turner has played for several other teams, including the Baltimore Orioles, New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Boston Red Sox.
November 23, 1984: Birth of Justin Matthew Turner
Justin Matthew Turner was born on November 23, 1984. This event marks the beginning of his life.
2001: First Met to Win Rookie of the Month Since Inception
Justin Turner's achievement of being named NL Rookie of the Month in 2011 was particularly significant as he became the first Mets player to receive the honor since its inception in 2001.
2003: Freshman All-American and CWS All-Tournament Team
Justin Turner's exceptional skills were recognized early in his college career. In 2003, he earned Freshman All-American honors and was named to the College World Series all-tournament team.
2004: College World Series Champion
In 2004, Justin Turner's college baseball team, the Cal State Fullerton Titans, won the College World Series, a testament to his talent and contribution to the team.
2005: Cape Cod Baseball League
In 2005, Justin Turner played collegiate summer baseball in the Cape Cod Baseball League for the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox, gaining valuable experience and exposure.
2005: Drafted by the New York Yankees
Justin Turner was selected by the New York Yankees in the 29th round of the 2005 MLB draft but opted not to sign, indicating his preference to continue his development and explore other opportunities.
2006: Signing with the Cincinnati Reds
After being drafted in the seventh round by the Cincinnati Reds, Justin Turner officially signed with the organization, receiving a $50,000 bonus and embarking on his professional journey.
2006: Drafted by the Cincinnati Reds
In 2006, Justin Turner was selected in the seventh round of the MLB draft by the Cincinnati Reds, marking a significant step in his professional baseball career.
December 9, 2008: Trade to the Baltimore Orioles
On December 9, 2008, Justin Turner was traded to the Baltimore Orioles along with Ryan Freel and Brandon Waring in exchange for Ramón Hernández.
2008: Double-A Success
Justin Turner demonstrated his potential at the Double-A level in 2008, finishing the season with a .289 batting average and a .792 OPS for the Chattanooga Lookouts.
September 8, 2009: Major League Debut and First Hit
On September 8, 2009, Justin Turner made his major league debut with the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park. He recorded his first major league hit at Yankee Stadium.
2009: MLB Debut
Justin Turner made his Major League Baseball debut in 2009, signifying his arrival in the top tier of professional baseball.
2009: Triple-A Performance
In 2009, while playing for the Triple-A Norfolk Tides, Justin Turner maintained a .300 batting average and a .749 OPS, showcasing his consistency and readiness for the major leagues.
April 12, 2010: Recalled by the Orioles
Justin Turner was recalled from the minor leagues by the Baltimore Orioles on April 12, 2010, as a replacement for the injured Brian Roberts.
May 21, 2010: Designated for Assignment
Despite being called up earlier in the season, Justin Turner was designated for assignment by the Baltimore Orioles on May 21, 2010, after struggling to make an impact.
May 25, 2010: Claimed by the New York Mets
Shortly after being designated for assignment by the Orioles, Justin Turner was claimed off waivers by the New York Mets on May 25, 2010, offering him a new opportunity.
April 19, 2011: Called Up to the Mets
Justin Turner was called back up to the New York Mets on April 19, 2011, after the team designated Brad Emaus for assignment.
May 15, 2011: First Major League Home Run
On May 15, 2011, Justin Turner hit his first major league home run while playing against the Houston Astros, a memorable moment in his career.
May 20, 2011: NL Rookie of the Month
Justin Turner's impressive performance in May 2011, including setting a Mets rookie record for most consecutive games with an RBI, earned him the NL Rookie of the Month award.
May 6, 2012: Platooning at Shortstop
With Ruben Tejada sidelined due to injury, Justin Turner began platooning at shortstop for the Mets alongside Jordany Valdespin on May 6, 2012, demonstrating his versatility.
2013: Non-tendered by the Mets
After the 2013 season, the New York Mets made the decision to non-tender Justin Turner, making him a free agent. Despite this setback, Turner's performance with the Mets (.265 batting average in 301 games) had positioned him for other opportunities.
February 5, 2014: Signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers
Following his departure from the Mets, Justin Turner's talent caught the eye of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who signed him to a minor league contract on February 5, 2014. This move marked a turning point in his career.
2014: Breakout Season with the Dodgers
In 2014, Justin Turner had a breakout season with the Dodgers, playing 109 games and boasting a team-leading .340 batting average. His performance solidified his place in the major leagues.
January 16, 2015: One-Year Contract with the Dodgers
Recognizing his value to the team, the Dodgers signed Justin Turner to a one-year, $2.5 million contract on January 16, 2015, avoiding salary arbitration and securing his services for another season.
2015: NLDS Performance and Surgery
During the 2015 National League Division Series, Justin Turner showcased his hitting prowess by leading the Dodgers with a .526 batting average against his former team, the New York Mets. Despite his efforts, the Dodgers were eliminated from the playoffs.
January 2016: New Contract and Knee Surgery
In January 2016, Justin Turner signed a new one-year, $5.1 million contract with the Dodgers, once again avoiding salary arbitration. However, he underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, highlighting the physical demands of the sport.
December 23, 2016: Contract Signing with Dodgers
On December 23, 2016, Justin Turner signed a four-year, $64 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
2016: Career-Highs and Postseason Play
Justin Turner achieved several career milestones in 2016, including playing in a career-high 151 games and recording career-highs in home runs (27) and RBI (90). He also participated in the postseason, showcasing his resilience and determination.
December 2017: Marriage
Turner married his longtime girlfriend, Kourtney Pogue, in a ceremony officiated by former Dodger pitcher Orel Hershiser in December 2017.
2017: All-Star Season and Playoff Performance
In 2017, Turner had a standout season, earning his first All-Star selection through the Final Vote. He finished third in the NL batting race with a .322 average and helped the Dodgers reach the World Series, where they fell to the Houston Astros.
2017: All-Star and NLCS MVP
Justin Turner achieved significant recognition in 2017 by being selected as an All-Star and winning the National League Championship Series Most Valuable Player Award.
March 19, 2018: Wrist Injury
Turner suffered a non-displaced fracture in his left wrist after being hit by a pitch during a spring training game on March 19, 2018. This injury caused him to miss the start of the regular season.
September 4, 2018: Roberto Clemente Award Nomination
On September 4, 2018, the Dodgers nominated Turner for the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award, recognizing his character, sportsmanship, and community involvement.
January 22, 2019: Justin Turner Day
The Los Angeles City Council honored Turner by proclaiming January 22, 2019, as "Justin Turner Day" in recognition of his extensive contributions to the community.
2019: Solid Offensive Season
Turner had another strong year offensively in 2019, hitting .290 with 27 home runs and 67 RBIs, but his defensive performance declined.
2020: Roy Campanella Award and Playoff Success
Turner was named the recipient of the Roy Campanella Award, voted on by his teammates, for the third time in his career, making him the first Dodger to achieve this honor. He continued to contribute to the team's postseason success.
2020: Dodgers' Hit By Pitch Record
In the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Turner broke the Dodgers' franchise record for most times hit by a pitch.
2020: World Series Championship and COVID-19 Controversy
Turner played a key role in the Dodgers' World Series victory over the Tampa Bay Rays. However, his celebration was overshadowed by controversy when he tested positive for COVID-19 during the clinching game but returned to the field, violating MLB protocols.
2020: World Series Champion
In 2020, Justin Turner achieved the pinnacle of baseball success by winning the World Series with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
February 19, 2021: Re-signs with Dodgers
On February 19, 2021, Turner re-signed with the Dodgers on a two-year deal worth $34 million, ensuring he would remain a key part of their lineup.
August 29, 2021: Pitching Debut
In a game against the Colorado Rockies on August 29, 2021, Turner made his first career pitching appearance, showcasing his versatility. He pitched a scoreless ninth inning, retiring all three batters he faced.
2022: Roberto Clemente Award
In 2022, Turner received the Roberto Clemente Award, a testament to his dedication to humanitarian work and his positive impact on the community.
2022: Splitting Time and Free Agency
Turner transitioned into a role where he split time between third base and designated hitter in 2022. Following the season, he became a free agent when the Dodgers declined his contract option for 2023.
January 6, 2023: Signing with the Red Sox
On January 6, 2023, Turner signed with the Boston Red Sox, marking the start of a new chapter in his career.
2023: Free Agency
Turner became a free agent after the 2022 season when the Dodgers declined his contract option for 2023.
January 30, 2024: Signing with the Blue Jays
Turner continued his baseball journey by signing a one-year contract with the Toronto Blue Jays on January 30, 2024.
2024: Free Agency
Turner opted out of his contract with the Boston Red Sox after the 2023 season, becoming a free agent once again.