30 Facts About Javier Báez

Early Life and Background

Javier Báez, known for his flashy plays and dynamic presence on the field, has a fascinating backstory that shaped his journey to Major League Baseball.

1. Born on December 1, 1992, in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, Báez moved to Florida at age 12.
2. His full name is Ednel Javier Báez, but he prefers to go by Javier or "Javy."
3. Báez's love for baseball started early, inspired by his father, who passed away when Javy was just 10 years old.
4. He has a tattoo of Major League Baseball's logo on the back of his neck, symbolizing his dream to play in the MLB.

High School and Draft

Javy's talent was evident during his high school years, leading to his selection in the MLB draft.

5. Báez attended Arlington Country Day School in Jacksonville, Florida, where he excelled in baseball.
6. He was drafted by the Chicago Cubs as the ninth overall pick in the 2011 MLB Draft.
7. Despite being drafted in 2011, he didn't make his MLB debut until 2014.

MLB Debut and Early Career

Javy's debut in the MLB marked the beginning of an exciting career filled with memorable moments.

8. Báez made his MLB debut on August 5, 2014, against the Colorado Rockies.
9. In his debut game, he hit a game-winning home run in the 12th inning.
10. He became the first player since 2003 to hit three home runs in his first three MLB games.

Defensive Skills and Versatility

Known for his defensive prowess, Báez has made a name for himself with his incredible fielding abilities.

11. Báez is often referred to as "El Mago," which means "The Magician," due to his incredible defensive plays.
12. He has played multiple positions, including second base, shortstop, and third base.
13. In 2016, he won the National League Championship Series (NLCS) co-MVP award for his outstanding defensive and offensive performance.

Offensive Achievements

Javy's offensive skills are just as impressive as his defensive ones, making him a well-rounded player.

14. In 2018, Báez led the National League in RBIs with 111.
15. He finished second in the National League MVP voting in 2018.
16. Báez hit for the cycle on June 5, 2018, against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Personal Life

Beyond the baseball diamond, Báez has a rich personal life that fans find intriguing.

17. Javy married his longtime girlfriend, Irmarie Márquez, in January 2019.
18. The couple has two sons, Adrián Javier and Aiden Javier.
19. Báez is known for his love of flashy cars and has a collection that includes a custom Lamborghini.

Community Involvement

Javy is not just a star on the field; he is also committed to giving back to the community.

20. Báez has been involved in numerous charitable activities, including hosting baseball clinics for underprivileged children.
21. He has participated in fundraising events to support hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico.
22. Javy is an advocate for autism awareness, inspired by his sister Noely, who had the condition and passed away in 2015.

Awards and Recognitions

Throughout his career, Báez has received numerous awards and recognitions for his outstanding performance.

23. He won his first Gold Glove Award in 2020.
24. Báez was named to the All-Star team in 2018 and 2019.
25. He received the Silver Slugger Award in 2018 for his exceptional offensive performance.

Memorable Moments

Javy's career is filled with unforgettable moments that have left a lasting impact on fans and the sport.

26. In 2016, Báez helped the Cubs win their first World Series in 108 years.
27. He made a memorable tag play in the 2016 NLCS, where he applied a no-look tag to catch a runner stealing second base.
28. Báez hit a walk-off single in the 10th inning against the New York Mets on June 21, 2019.

Current Status and Future

As of now, Báez continues to be a significant figure in baseball, with a promising future ahead.

29. In 2021, Báez was traded to the New York Mets, where he continues to showcase his talents.
30. He signed a six-year, $140 million contract with the Detroit Tigers in December 2021, securing his place as one of the top players in the league.

The Magic of Javier Báez

Javier Báez isn't just a baseball player; he's a magician on the field. From his jaw-dropping tags to his powerful swings, Báez has carved out a unique spot in the world of baseball. His journey from Puerto Rico to MLB stardom is filled with hard work, dedication, and a bit of flair. Fans love his energy and passion, which make every game he plays unforgettable. Whether he's stealing bases or hitting home runs, Báez brings excitement and unpredictability. His story reminds us that with talent and determination, anything is possible. So next time you watch a game, keep an eye on Javier Báez. You never know what kind of magic he'll bring to the field.