Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Kolten Wong

How Kolten Wong built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Kolten Wong is a former MLB second baseman. He played 11 seasons, debuting in 2013 and representing teams like the St. Louis Cardinals, Milwaukee Brewers, Seattle Mariners, and Los Angeles Dodgers. Wong batted left-handed and threw right-handed throughout his MLB career.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2008: Drafted by Minnesota Twins

In 2008, Kolten Wong was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 16th round of the Major League Baseball draft, but he chose not to sign.

2008: Hawaii Baseball Player of the Year

In 2008, Kolten Wong was named a co-winner for the 2008 Hawaii Baseball Player of the Year honor.

2010: CCBL All-Star and MVP

In 2010, while playing for the Orleans Firebirds of the Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL), Kolten Wong was named a CCBL All-Star and the Pat Sorenti Most Valuable Player.

2011: Named a Baseball America All-American

In 2011, during his junior year at Hawaii, Kolten Wong was named a Baseball America All-American.

2011: Drafted by the Cardinals and Professional Debut

In 2011, the Cardinals selected Kolten Wong in the first round of the Major League Baseball draft, and he made his professional debut with the Quad Cities River Bandits.

2011: Drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals

In 2011, the St. Louis Cardinals selected Kolten Wong in the first round of the Major League Baseball draft.

2012: Selected for All-Star Futures Game

In 2012, Kolten Wong was selected for the 2012 All-Star Futures Game. He also played in the Arizona Fall League (AFL) and was selected for the AFL "Top Prospect" team.

2013: MLB Debut

In 2013, Kolten Wong made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut.

2013: Promotion to Triple-A and MLB Call-Up

In 2013, Kolten Wong was promoted to the Memphis Redbirds of the Triple–A Pacific Coast League and later called up to the Major Leagues on August 16. He was also named the Cardinals' Minor League Player of the Year for 2013.

May 2014: Named National League Rookie of the Month

In May 2014, Kolten Wong was named the National League Rookie of the Month.

2014: NLDS Homer and NLCS Walk-Off

In 2014, Kolten Wong hit a two-run homer in Game 3 of the NLDS versus the Los Angeles Dodgers and a walk-off home run in Game 2 of the NLCS against the San Francisco Giants on October 12. He also finished third in the National League Rookie of the Year Award voting.

2014: Struggles and Demotion

In 2014, Kolten Wong struggled early in the season, batting .225 in April, and was demoted to Memphis before returning to the MLB club in May.

2015: Regular Season Success

In 2015, Kolten Wong had a strong start to the season, including a walk-off home run against Pittsburgh on May 3. He batted .262 for the season.

March 2, 2016: Five-Year Extension with Cardinals

On March 2, 2016, Kolten Wong agreed to a five-year extension with the Cardinals worth $25.5 million, with a $12.5 million team option for 2021.

2017: Strong Bounce-Back Season

In 2017, Kolten Wong bounced back strongly despite playing in only 108 games, hitting .285 with four home runs and 42 RBIs along with walking a career high 41 times.

May 5, 2018: Walk-Off Home Run Against Cubs

On May 5, 2018, Kolten Wong hit a walk-off home run against Chicago Cubs reliever Luke Farrell in the bottom of the ninth inning, contributing to an 8-6 victory for St. Louis.

May 2018: Fundraising for Puna Eruption Relief

In May 2018, Kolten Wong started fundraising to help families impacted by the 2018 lower Puna eruption, creating a GoFundMe page that raised over $58,000.

March 28, 2019: Home Run in First At Bat of Season

On March 28, 2019, Kolten Wong hit a two-run home run in his first at bat of the season against the Milwaukee Brewers and hit another later in the game. He also won his first Gold Glove award.