History of Troy Tulowitzki in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 26, 2024

Troy Tulowitzki, nicknamed "Tulo," is a retired American baseball player known for his time as a shortstop in Major League Baseball (MLB). He played 13 seasons, mainly with the Colorado Rockies, and also for the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees.

1980: Not applicable

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October 10, 1984: Birth of Troy Tulowitzki

On October 10, 1984, Troy Tulowitzki, nicknamed "Tulo", was born in Santa Clara, California. He would go on to have a successful career as a professional baseball shortstop.

1993: Toronto Blue Jays Break Playoff Drought

The Toronto Blue Jays ended their playoff drought dating back to 1993 with Tulowitzki's arrival during the 2015 season.

1998: First AL Player Ejected From a Postseason Game Since 1998

Tulowitzki became the first American League player to be ejected from a postseason game since Dwight Gooden in 1998, during game three of the 2015 American League Championship Series.

2002: High School Athlete of the Year

Tulowitzki was named Fremont High Athlete of the Year in 2002 for his accomplishments in baseball and basketball.

2003: Named to the All-Big West Second Team

Tulowitzki's skills on the baseball field earned him recognition as an All-Big West second-team selection in 2003.

2004: College Baseball Achievements

In 2004, Tulowitzki was named to the All-Big West first team, the All-Regional Tournament team, and was voted Most Outstanding Player. He also helped Team USA win a gold medal in the World University Baseball Championship.

2005: Drafted by the Colorado Rockies

In 2005, Troy Tulowitzki was selected by the Colorado Rockies as the seventh overall pick in the MLB Draft.

2005: Professional Debut with the Modesto Nuts

Tulowitzki made his professional debut with the Modesto Nuts of the Class A-Advanced California League in 2005.

August 30, 2006: Major League Debut

On August 30, 2006, Tulowitzki made his MLB debut with the Colorado Rockies, playing against the New York Mets.

2006: Played for the Tulsa Drillers and Participated in the All-Star Futures Game

In 2006, Tulowitzki played for the Tulsa Drillers and was selected for the All-Star Futures Game. He was sidelined by a knee injury in June.

April 2007: Unassisted Triple Play

In a game against the Atlanta Braves on April 29, 2007, Tulowitzki turned an unassisted triple play.

September 10, 2007: Broke Ernie Banks' Rookie Home Run Record

Tulowitzki hit his 20th home run of the season on September 10, 2007, setting a new National League record for most home runs by a rookie shortstop, surpassing Ernie Banks' previous record of 19.

September 29, 2007: First Career Grand Slam

On September 29, 2007, Tulowitzki hit his first career grand slam in a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

October 1, 2007: Wild Card Tie-breaker Performance

Tulowitzki played a key role in the Rockies' Wild Card tie-breaker victory against the San Diego Padres on October 1, 2007, helping them secure a spot in the playoffs.

October 4, 2007: Back-to-Back Home Runs in NLDS

On October 4, 2007, in Game 2 of the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies, Tulowitzki and Matt Holliday hit consecutive home runs.

2007: Impressive Rookie Season Statistics

Tulowitzki had a remarkable rookie season in 2007, leading all NL rookies in various offensive categories and setting an MLB record for RBIs by a rookie shortstop.

2007: Rookie of the Year Award Voting

Tulowitzki narrowly lost the NL Rookie of the Year Award to Ryan Braun in 2007. This was the closest voting since the current system was adopted in 1980.

January 23, 2008: Tulowitzki Signs Contract Extension with Rockies

On January 23, 2008, Troy Tulowitzki signed a six-year, $31 million contract extension with the Colorado Rockies. This was the largest contract ever given to a player with less than two years of experience at the time.

April 29, 2008: Tulowitzki Tears Quadriceps Tendon

On April 29, 2008, Troy Tulowitzki suffered a torn left quadriceps tendon during a game against the San Francisco Giants, sidelining him for several weeks.

May 15, 2008: Ryan Braun's Record Contract

On May 15, 2008, Ryan Braun signed a larger contract extension, surpassing Tulowitzki's record.

July 5, 2008: Tulowitzki Suffers Hand Injury

On July 5, 2008, Tulowitzki injured his right hand after slamming a bat in frustration, causing a cut that required stitches and another stint on the disabled list.

July 21, 2008: Tulowitzki Returns with a Career-High

On July 21, 2008, Tulowitzki returned to the Rockies' lineup after his hand injury and achieved a career-high five hits in a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

August 10, 2009: Tulowitzki Hits for the Cycle

On August 10, 2009, Tulowitzki hit for the cycle and drove in a career-high seven runs in a game against the Chicago Cubs, becoming the fifth Rockies player to achieve the feat.

November 2009: Marriage to Danyll Gammon

Tulowitzki married his high school sweetheart, Danyll Gammon, in November 2009.

June 17, 2010: Tulowitzki Suffers Wrist Fracture

On June 17, 2010, Tulowitzki fractured his wrist after being hit by a pitch, leading to another stint on the disabled list.

July 4, 2010: Tulowitzki Selected for First All-Star Game

On July 4, 2010, Tulowitzki was selected to his first All-Star Game, a testament to his growing prominence in the league. However, his wrist injury prevented him from playing.

November 29, 2010: Tulowitzki Signs Contract Extension

On November 29, 2010, Tulowitzki signed a six-year contract extension with the Rockies worth $120 million, solidifying his place as a cornerstone of the franchise.

2010: Tulowitzki's Dominant 2010 Season

In 2010, Tulowitzki led all MLB shortstops in several offensive categories, including home runs, RBIs, batting average, and on-base percentage. He also excelled defensively, earning a Gold Glove and a Fielding Bible Award.

2011: Tulowitzki Starts in All-Star Game, Earns Accolades

In 2011, Tulowitzki was selected as an All-Star for the second consecutive year, and he started the game due to an injury to the original starter. He also won his second consecutive Fielding Bible Award and Gold Glove.

April 1, 2012: Tulowitzki Hit by Pitch, Requires Surgery

On April 1, 2012, Tulowitzki was hit in the arm by a pitch from his former teammate Ubaldo Jiménez during a spring training game, leading to a benches-clearing incident. Later that season, Tulowitzki underwent groin surgery, ending his season prematurely.

June 13, 2013: Tulowitzki Fractures Rib, Selected to All-Star Game

On June 13, 2013, Tulowitzki fractured a rib in a game against the Washington Nationals, landing him on the disabled list. Despite the injury, he was selected to the All-Star Game for the third time in his career.

January 2014: Birth of His Son

Troy and Danyll Tulowitzki welcomed their son in January 2014.

2014: Tulowitzki's Strong Start, Season-Ending Injury

In 2014, Tulowitzki had a strong start to the season, earning NL Player of the Month honors for April. However, a hip injury in July required surgery and ended his season early.

July 28, 2015: Traded to the Toronto Blue Jays

On July 28, 2015, Troy Tulowitzki was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays along with LaTroy Hawkins in exchange for José Reyes, Jeff Hoffman, Miguel Castro, and Jesús Tinoco. This trade was kept secret from the media, and upon learning about it during a game, Tulowitzki reportedly yelled at Rockies GM Jeff Bridich.

2015: Postseason Success and ALCS Appearance

In the 2015 postseason, Tulowitzki played in all five games of the ALDS and hit a three-run home run in game three of the ALCS, which the Blue Jays won. The Blue Jays ultimately reached the ALCS but lost to the Kansas City Royals.

2015: Tulowitzki's Fifth All-Star Selection

In 2015, Tulowitzki was selected to his fifth All-Star Game, showcasing his continued excellence despite battling injuries in recent seasons.

2015: Traded to the Toronto Blue Jays

In 2015, Tulowitzki was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays.

2015: Tulowitzki's Debut with the Blue Jays and Injury

Making his debut with the Blue Jays on July 29, 2015, Tulowitzki had a strong start, going 3-for-5 with a home run. Later in the season on September 12, 2015, he collided with teammate Kevin Pillar during a game against the New York Yankees, resulting in a cracked shoulder blade and sidelining him for several weeks.

May 13, 2016: Tulowitzki's 200th Home Run

On May 13, 2016, Tulowitzki achieved a career milestone by hitting his 200th home run during a game against the Texas Rangers.

April 22, 2017: Hamstring Injury and Sprained Ankle

Tulowitzki was placed on the disabled list on April 22, 2017, due to a hamstring injury that caused him to miss several weeks of the season. He returned to play but later suffered a sprained ankle on July 29, 2017, which sidelined him for the rest of the season.

2017: Sidelined Due to Injuries

Tulowitzki missed most of the 2017 season due to injuries.

December 11, 2018: Released by the Blue Jays

The Blue Jays released Tulowitzki on December 11, 2018, despite owing him $38 million over the remaining two years of his contract.

2018: Missed Entire Season Due to Injuries

Tulowitzki missed the entire 2018 season due to injuries.

January 4, 2019: Signed with the New York Yankees

Tulowitzki signed a one-year contract with the New York Yankees on January 4, 2019, for the league minimum salary and a no-trade clause.

March 30, 2019: Final Home Run as a Yankee

On March 30, 2019, Tulowitzki hit his first and last home run as a New York Yankee against his former team, the Baltimore Orioles.

2019: Signed with the New York Yankees and Retirement

Tulowitzki signed with the New York Yankees in 2019 but retired later that year after suffering a calf strain.

2021: Coaching Career

After retiring as a player, Tulowitzki transitioned into coaching, joining the Texas Longhorns as an assistant coach. In 2021, he served as a coach for the USA Baseball collegiate team.