Everyone has a favorite player, whether it is because they play for your favorite team, their talent, or even because you love their personality. Get to know some of the guys you watch on your screen every week!
Aaron Judge - "Captain Clutch"
Aaron Judge, born and raised in California, is now arguably, “The King of New York.” He was born in Linden and attended college at California State University, Fresno. Judge was drafted by the New York Yankees in 2013 in the first round and has played a huge role for them ever since then.
Courtesy of the Yankees via Instagram.
Judge married his wife Samantha Bracksieck in 2021. The two have known each other since high school. Samantha stands alongside Judge with his “All Rise” Foundation. The foundation’s goal is “to inspire children and youth to develop responsible citizenship.”
Judge also has two pet dogs, Gus and Penny. They are both adorable Dachshunds! Judge has taken the pups out on Yankee Stadium field to run around and play. He and his dogs have also appeared in an episode of “Paw Patrol.”
Courtesy of Aaron Judge via Instagram.
Gunnar Henderson - "Clifford"
At just 23 years old, Gunnar Henderson has made quite the name for himself. The Orioles’ shortstop is one of the best in the league. Henderson was born and raised in Alabama and was committed to attend Auburn University until he was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 2022. He was the American League Rookie of the Year for the 2023 season.
Courtesy of the Orioles via Instagram.
In high school, aside from baseball, Henderson also played basketball. He attended John T. Morgan Academy, where his baseball number, two, is now retired.
In February 2024, Henderson proposed to his fiancée, Katherine Lee Bishop. The pair have been together since 2019.
Courtesy of the Orioles via Instagram.
Bryce Harper - "The Showman"
Bryce Harper, the first baseman for the Philadelphia Phillies, was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. Harper has been in the majors for 12 years. He was drafted by the Washington Nationals in 2010 and signed with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2019.
Harper got married in 2016 to his high school sweetheart, Kayla (Varner) Harper. In 2019, the couple had their first child. As of this past April, they now have three children.
Courtesy of the Phillies via Instagram.
Bryce Harper got his GED in his junior year of high school and then went on to play baseball at the College of Southern Nevada (South). In 2010, Harper won the Golden Spike Award. The Golden Spike recognizes the best amateur baseball players in the United States. He played baseball for just one year in college. Harper was only 19 years old during his first year in the majors. He was the 2012 Rookie of the Year for the National League, and one of the youngest to win this award.
Courtesy of Kayla Harper via Instagram.
Dansby Swanson - "The Lieutenant"
Dansby Swanson, a fan favorite, is the shortstop for the Chicago Cubs. He was born and raised in Kennesaw, Georgia, with his parents, both former college athletes at Troy University. Swanson grew up a fan of Atlanta sports. Swanson’s first name is actually James, his middle name is Dansby which is his mom’s maiden name.
Courtesy of the Chicago Cubs via Instagram.
He was the first overall pick in the 2015 draft and signed to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Months later, the D-Backs traded him to his home state team, the Atlanta Braves where he played until 2022. Before going pro, Swanson attended Vanderbilt University and won the College World Series in 2014 during his sophomore year.
Dansby Swanson has been married to Mallory (Pugh) Swanson since 2022. Mallory plays soccer for the Chicago Red Stars and the United States Women’s National Soccer Team. While Mallory was in the Olympics this past summer, Dansby was a proud husband. He took his love and support to social media all summer long.
Courtesy of Mallory Swanson via Instagram.
Freddie Freeman - "Phillip"
Freddie Freeman is the first baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Freeman was drafted in 2007 by the Atlanta Braves. He stayed with the Braves until 2022 when he signed with the Dodgers. Both of Freeman’s parents were born in Canada, which resulted in his dual American and Canadian citizenship. He chooses to play baseball for Team Canada.
Courtesy of Freddie Freeman via Instagram.
When Freeman was 10, his mom passed away from skin cancer. In her memory, Freeman wears a long-sleeve shirt under his uniform, no matter how hot those California games get. He said that every time he puts on his tight sleeves, it makes him think of her.
Freddie Freeman is married to his wife, Chelsea (Golf) Freeman. The two got married in 2014 and have had three children since then.
Courtesy of Chelsea Freeman via Instagram.
Honorable Mentions
Anthony Volpe - New York Yankees
Volpe grew up as a huge Yankees fan from New Jersey. It was a dream come true for him when he was drafted by the Yankees in 2019. Volpe was the first Yankee to have 20 stolen bases and 20 home runs in his rookie year.
Alec Bohm - Philadelphia Phillies
Bohm had a .533 batting average in high school. He played for the Roncalli Catholic baseball team. Bohm was drafted by the Phillies in 2018 and was the third overall pick.
Mike Trout - Los Angeles Angels
Trout was drafted by the Angels in the first round in 2009. He joins the list of one of the longest-tenured position players in Major League Baseball. Trout is signed to play with the Angels until 2030 when he will be 39 years old.
José Ramírez - Cleveland Guardians
Ramírez’s favorite team growing up was the Guardians. He was born and raised in Baní, Dominican Republic and by age 13 he was playing in a baseball league for adults. He is a six-time American League All-Star and a four-time Silver Slugger.
Brandon Nimmo - New York Mets
Nimmo grew up a Colorado Rockies fan. He was drafted by the Mets in the first round in 2011. In June 2024, Nimmo hit his 100th career home run. He is on year two of his eight-year contract with the Mets.
Edited by Brittany Snow
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