| Kolten Wong | |
|---|---|
 Wong with theSt. Louis Cardinals in 2013 | |
| Free agent | |
| Second baseman | |
| Born: (1990-10-10)October 10, 1990 (age 34) Hilo, Hawaii, U.S. | |
Bats: Left Throws: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| August 16, 2013, for the St. Louis Cardinals | |
| MLB statistics (through 2023 season) | |
| Batting average | .256 |
| Home runs | 86 |
| Runs batted in | 405 |
| Stolen bases | 120 |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
| Teams | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
Kolten Kaha Wong (born October 10, 1990) is an American professionalbaseballsecond baseman who is a free agent. He has previously played inMajor League Baseball (MLB) for theSt. Louis Cardinals,Milwaukee Brewers,Seattle Mariners, andLos Angeles Dodgers. He made his MLB debut in 2013. Wong bats left-handed and throws right-handed.
FromHilo, Hawaii, Wong starred in baseball atKamehameha Hawaii High School and for theUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa. The St. Louis Cardinals selected Wong in the first round of the2011 Major League Baseball draft, and promoted him to the major leagues two years later. He was named theNational League Rookie of the Month for May 2014. Wong was the Cardinals' starting second baseman for the majority of his tenure with the team, and won two Gold Gloves and three Fielding Bible Awards with the club. During the 2020 offseason, the Cardinals declined Wong's player option for the 2021 season, making him a free agent for the first time in his career. He then signed with Milwaukee, with whom he played two seasons, before he was traded to the Mariners following the 2022 season.
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Kolten Wong is the son of Kolen "Kaha" Wong, of Asian descent, who playedcollege baseball at theUniversity of Southern California (USC), and spent two years in the minor leagues with theReno Silver Sox in Class-A[1][2] and Keala Wong, a Caucasian American. Despitebatting .280 in 157 games, the elder Wong returned home toHilo, Hawaii, to raise his family.[1][3] He rose to prominence as a baseballcoach inHawaii.[2] Instead of pursuing a steady career, he took whatever jobs would afford him the most time to teach Kolten the game and about working out, which he emphasized on a daily basis. In time, Kolten Wong befriendedmixed martial artist andUltimate Fighting Championship starB. J. Penn, whose father, Jay Dee Penn, correspondingly befriended Kaha Wong. The Penns ran agym which allowed Kaha Wong to train children how to swing a bat.[1]
To train as a baseball player, Wong spent two hours daily cutting trees with anaxe to improve his strength, and daily sessions in abatting cage. He participated in the Cal Ripken World Series in Aberdeen, Maryland where he led his team, Pacific Southwest, to the championship. He also played in the 2007 Senior League Baseball World Series, with his team from Hilo American Little League.[4] His younger brother, Kean, played in the JuniorLittle League World Series.[1]
Wong was a two-sport star atKamehameha Schools Hawaii inKeaau, Hawaii, playing baseball andfootball.[5] As a baseball standout, Wongbatted .600 during his senior year and was named a co-winner for the 2008 Hawaii Baseball Player of the Year honor.[5] Wong was a top scholar as well.[6]
TheMinnesota Twins drafted him in the 16th round of the2008 Major League Baseball draft. Ascout from the Twins presented Wong with a $75,000 contract offer, which he refused, stating that "after taxes, it's not even that much".[1] Wong chose not to sign, opting to attend theUniversity of Hawaii, where he playedcollege baseball for theHawaii Rainbow Warriors.[6]
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In a game againstLoyola Marymount in his freshman year, he hit threehome runs (HR). The Rainbow Warriors won aWestern Athletic Conference (WAC) tournament in his sophomore year and a regular season championship. AgainstLouisiana Tech in the WAC tournament, he hit the game-tying and game-winning home runs. Wong was a three-time first-team All-WAC selection.[7]
As a freshman, he playedcenter field and batted .341 with 11 HR. During his sophomore year, he hit .357 with a .534slugging percentage (SLG), .436on-base percentage (OBP), 19stolen bases and 40runs batted in (RBIs).[1][2] Playing for theOrleans Firebirds of theCape Cod Baseball League (CCBL) in 2010, he was named a CCBL All-Star and the Pat Sorenti Most Valuable Player.[8][9] His batting average (.341) ranked him third in the CCBL that summer, his slugging (.452) was fourth, OBP (.426) second, and stolen bases (22) second, while making just four errors in 145 chances for a .972fielding percentage.[10][8] Wong was inducted into theCCBL Hall of Fame in 2016.[11]
During his junior year at Hawaii, Wong led the team in batting average at .378 and was fourth in the WAC; he also finished fourth in the WAC in SLG (.560) and third in OBP at .492. Other totals included 48runs scored, 11doubles, seven home runs, 23 stolen bases, and 42bases on balls.[7] Wong was named aBaseball AmericaAll-American in 2011.[12] He finished his college career with a .358 batting average (245 hits in 684 at-bats), 47 doubles, 25 home runs, 145 RBIs, a .563 SLG and .449 OBP. He stole 53 bases in 71 attempts.[13]
The University of Hawaii baseball program retired Wong's jersey number, 14, in 2017.[14]
Eligible for theamateur draft after his junior season at Hawaii, the Cardinals selected Wong in the first round, with the 22nd overall selection, of the2011 Major League Baseball draft. According toMLB.com, he was the #4-ranked prospect in the Cardinals organization.[6] He made his professional debut that season with theQuad Cities River Bandits of theSingle–AMidwest League. In 47 games, he batted .335 with 15 doubles, five home runs, 25 RBIs, and nine stolen bases.[15]
After earning a promotion to theSpringfield Cardinals of theDouble–ATexas League in 2012, Wong batted .287 with 52 RBIs and 21 stolen bases.[6] He was selected for the2012 All-StarFutures Game.[16] Wong finished the year playing in theArizona Fall League (AFL), where he batted .324 with 12 RBIs and five stolen bases.[5] He was selected for the AFL "Top Prospect" team for second base after the season concluded.[17]
The Cardinals promoted Wong to theMemphis Redbirds of theTriple–APacific Coast League in2013, where he spent most of the year. Putting together a 20-gamehitting streak in May, Wong collected 30 hits in 70at bats (AB). He also had 10 multi-hit games during that streak.[18] His totals at Memphis included a .303 batting average with 10 home runs, 45 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases in 107 games, before the Cardinals called him up to the Major Leagues on August 16.[19] He participated in his second All-Star Futures Game in July.[20] He appeared in 32 MLB games, collecting nine hits in 59 AB with one double for a .153 batting average. In December, the Cardinals named him their Minor League Player of the Year for 2013.[18]
ManagerMike Matheny named Wong to the 2013 Cardinals' postseason roster. He played in seven total games between theNational League Division Series (NLDS),National League Championship Series (NLCS) andWorld Series. He made his World Series debut in Game 3 against theBoston Red Sox as adefensive substitution and collected a hit in the bottom of the eighth inning in his only Series plate appearance.[21] Wong also appeared in Game 4 when Matheny inserted him as apinch runner in the ninth inning. However, BostoncloserKoji Ueharapicked him off first base for the final out of the game, the only occasion in which a World Series game ended on a pickoff play.[a] Boston won the game, 4–2, and went on to win the Series, 4–2.[22][23]
Wong became thede facto starter out of spring training for2014. The Cardinals had tradedthird basemanDavid Freese, and second basemanMatt Carpenter had been moved to third base.[24] The Cardinals signed veteranfree agentMark Ellis to provide insurance and guidance for him. Wong struggled early, batting .225 in April, and was demoted to Memphis.[25] He returned to the MLB club in May after hitting .344 with two homers, five steals, and an .867on-base plus slugging (OPS) in 15 games, and also developed a modified swing.[26]
Batting .333 with the Cardinals in May, Wong recorded the highest average for rookies with a minimum of 40 plate appearances. He also made no defensive errors.[27] Wong's plus-7defensive runs saved led NL second basemen despite spending time in the minor leagues.[28] He was therefore named theNational LeagueRookie of the Month.[27] On June 3, he hit his first career MLB home run, agrand slam against theRoyals aceJames Shields.[29] But when he reaggravated a shoulder injury sustained earlier in the month, the Cardinals placed Wong on the 15-daydisabled list (DL) on June 21.[30] After returning from the DL, Wong hit a double to tie the score 2–2 in the second inning of a July 8 contest against thePittsburgh Pirates. With the score tied 4–4 in the bottom of the ninth of that game, he hit his firstwalk-off home run offErnesto Frieri.[31] In a seven-game span beginning with a return from that DL stint and ending with the beginning of the All-Star break, he hit five home runs.[32]
After enduring three games with three strikeouts each in a previous eight-game period, Wong finished a triple short of thecycle in an August 2 game against division rivalMilwaukee Brewers.[33] His first career multi-home run game came five days later in a 3-for-4 performance with two home runs against theRed Sox.[34] Against theBaltimore Orioles on August 10, he notched his second career four-hit game in an 8–3 victory.[35] He batted .254 after being recalled from Memphis, including a .315 average against left-handed pitching.[25] Wong started 100 games at second base, finishing with a .249 batting average, 12 home runs, 54 RBI, 42 runs scored and led the club with 20 stolen bases.[36]
The Cardinals won theNational League Central Division. In Game 3 of theNLDS versus theLos Angeles Dodgers, his seventh-inning, two-run homer broke a tie and provided the final margin in the Cardinals' 3–1 victory.[37] In Game 2 of theNLCS against theSan Francisco Giants on October 12, Wong hit his second career MLB walk-off home run, a solo shot that secured a 1–1 tie in the series for the Cardinals. This was the fourth postseason walk-off home run in franchise history, followingOzzie Smith (1985 NLCS),Jim Edmonds (2004 NLCS), and Freese (2011 World Series). In MLB postseason history, Wong became the third second baseman to accomplish the walk-off feat, afterBill Mazeroski (1960 World Series) andJeff Kent (2004 NLCS).[38] For the 2014 postseason, Wong appeared in eight games, hitting three home runs and three doubles.[39] He finished third in the National LeagueRookie of the Year Award voting.[40]
Wong contributed to the Cardinals' early success in2015. On April 22 against theWashington Nationals, he had three hits – including a home run – and fielded would-be base hits fromYunel Escobar andWilson Ramos (fifth and sixthinnings) on the third base side of second, and turned and threw both out.[41] He hit his second career regular-season walk-off home run againstPittsburgh on May 3 in the 14th inning for a 3–2 decision.[42] During an eight-game hitting streak through May 10, he batted .517 (15-for-29) with two home runs.[43] For the season, he batted .262 with 28 doubles, four triples, 11 home runs, and 71 runs scored.[44]
On March 2,2016, Wong agreed to a five-year extension with the Cardinals worth $25.5 million, with $12.5 million team option for 2021.[45] He struggled early, batting .222 with a .571 OPS through June 5, and the Cardinals demoted him to Memphis the next day.[46] With Memphis, Wong began to gain experience as acenter fielder.[47] In his debut with Memphis, he hit two home runs, including a grand slam, in an 8−5 win overColorado Springs.[48] The Cardinals recalled Wong on June 17.[49] His ninth-inning, RBI double in the July 27 game against theNew York Mets drove in the game-winning run for a 5−4 final score, whereJeurys Familia’s consecutive-saves streak had ended one batter earlier toYadier Molina at 52, the third-longest in major league history.[50] Wong finished 2016 with a .240batting average, five home runs, 23 RBIs, and a .682 OPS.[51]
In 2017, Wong bounced back strong despite playing in only 108 games. He hit .285 with four home runs and 42 RBIs along with walking a career high 41 times.[52]
On May 5,2018, Wong hit a walk-off home run againstChicago Cubs relieverLuke Farrell in the bottom of the ninth inning. His 2-run home run helped St. Louis to an 8–6 victory.[53] On June 2, Wong hit a walk-off home run versusRichard Rodríguez of thePittsburgh Pirates for a 3–2 win. It was Wong's fourth career walk-off home run.[54] Wong finished his 2018 campaign batting .249 with nine home runs and 38 RBIs along with tallying 19Defensive Runs Saved in 127 games.[55] Wong was nominated for aGold Glove, his first ever nomination, but fell short toDJ LeMahieu.[56]
On March 28,2019, Wong hit a two-run home run in his first at bat of the season against theMilwaukee Brewers, and hit another later in the game.[57] Wong finished his 2019 regular season slashing .285/.361/.423 with 11 home runs, 59 RBIs, and 24 stolen bases over 148 games. He led the major leagues inbunt hits (11).[58] On defense, he had a 14Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) rating, the best in the major leagues among second basemen.[59] He was nominated for a Gold Glove for the second straight season,[60] and won the award for the first time in his career.[61]
In a shortened 2020 season, Wong batted .265/.350/.326 with one home run and 16 RBIs over 53 games with a .989fielding percentage.[52] He was awarded his second consecutive Gold Glove after leading major league second basemen in defense runs saved, defensive WAR, double plays turned, and double plays started.[62] The Cardinals declined his team option for 2021, thus making him a free agent for the first time in his career.[63]
On February 5, 2021, Wong signed a two-year, $18 million contract with theMilwaukee Brewers. The contract included a club option for the 2023 season.[64] He hit .272 with 14 homers and 50 RBI that season in 116 games[52] and .251 in 134 games with 15 homers and 47 RBI in 2022.[52]
On November 8, 2022, the Brewers exercised Wong's $10 million option for the 2023 season.[65]
On December 2, 2022, the Brewers traded Wong to theSeattle Mariners forAbraham Toro andJesse Winker.[66] Wong opened the season in aplatoon at second base, but struggled and began to lose playing time toJosé Caballero by May.[67] Wong batted .165 with two home runs and 19 RBI in 67 games for the Mariners before he wasdesignated for assignment on August 1.[68] He was released by Seattle on August 3.[69]
On August 18, 2023, Wong signed a minor league contract with theLos Angeles Dodgers organization.[70] After playing in five games split between the rookie–levelArizona Complex League Dodgers and Triple–AOklahoma City Dodgers, he was added to the40-man roster and called up to the majors on September 1. In his debut at bat with the Dodgers, he hit a 3-run home run.[71] He played in 20 games for the Dodgers, batting .300 (nine hits in 30 at-bats) with two homers and eight RBI.[52] He became a free agent following the season.
On February 28, 2024, Wong signed a minor league contract with theBaltimore Orioles.[72] On March 22, he triggered the opt–out clause in his contract[73] and Baltimore released him two days later.[74]
On April 10, 2024, Wong signed a minor league contract with theArizona Diamondbacks.[75] In 31 games for the Triple–AReno Aces, he batted .271/.339/.383 with two home runs and 16 RBI. Wong was released by the Diamondbacks organization on May 27.[76]
| Award/honor | # of times | Dates (Ranking or event) | Refs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Major leagues | |||
| National LeagueGold Glove Award | 2 | 2019, 2020 | |
| National LeagueRookie of the Month | 1 | May 2014 | [27] |
| Minor leagues | |||
| Major League BaseballAll-Star Futures Game | 2 | 2012,2013 | [16][20] |
| Minor Leagues All-Star | 3 | 2012 midseason and postseason (Texas League), 2012 All-Prospect Team (Arizona Fall League) | [77] |
| St. Louis CardinalsMinor League Player of the Year | 1 | 2013 | [18] |
| Baseball America Top 100 Prospects | 3 | pre-2012 (#93), pre-2013 (#84), pre-2014 (#58) | [78] |
| MLB.com Top 100 prospects | 2 | pre-2013 (#79), pre-2014 (#58) | [78] |
| Baseball Prospectus Top 100 Prospects | 3 | pre-2012 (#88), pre-2013 (#90), pre-2014 (#33) | [78] |
Wong grew up anAtlanta Braves fan.[79] His brother,Kean, was also an MLB second baseman. They have a sister, Kiani, who is asoftball player at Hawaii. On December 19, 2013, Wong's mother, Keala, died fromcancer.[80]
Wong is ofNative Hawaiian, Chinese, Filipino, and Portuguese descent.[81] Wong's paternal great-grandparents wereChinese.[82]
In November 2015, Wong married Alissa Noll.[24] They met while both attending the University of Hawaii, where she was atrack and field athlete.[83] They reside inHonolulu, Hawaii during the offseason, and also owned a home inCreve Coeur, Missouri, but sold it after Wong signed with Milwaukee.[84][85] In March 2021, Wong announced they were expecting their first child.[86] Their son was born that September.[87]
Wong began fundraising to help families impacted by the2018 lower Puna eruption in May 2018[88] by creating aGoFundMe page that has raised over $58,000.
a Although the1926 World Series between theCardinals and theNew York Yankees ended on the base path, it was on a stolen base attempt byBabe Ruth, not a pickoff.
Kolten Wong always wanted to be a pro baseball player. He's made it a labor of love to do it the right way.
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