40 Facts About Marcus Semien

Early Life and Background

Marcus Semien's journey to becoming a professional baseball player is filled with interesting details. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about his early life and background.

1. Born on September 17, 1990, in San Francisco, California, Marcus Semien grew up in a sports-loving family.

2. His father, Damien Semien, played football at the University of California, Berkeley, which inspired Marcus to pursue athletics.

3. Marcus attended St. Mary's College High School in Berkeley, where he excelled in both baseball and basketball.

4. He was named the West Alameda County Conference MVP during his senior year of high school.

5. Semien played college baseball for the California Golden Bears at the University of California, Berkeley.

6. In 2011, he helped lead the Golden Bears to the College World Series, their first appearance since 1992.

Professional Career Beginnings

Marcus Semien's professional career began with a bang. Here are some key moments from his early days in the big leagues.

7. The Chicago White Sox selected Semien in the sixth round of the 2011 MLB Draft.

8. He made his MLB debut with the White Sox on September 4, 2013.

9. In his debut game, he recorded his first major league hit, a single off New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia.

10. Semien hit his first MLB home run on September 23, 2013, against the Toronto Blue Jays.

11. He was traded to the Oakland Athletics on December 9, 2014, as part of a deal involving Jeff Samardzija.

Rise to Stardom

Marcus Semien's career took off during his time with the Oakland Athletics. Let's explore some highlights from this period.

12. In 2015, Semien became the Athletics' starting shortstop, playing in 155 games.

13. He led all MLB shortstops in home runs in 2016, hitting 27 dingers.

14. Semien finished third in the American League MVP voting in 2019, behind Mike Trout and Alex Bregman.

15. He set career highs in home runs (33), RBIs (92), and runs scored (123) during the 2019 season.

16. Semien was named the Athletics' team MVP in 2019.

17. He won the American League Gold Glove Award for shortstop in 2020.

Toronto Blue Jays Era

Marcus Semien's move to the Toronto Blue Jays marked a new chapter in his career. Here are some notable moments from his time with the team.

18. Semien signed a one-year, $18 million contract with the Blue Jays on January 30, 2021.

19. He switched positions, playing primarily as a second baseman for the Blue Jays.

20. Semien set a new MLB record for home runs by a second baseman in a single season, hitting 45 in 2021.

21. He was named an All-Star for the first time in his career in 2021.

22. Semien won the Silver Slugger Award for second base in 2021.

23. He finished third in the American League MVP voting again in 2021.

Texas Rangers Journey

Marcus Semien's career continued to flourish with the Texas Rangers. Here are some key facts about his time with the team.

24. Semien signed a seven-year, $175 million contract with the Texas Rangers on December 1, 2021.

25. He became the highest-paid player in Rangers history at the time of his signing.

26. Semien was named the Rangers' team captain in 2022.

27. He hit his first home run for the Rangers on April 10, 2022, against the Los Angeles Angels.

28. Semien recorded his 1,000th career hit on June 15, 2022, against the Houston Astros.

29. He was named an All-Star for the second time in his career in 2022.

Personal Life and Interests

Beyond the baseball diamond, Marcus Semien has a rich personal life and various interests. Let's take a look at some of them.

30. Marcus married his high school sweetheart, Tarah Murrey, in 2016.

31. Tarah is a former professional volleyball player who played for the University of California, Berkeley.

32. The couple has two sons, Isaiah and Joshua.

33. Semien is known for his philanthropic efforts, including supporting youth baseball programs in the Bay Area.

34. He enjoys playing golf during the offseason.

35. Semien is an avid fan of the Golden State Warriors and often attends their games.

36. He has a passion for cooking and enjoys experimenting with new recipes.

37. Semien is fluent in Spanish, which he learned to communicate better with his teammates.

38. He is a strong advocate for mental health awareness and often speaks about the importance of mental well-being.

39. Semien enjoys reading books on history and leadership.

40. He has a close-knit relationship with his family and often credits them for his success.

Marcus Semien: A True Baseball Gem

Marcus Semien's journey in baseball is nothing short of inspiring. From his early days in high school to becoming an MLB All-Star, his dedication and hard work shine through. He's not just a powerhouse on the field but also a role model off it. His commitment to community service and family values adds another layer to his impressive career.

Semien's stats speak volumes, but his character and perseverance make him stand out. Whether he's hitting home runs or mentoring young athletes, Marcus embodies the spirit of the game. His story reminds us that success comes from talent, determination, and heart. As fans, we can only look forward to more incredible moments from this baseball gem. Marcus Semien isn't just a player; he's a legend in the making.