History of Randy Arozarena in Timeline

Randy Arozarena is a Cuban-born Mexican professional baseball outfielder currently playing for the Tampa Bay Rays in MLB. He previously played for the St. Louis Cardinals. Known for his clutch performances and charismatic personality, Arozarena gained widespread recognition during the 2020 MLB postseason, setting records and leading the Rays to the World Series. He has also represented Mexico in international baseball competitions after previously playing for Cuban youth teams.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

February 28, 1995: Randy Arozarena Born

On February 28, 1995, Randy Lia Arozarena González was born in Cuba. He is now a Mexican professional baseball outfielder.

Others born on this day/year

2011: U-16 Baseball World Cup

In 2011, Randy Arozarena represented Cuba at the youth level in the U-16 Baseball World Cup.

2013: Played for Vegueros de Pinar del Río

In 2013, Randy Arozarena played for Vegueros de Pinar del Río of the Cuban National Series.

2013: U-18 Baseball World Cup Bronze Medal

In 2013, Randy Arozarena played in the U-18 Baseball World Cup in Taichung, where Cuba won the bronze medal.

2013: Wil Myers Rookie of the Year

In 2013, Wil Myers also won the AL Rookie of the Year Award. Randy Arozarena won the same award in 2021.

2014: Played for Vegueros de Pinar del Río

In 2014, Randy Arozarena played for Vegueros de Pinar del Río of the Cuban National Series.

June 2015: Fled Cuba

In June 2015, shortly after his father's death, Randy Arozarena fled Cuba on a small boat to Isla Mujeres, Mexico.

2015: Defected from Cuba to Mexico

In 2015, Randy Arozarena defected from Cuba to Mexico on a small boat.

2015: Moved to Mexico

In 2015, Randy Arozarena moved from Cuba to Mexico.

August 1, 2016: Signed with St. Louis Cardinals

On August 1, 2016, Randy Arozarena signed with the St. Louis Cardinals as an international free agent for $1.25 million.

2016: Brief Stints in Mexican Leagues

In 2016, Randy Arozarena had brief stints in the Mérida Winter League, the Norte de México League, and with the Toros de Tijuana of the Mexican League.

2016: Signed with the Cardinals

In 2016, Randy Arozarena signed with the St. Louis Cardinals.

2017: Debut in the United States

In 2017, Randy Arozarena debuted in the United States with the Palm Beach Cardinals and was named a Florida State League All-Star.

2018: All-Star Futures Game Selection

In 2018, Randy Arozarena was selected to the 2018 All-Star Futures Game and helped Memphis win the Pacific Coast League (PCL) title, also being named co-MVP of the PCL playoffs.

2018: Daughter Born in Mexico

In 2018, one of Randy Arozarena's two daughters was born in Mexico.

August 12, 2019: Cardinals Contract Selected

On August 12, 2019, the Cardinals selected Randy Arozarena's contract and promoted him to the major leagues.

2019: Injured List and Return to Action

In 2019, Randy Arozarena began the season on the injured list after fracturing his hand during spring training but returned to action in May with Springfield.

2019: MLB Debut

In 2019, Randy Arozarena made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut.

January 9, 2020: Traded to Tampa Bay Rays

On January 9, 2020, Randy Arozarena was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays along with José Martínez and a draft pick.

November 23, 2020: Arrested in Mexico

On November 23, 2020, Randy Arozarena was arrested in Mexico's Yucatán state after allegedly trying to kidnap his daughter and assaulting her grandfather, though charges were not pressed.

2020: Intention to Play for Mexico

In 2020, Randy Arozarena announced his intention to play for Mexico in international baseball competitions.

2020: Traded to Rays/Postseason Record

In 2020, Randy Arozarena was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays. During the 2020 postseason, he set an MLB record with 10 home runs.

2020: Film Development

In 2020, a film based on Randy Arozarena's life was being developed.

2020: Postseason Performance

In the 2020 postseason, Randy Arozarena had an exceptional performance, being named the MVP of the ALCS and breaking the all-time record for most home runs in a single postseason.

2021: AL Rookie of the Year

In 2021, Randy Arozarena won the AL Rookie of the Year Award and became the first player to hit a home run and steal home in the same playoff game.

2021: Birth of Second Daughter

In 2021, Randy Arozarena's second daughter was born.

October 2022: MLB Announcement to Play for Mexico

In October 2022, MLB announced that Randy Arozarena would play for Mexico in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

2022: Mexican Citizen

In 2022, Randy Arozarena became a Mexican citizen prior to representing the country in international baseball.

2022: Stolen Base Leader

In 2022, Randy Arozarena stole 32 bases, tied for third in the majors, but also led the major leagues by being caught stealing 12 times.

2022: Estimated Film Release

In 2022, the estimated release of the film based on Arozarena's life.

May 21, 2023: All-Tournament Award

On May 21, 2023, Randy Arozarena received his All-WBC tournament award from Mexican Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard at a Rays game.

2023: All-Star Game with Adolis García

In 2023, Randy Arozarena and Adolis García, who Arozarena calls "kind of like my brother", both started in the outfield in the All-Star Game.

2023: Film Project Fell Through

In 2023, Randy Arozarena confirmed that the film about his life had fallen through but said he still wanted to make it.

2023: World Baseball Classic

In 2023, Randy Arozarena played for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic.

2023: First All-Star Game

In 2023, Randy Arozarena was named to his first All-Star Game, where he started in left field.

2023: All-Star Game Selection/Home Run Derby

In 2023, Randy Arozarena was voted to be a starting outfielder in the MLB All-Star Game and competed in the Home Run Derby, losing in the final round. He also became the first MLB player to record three straight 20-20 seasons to begin his career.