Births on April 16

Nolan Arenado, American baseball player

Nolan James Arenado, born on April 16, 1991, stands as one of Major League Baseball's (MLB) most exceptional talents, primarily recognized as an American professional baseball third baseman. Currently a cornerstone for the St. Louis Cardinals, Arenado made his impactful MLB debut with the Colorado Rockies in 2013, quickly establishing himself as a formidable presence on both offense and defense.

His career has been defined by a rare combination of skills, making him consistently ranked among the elite third basemen in the league. Arenado's contributions extend beyond just a powerful bat capable of hitting for both power and average; his defensive prowess at third base, often referred to as the "hot corner" due to the intense reaction time and arm strength required, is truly in a league of its own. He holds a unique distinction as the only infielder in MLB history to win the coveted Rawlings Gold Glove Award in each of his first nine professional seasons, a testament to his unparalleled consistency and skill.

Early Life and Path to the Majors

A native of the sun-drenched coastal city of Newport Beach, California, Nolan Arenado's journey to baseball stardom began locally. He honed his skills at El Toro High School in Lake Forest, where his talent caught the eye of professional scouts. His potential was realized when the Colorado Rockies selected him as their second-round pick in the highly competitive 2009 MLB draft, setting him on a path that would soon lead to the pinnacle of professional baseball.

A Legacy of Defensive Mastery: The Hot Corner's Gold Standard

Arenado's defensive accolades are simply astounding, solidifying his status as one of the greatest defensive third basemen of all time. Beyond his nine consecutive Rawlings Gold Gloves, an unprecedented achievement for an infielder, he has accumulated a wealth of other prestigious defensive honors:

• Rawlings Gold Glove Awards: Nine consecutive wins (2013-2021), a record-setting streak for an infielder from the start of his career.
• Rawlings Platinum Glove Awards: Five consecutive wins, recognizing him as the best overall defensive player in the National League, regardless of position.
• Fielding Bible Awards: Four total, including three consecutive, an analytical award that highlights defensive excellence based on detailed metrics.
• Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Awards: Three consecutive, further affirming his consistent dominance at third base.

These awards collectively underscore his extraordinary range, quick reflexes, precise footwork, and exceptional arm strength, all crucial elements for excelling at third base where scorching ground balls and swift throws across the diamond are commonplace.

Offensive Prowess: Power, Average, and Clutch Hits

While celebrated for his glove, Arenado is far from a one-dimensional player. His offensive contributions are equally impressive, making him a true dual-threat in the lineup:

• Silver Slugger Awards: Four-time winner, an award recognizing the best offensive player at each position in both leagues.
• He has twice led the league in both home runs and runs batted in (RBI), demonstrating his capability to drive in runs and change games with a single swing.
• Since the start of the 2015 season, Arenado has led all major leaguers in RBIs, a testament to his sustained offensive production and clutch hitting ability.

This remarkable blend of defensive genius and potent offense makes Arenado one of the most valuable players in baseball, consistently impacting games on both sides of the ball.

Memorable Milestones and International Recognition

Arenado's career is dotted with numerous memorable moments and significant achievements:

• Minor League Success: During his time in the minor leagues, he was a two-time All-Star Futures Game selection, showcasing his potential early on. In 2011, he led the minor leagues in RBIs with an impressive 155 over 163 games, signaling his future offensive power.
• Rockies Franchise Record: In 2016, he became the youngest player in Colorado Rockies franchise history to reach the significant milestone of 100 career home runs.
• World Baseball Classic Champion: Arenado represented the United States national team in the 2017 World Baseball Classic (WBC), playing a crucial role in Team USA's historic first gold medal victory in the tournament.
• Historic Cycle with a Walk-Off: On June 18, 2017, Arenado achieved the rare feat of hitting for the cycle (a single, double, triple, and home run in the same game). What made this even more extraordinary was that he completed the cycle with a dramatic walk-off home run, a momentous occasion that only six players in MLB history have ever accomplished.
• RBI Record: In 2017, he became just the 11th major leaguer and the very first third baseman in history to drive in 130 or more runs in three successive seasons, highlighting his consistent run-producing ability.

The Move to St. Louis: A New Chapter

After a highly successful tenure with the Colorado Rockies, a significant turning point in Arenado's career occurred prior to the 2021 season when he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals. This move brought his elite skills to a storied franchise known for its rich baseball history and passionate fanbase, where he quickly continued to showcase his Hall of Fame-caliber talent, cementing his place as one of the game's enduring stars.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What position does Nolan Arenado play?

Nolan Arenado is a professional baseball third baseman. This position is often referred to as the "hot corner" due to the fast-paced action and strong throws required.

Which team does Nolan Arenado currently play for?

Nolan Arenado currently plays for the St. Louis Cardinals of Major League Baseball (MLB).

How many Gold Gloves has Nolan Arenado won?

As of the information provided, Nolan Arenado has won the Rawlings Gold Glove Award in each of his first nine MLB seasons, an unprecedented feat for an infielder.

What is a "walk-off home run"?

A walk-off home run is a home run that ends the game immediately, giving the home team the winning run in the bottom of the final inning (or extra innings). The term implies that the hitting team "walks off" the field as winners without needing to play any further.

What does it mean to "hit for the cycle"?

Hitting for the cycle is a rare accomplishment in baseball where a player hits a single, a double, a triple, and a home run in the same game.

What is the World Baseball Classic (WBC)?

The World Baseball Classic is an international baseball tournament sanctioned by the International Baseball Federation and contested by the national teams of the world's leading baseball-playing nations. It typically takes place every four years.