Justin Upton is a professional baseball player who has made a significant impact on the sport since his debut in 2007. He was born in Norfolk, Virginia, and was selected first overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2005 MLB draft straight out of high school.
Upton has played for several teams throughout his career, including the Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, Detroit Tigers, and currently, the Los Angeles Angels.
We’ll explore how long Justin Upton has been playing professional baseball, his early years, accomplishments, and his future in the sport.
Justin Upton’s Early Years
Justin Upton was born on August 25, 1987, in Norfolk, Virginia. He grew up in a family of athletes; his father played minor league baseball, and his brother, B.J. Upton, also played in the MLB.
Upton attended Great Bridge High School in Chesapeake, Virginia, where he excelled both on the baseball field and in the classroom.
Upton’s talent on the baseball field caught the attention of scouts from a young age. He played in several youth leagues and travel teams before being scouted by Major League Baseball teams. Upton decided to forego college and enter the MLB draft straight out of high school.
In 2005, Upton was selected first overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the MLB draft. This made him the second high school player ever to be selected with the first overall pick, and he was touted as one of the most promising young prospects in baseball.
The Diamondbacks signed Upton to a contract with a $6.1 million signing bonus, and he quickly made his way through their minor league system.
Upton’s Professional Career
Upton made his Major League Baseball debut with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2007 at the age of 19. He played in 43 games that season, hitting two home runs and recording 11 RBIs.
Upton quickly became a regular in the Diamondbacks’ lineup and was named the National League Rookie of the Year in 2007.
After spending several seasons with the Diamondbacks, Upton was traded to the Atlanta Braves in 2013. He had a productive season with the Braves in 2014, hitting 29 home runs and recording 102 RBIs.
In 2015, Upton was traded to the San Diego Padres, where he spent two seasons before being traded to the Detroit Tigers in 2016. Upton played for the Tigers for two and a half seasons before being traded to his current team, the Los Angeles Angels, in August 2017.
Upton has been a regular in the Angels’ lineup since joining the team, playing primarily in left field. Injuries have limited his playing time in recent seasons, but he remains an important contributor to the team when healthy.
In 2019, Upton signed a five-year contract extension with the Angels, ensuring that he will be with the team for several more seasons.
Upton’s Future in Baseball
As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, Justin Upton was still an active player in the Major League Baseball with the Los Angeles Angels.
Upton is currently in his mid-thirties and has been playing professional baseball for over a decade. While injuries have limited his playing time in recent seasons, he has shown no signs of slowing down when healthy.
Upton has expressed a desire to continue playing for several more seasons, and it is likely that he will continue his career for the foreseeable future.
Looking ahead, Upton’s future in baseball is somewhat unpredictable, as injuries can be a significant factor for players as they age. However, if he can stay healthy, Upton has the potential to continue contributing to his team both on offense and defense.
Upton’s experience and leadership qualities also make him a valuable asset in the clubhouse, and he could potentially move into a coaching or management role after his playing career is over.
Overall, while it is impossible to predict the future with certainty, Upton’s talent and dedication suggest that he will remain a force in baseball for years to come.
Justin Upton Career Summary
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| MLB Debut | 2007 with the Arizona Diamondbacks |
| Teams Played For | Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Angels |
| All-Star Selections | 4 |
| Silver Slugger Awards | 3 |
| Hank Aaron Award | 1 |
| Fielding Bible Award | 1 |
| Home Runs | 319 |
| Batting Average | .263 |
| Total Earnings | $153+ million |
| World Series Appearances | 1 (with Detroit Tigers in 2012) |
This table provides a quick and easy way to see some of the most important facts and figures about Justin Upton’s career in one place.
FAQs
How many home runs has Justin Upton hit in his career?
As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, Justin Upton had hit a total of 319 home runs over the course of his career.
Has Justin Upton won any major awards besides the ones mentioned in the article?
In addition to his four All-Star selections and three Silver Slugger Awards, Upton has also won a Hank Aaron Award (2011) and a Fielding Bible Award (2011).
What is Justin Upton’s batting average?
As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, Justin Upton had a career batting average of .263.
How much money has Justin Upton earned in his career?
According to the website Spotrac, Justin Upton had earned a total of over $153 million in his career as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021.
Has Justin Upton ever played in the World Series?
Yes, Justin Upton played in the World Series with the Detroit Tigers in 2012, although they ultimately lost to the San Francisco Giants.
Conclusion
Justin Upton has been playing professional baseball since his debut with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2007. He has had a successful career, earning numerous accolades such as four All-Star selections and three Silver Slugger Awards.
Upton has played for several teams throughout his career, including the Diamondbacks, Braves, Padres, Tigers, and currently, the Angels.
While injuries have limited his playing time in recent seasons, Upton remains an important contributor to his team when healthy.
Looking ahead, his future in baseball is uncertain, but his talent and dedication suggest that he will continue to be a force in the sport for years to come.
Overall, Upton’s career thus far has been an impressive one, and he has established himself as one of the top players of his generation.
