Dee Gordon, American baseball player

Devaris "Dee" Strange-Gordon, born on April 22, 1988, is an American professional baseball player renowned for his exceptional speed and versatility across various infield and outfield positions. Currently, he is contributing his talents within the Washington Nationals organization. Over his career, Strange-Gordon has graced the Major League Baseball (MLB) fields with three prominent teams: the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Miami Marlins, and the Seattle Mariners, leaving a memorable mark with each club.

A Career Defined by Versatility

His career trajectory showcases a remarkable adaptability to different roles on the diamond. During his impactful tenure with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Strange-Gordon predominantly showcased his skills as a middle infielder, excelling at both shortstop and second base. Upon his move to the Miami Marlins, he solidified his presence primarily as a second baseman, becoming a cornerstone of their infield. Demonstrating his athletic prowess further, he transitioned to the outfield when he joined the Seattle Mariners, starting in center field in 2018 before shifting to left field in 2020. This ability to competently play multiple demanding positions highlights his invaluable utility to any team.

The Stellar 2015 Season: A Historic Performance

The year 2015 marked an extraordinary pinnacle in Strange-Gordon's career, particularly during his inaugural season with the Miami Marlins. He delivered a spectacular performance, achieving a batting average of .333, collecting an impressive total of 205 hits, and showcasing his lightning speed by stealing 58 bases. These remarkable statistics were not just personal bests; they also placed him atop the National League in all three crucial offensive categories: batting average, total hits, and stolen bases. This rare accomplishment carried significant historical weight, as Strange-Gordon became the first player since the legendary second baseman Jackie Robinson in 1949 to lead the National League in both batting average and stolen bases in the same season. It was a testament to his exceptional blend of hitting prowess and game-changing speed, drawing comparisons to one of baseball's most revered figures.

Base-Stealing Dominance of the 2010s

Beyond his standout 2015 campaign, Strange-Gordon established himself as the premier base stealer of his era. Throughout the entire 2010s decade, his aggressive and intelligent baserunning accumulated an astonishing 330 stolen bases, a total unsurpassed by any other player in Major League Baseball during that period. This incredible feat cemented his reputation as one of the game's most electrifying and disruptive forces on the base paths.

Suspension for Performance-Enhancing Drugs

However, his career encountered a significant setback on April 29, 2016, when Major League Baseball announced a suspension for 80 games without pay. This disciplinary action was a consequence of Strange-Gordon testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs, specifically exogenous testosterone and clostebol, substances prohibited under MLB's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. This event, occurring early in the 2016 season, cast a shadow over his otherwise stellar athletic achievements and marked a challenging period in his professional journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is Devaris "Dee" Strange-Gordon?
He is an American professional baseball player, known for his speed and versatility, currently with the Washington Nationals organization.
What positions does he play?
He has played shortstop, second base, center field, and left field during his MLB career, showcasing remarkable adaptability.
Which MLB teams has he played for?
He has played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Miami Marlins, and Seattle Mariners in Major League Baseball.
What was his most notable season?
His 2015 season with the Miami Marlins was exceptional, where he led the National League in batting average (.333), total hits (205), and stolen bases (58).
What historical record did he achieve in 2015?
He became the first player since Jackie Robinson in 1949 to lead the National League in both batting average and stolen bases in the same season.
Was he suspended during his career?
Yes, he received an 80-game suspension from MLB on April 29, 2016, after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs (exogenous testosterone and clostebol).
How many bases did he steal in the 2010s?
He stole 330 bases, which was the most of any player in MLB during that decade.