History of Kris Bryant in Timeline

Kris Bryant, nicknamed "KB", is a professional baseball player currently with the Colorado Rockies as a designated hitter, outfielder, and third baseman. Before joining the Rockies, he played for the Chicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants. Bryant played college baseball at the University of San Diego for the Toreros before his professional career.

Sections (4)

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

1945: First Pennant Since 1945

In 2016, The Cubs won the National League pennant for the first time since 1945.

1945: Comparison to Phil Cavarretta

On August 18, 2016, Kris Bryant became the second player in major league history to record five hits and five RBIs in two games in one season, joining 1945 MVP Phil Cavarretta of the Cubs.

1961: Comparison to Billy Williams

In a July 4 game against the Miami Marlins, Bryant hit his second grand slam of the season. This made him the second Cubs rookie to hit two grand slams since Billy Williams in 1961.

January 4, 1992: Kristopher Bryant's Birth

On January 4, 1992, Kristopher Lee Bryant, nicknamed "KB", was born. He is now a professional baseball player.

Others born on this day/year

2001: RBI Comparison to Albert Pujols

In 2015, Kris Bryant's 99 RBIs were the most for a rookie since Albert Pujols' 130 for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2001.

2008: Last Cub to Earn Sporting News Award

In 2015, Kris Bryant won the Sporting News Rookie of the Year Award for the National League, becoming the first Cub to earn it since Soto in 2008.

2008: Tying Geovany Soto's RBI Record

On September 6, 2015, with a home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Bryant tied Geovany Soto's 2008 RBI record for the Cubs.

2010: All-USA Baseball First-Team and Draft Selection

In 2010, Kris Bryant was named to the USA Today All-USA baseball first-team and was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 18th round of the Major League Baseball draft, but he did not sign and chose to attend the University of San Diego.

2011: Freshman All-American and WCC Honors

In 2011, as a freshman at the University of San Diego, Kris Bryant was named a freshman All-American by Louisville Slugger and the West Coast Conference (WCC) Co-Freshman of the Year and Co-Player of the Year.

2011: Home Run Comparison

In the 2013 season, Kris Bryant had the most home runs hit by a college player since the NCAA switched to a BBCOR composite bat in 2011.

2012: All-American Selection

In 2012, Kris Bryant was named an All-American while playing college baseball.

2012: All-WCC and All-American Honors

In 2012, Kris Bryant was named first team All-WCC and a first-team All-American by Baseball America during his sophomore year.

2013: MLB Draft Consideration

In 2013, Kris Bryant was considered one of the best available players in the Major League Baseball draft.

2013: Dick Howser Trophy and Golden Spikes Award

In 2013, Kris Bryant won the Dick Howser Trophy and the Golden Spikes Award.

2013: Awards for Top Collegiate Player

In 2013, Kris Bryant won the Golden Spikes Award and the Dick Howser Trophy, awarded to the top collegiate player in the nation. He was also named a Louisville Slugger First Team All-American, the Collegiate Baseball Player of the Year, and the ABCA Player of the Year.

2014: Minor League Player of the Year and Home Run Award

In 2014, Kris Bryant won the Joe Bauman Home Run Award, was named the USA Today Minor League Player of the Year, and Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year.

2014: Minor League Player of the Year Awards

In 2014, Kris Bryant won the USA Today Minor League Player of the Year Award and the Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year Award.

April 17, 2015: Major League Debut

On April 17, 2015, Kris Bryant was called up to the majors by the Cubs and made his debut at Wrigley Field.

2015: Service Time Grievance Filed

After the 2015 season, Kris Bryant filed a grievance against the Cubs for delaying his call-up to manipulate his free agency.

2015: Bestselling Jersey and Rookie Season Stats

During the 2015 regular season, Kris Bryant had the best-selling jersey in baseball and finished his rookie season with a .275 batting average, 26 home runs, and 99 RBIs.

2015: Top Prospect Ranking

In 2015, Baseball America named Kris Bryant the No. 1 prospect.

2015: Playoff Berth and Rookie of the Year Awards

In 2015, Kris Bryant helped the Cubs clinch a Wild Card spot and was named the Baseball America Rookie of the Year, as well as winning multiple other rookie of the year awards.

2015: Longest Home Run and RBI Record

In 2015, Kris Bryant hit a 495-foot home run, the longest of the MLB season. He also tied and broke the Cubs' franchise single-season RBI record for rookies.

2015: MLB Debut and Rookie of the Year

In 2015, Kris Bryant made his major league debut, was named an MLB All-Star, and won the National League's (NL) Rookie of the Year Award.

2015: Spring Training and Service Time Controversy

In 2015, despite a strong performance in spring training, Kris Bryant was sent back down to Iowa, leading to speculation that the Cubs were manipulating his service time, resulting in criticism from the MLBPA.

June 27, 2016: Historic Performance Against the Reds

On June 27, 2016, Kris Bryant became the first MLB player in modern history to hit three home runs and two doubles in the same game against the Cincinnati Reds.