50 Facts About Paul Goldschmidt

Early Life and Education

Paul Goldschmidt's journey to MLB stardom began in Wilmington, Delaware. His early years were filled with moves and baseball dreams.

1. Born on September 10, 1987, in Wilmington, Delaware, Goldschmidt's family later moved to Dallas and then Houston, Texas.
2. He attended The Woodlands High School in The Woodlands, Texas, where he developed a passion for baseball.
3. At The Woodlands High School, he won the Texas State Championship in 2006.

College Career

Goldschmidt's talent shone brightly during his college years at Texas State University.

4. He played collegiate baseball for the Texas State Bobcats.
5. Named the Southland Conference Hitter of the Year in 2008 and 2009.
6. Earned the Southland Player of the Year title in 2009.

Professional Draft and Minor League Success

Goldschmidt's professional journey began with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

7. Selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the eighth round of the 2009 MLB draft.
8. Started with the Missoula Osprey, hitting .334 with 18 home runs and 62 RBIs in his first 74 games.
9. Played for the Visalia Rawhide in 2010, hitting 35 home runs and winning the California League MVP Award.
10. Named the Arizona Diamondbacks Minor League Player of the Year.

Major League Debut and Early Career

Goldschmidt quickly made his mark in the MLB.

11. Made his MLB debut with the Arizona Diamondbacks on August 1, 2011.
12. Batted .297 with 24 home runs, 106 runs, and 95 RBIs in the 2016 season.
13. Appeared in the 2016 MLB All-Star Game.

Career Milestones and Achievements

Goldschmidt's career is filled with remarkable milestones and accolades.

14. Hit three home runs in a game for the first time on August 3, 2017.
15. Recorded his 1,000th career hit on September 13, 2017.
16. Selected to the MLB All-Star Game multiple times, including his fifth selection in 2017.
17. Won three Gold Glove Awards and five Silver Slugger Awards.
18. Named the National League MVP in 2022.
19. Won two Hank Aaron Awards.
20. Holds the record for the most Silver Slugger Awards won by a first baseman.

Career Statistics

Goldschmidt's stats highlight his consistency and excellence.

21. As of the end of the 2023 season, he has 6,313 at-bats.
22. Scored 1,108 runs.
23. Accumulated 1,860 hits.
24. Hit 332 home runs.
25. Recorded 1,095 RBIs.
26. Stole 156 bases.
27. Maintained a .295 batting average.
28. Achieved a .390 on-base percentage.
29. Boasts a .913 on-base plus slugging (OPS).

St. Louis Cardinals and Contract Details

Goldschmidt's move to the Cardinals marked a new chapter in his career.

30. Traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in 2018.
31. Signed a five-year contract extension worth $130 million in 2019.
32. The contract included a $20 million signing bonus.
33. The contract was the largest in Cardinals history at the time.
34. He becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2025.

International Competitions and Unique Achievements

Goldschmidt has represented the United States on the global stage.

35. Represented the U.S. in the 2017 and 2023 World Baseball Classic.
36. Became the first player in MLB history to play regular-season games in five different countries.

Charitable Work and Personal Life

Goldschmidt's impact extends beyond the baseball field.

37. Established Goldy’s Fund 4 Kids, raising funds for Phoenix’s Children’s Hospital.
38. An evangelical Christian, he graduated with a B.Sc in Management from the University of Phoenix in 2013.

Fan Favorite and Team Impact

Goldschmidt's consistent performance and positive attitude have made him a beloved figure.

39. Known for his ability to hit for both power and average.
40. A crucial part of the St. Louis Cardinals lineup.

Defensive Skills and Power-Hitting Ability

Goldschmidt excels both offensively and defensively.

41. Known for his defensive skills, particularly at first base.
42. Holds the best fielding percentage among major league first basemen in 2019.
43. Hit a 465-foot home run on April 20, 2019, his longest career home run.
44. Hit a foul ball out of the stadium on June 21, 2019, a first at Busch Stadium.

Career Highlights and Records

Goldschmidt's career is filled with memorable moments and records.

45. Achieved a six-home run streak in six consecutive games on July 26, 2019.
46. Led the National League with a .578 slugging percentage and .981 OPS in 2022.
47. Named the 2022 NL Hank Aaron Award winner.
48. Scored his 1,000th run on July 5, 2022.
49. Hit his 300th career home run on July 16, 2022.
50. Matched Ty Cobb's record with nine hits, four home runs, and zero strikeouts over a two-game span in June 2022.

Goldschmidt's Lasting Impact

Paul Goldschmidt's journey from a lightly recruited high school player to one of MLB's top first basemen is nothing short of inspiring. His dedication, hard work, and natural talent have earned him numerous accolades, including multiple All-Star selections, Gold Glove Awards, and a National League MVP Award. Goldschmidt's impressive stats, like his 332 home runs and .295 batting average, highlight his consistency and power at the plate. Off the field, his charitable efforts, like Goldy’s Fund 4 Kids, show his commitment to giving back to the community. As a leader on the St. Louis Cardinals, Goldschmidt continues to inspire teammates and fans alike. His legacy in baseball is already significant, and he remains a fan favorite, proving that hard work and dedication can lead to greatness. Goldschmidt's story is a testament to perseverance and excellence in the sport.