Kevin Pillar's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 27, 2025

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Kevin Pillar.

Kevin Pillar is a professional baseball outfielder currently playing for the Texas Rangers in MLB. Throughout his career, he has played for multiple teams, including the Toronto Blue Jays, San Francisco Giants, Boston Red Sox, Colorado Rockies, New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox, and Los Angeles Angels. Pillar is known for his defensive abilities and has been a consistent presence in MLB for several years.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2007: First straight steal of home since Aaron Hill

In Toronto's 5-3 victory over the New York Yankees on March 31, 2018, Pillar became the first Blue Jay to steal three bases in one inning. It was also the team's first successful straight steal of home since Aaron Hill did so in 2007.

2008: All-CCAA 2nd team

In 2008, as a freshman at California State University, Dominguez Hills, Kevin Pillar hit .379 and was named to the All-CCAA 2nd team.

2009: All-CCAA 2nd team selection

In 2009, Kevin Pillar batted .329 as a sophomore and was again named a 2nd-Team All-CCAA selection while stealing 18 bases, demonstrating his consistent performance in college baseball.

2010: NCAA Division II record with a 54-game hitting streak

In 2010, Kevin Pillar set the NCAA Division II record with a 54-game hitting streak. He also established his school's all-time record with a career batting average of .367.

2010: NCAA Division II record, Rawlings/ABCA National Gold Glove Award winner

In 2010, as a junior, Kevin Pillar set an NCAA Division II record with a 54-game hitting streak and was named a Rawlings/ABCA National Gold Glove Award winner, highlighting his exceptional performance and defensive skills during that year.

2011: Appalachian League Batting Title

In 2011, Kevin Pillar batted .347, winning the Appalachian League batting title. He also led the organization in batting average during his first minor league season and was named an Appalachian League All-Star.

2012: Midwest League Most Valuable Player

In 2012, Kevin Pillar played for the Lansing Lugnuts and Dunedin Blue Jays, showcasing his skills in batting and base stealing. He was named the 2012 Midwest League Most Valuable Player and garnered multiple All-Star honors.

2012: Midwest League MVP

In 2012, Pillar batted .323 and stole 51 bases, earning the title of Midwest League MVP. He also received recognition as a mid-season and post-season All-Star, was named the best hitting prospect in the league by Baseball America, and was honored as a Topps Class A All-Star and MiLB.com Organization All-Star.

December 2013: Best Hitter for Average

In December 2013, Baseball America designated Kevin Pillar as the "Best Hitter for Average" among the Blue Jays' prospects, highlighting his hitting ability and potential.

2014: International League All-Star

In 2014, Pillar led the International League in doubles while batting .323, earning him a spot as an IL post-season All-Star.

2014: International League in doubles leader

In 2014, Pillar played for the Buffalo Bisons and led the International League in doubles (39). He was named International Player of the Week twice and the 2014 Buffalo Bisons MVP.

2015: Wilson Defensive Player of the Year

In 2015, Kevin Pillar led all major league outfielders in putouts and was named the Wilson Defensive Player of the Year for center field, recognizing his exceptional defensive skills.

2015: Finalist for the Gold Glove Award

In 2015, Kevin Pillar was announced as a finalist for the Gold Glove Award in center field and was named the Wilson Defensive Player of the Year for center field, showcasing his defensive excellence.

2016: Fielding Bible Award for center field

In 2016, Kevin Pillar was awarded the Fielding Bible Award for the center field position, further solidifying his reputation as an excellent defensive player.

2016: Minor league career batting average

Through 2016, Kevin Pillar had a minor league career batting average of .324.

February 8, 2017: Cover athlete for R.B.I. Baseball 17

On February 8, 2017, Kevin Pillar was announced as the cover athlete for the Canadian version of R.B.I. Baseball 17.

2017: Best fielding percentage in the American League

In 2017, Kevin Pillar had a .997 fielding percentage as a center fielder, which was the best in the American League, highlighting his defensive prowess.

2017: 2017 Season Performance and Gold Glove Nomination

In 2017, Pillar achieved career-highs in doubles (37) and home runs (16), batting .256/.300/.404, scoring 72 runs, and stealing 15 bases. His fielding percentage (.997) was the best in the league, and he was named a Gold Glove award finalist on October 28, 2017.

2018: Inducted into Southern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame

In 2018, Pillar was inducted into the Southern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.

2018: Pillar Leads the Team in Key Stats and Becomes Longest-Tenured Blue Jay

In the 2018 season, Pillar led the team in batting average (.252), doubles (40), and stolen bases (14). As of 2018, at 29 years of age, Pillar became the longest-tenured active Blue Jay after the team traded Aaron Loup.

2019: 2019 Giants Season Performance

During the 2019 season with the Giants, Pillar achieved significant stats, including batting .264/.293/.442 with 37 doubles, 21 home runs, and 87 RBIs. He also stole 14 bases. In 2019, he played 161 games and on defense, he had a range factor of 2.30.

2022: Career Steals Ranking

Through 2022, Kevin Pillar was 5th in career steals on the all-time list of Jewish major leaguers, showcasing his accomplishments and standing among Jewish players in MLB history.