B.J. Upton

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Upton's tenure was defined by electric speed and raw power, though often punctuated by mental errors that drew sharp criticism. In August 2008, manager Joe Maddon disciplined him twice for lack of hustle: first benching him for failing to run out a ground ball, then removing him mid-game for not running into a double play. A few days later, Upton mistook a bouncing ball off the left-field wall for a home run, casually jogging down the line before trying to stretch it and getting thrown out; Maddon labeled this a 'mental mistake' rather than benching him again. Despite these lapses, his athleticism was undeniable. In 2010, a conflict with teammate Evan Longoria erupted in the dugout after Upton took too long retrieving a ball hit by Rusty Ryal, allowing a double to become a triple, forcing Willy Aybar to physically separate them. These moments highlighted the tension between his immense physical gifts and the consistency required at the highest level.

In Their Own Story

The 2008 postseason remains the peak of Upton's time in Tampa Bay. He hit three home runs against the Chicago White Sox in the Division Series, then exploded for four home runs and 11 RBIs against the Boston Red Sox in the ALCS. In Game 5 of the World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies, he stole second base and scored a crucial game-tying run just moments before torrential rain suspended the game. Though the Rays lost the series four games to one when play resumed two nights later, Upton's seven total postseason home runs that year cemented his status as a hero. His regular season in 2008 also saw him lead the American League with 44 stolen bases, despite leading the league in times caught stealing (16). He continued to dazzle in 2009, hitting for the cycle on October 2, though he finished with a .241 average and a league-high 152 strikeouts. On September 9, 2012, he recorded his first three-home run game against the Texas Rangers before making his final appearance for the Rays later that month.

Reader's Guide

Fans should note Upton's unique path from shortstop to center fielder. Drafted as a shortstop in 2002, he committed 56 errors in the minors that year and started 16 games at shortstop in his debut 2004 season before moving to third base (11 games) and left field (one game). By 2007, he settled into center field. His brother Justin was drafted first overall in 2005, making them the highest-drafted siblings ever. On August 3, 2012, both brothers hit their 100th career home runs on the same day. Upton's time with the Rays ended when he left for free agency, signing a five-year deal with the Atlanta Braves in the 2012–2013 offseason. While his batting average dipped to .237 in 2010 and .241 in 2009, his speed remained a constant threat, as seen when he stole second base for his 300th career steal while with the Blue Jays later in his career.

Did You Know?

• Upton was the youngest player in the major leagues in 2004, making his debut less than three weeks before his 20th birthday.
• He and his brother Justin are the only two brothers in MLB history to be selected No. 1 and No. 2 in separate drafts.
• Upton was one of only six American League batters in 2007 to record at least 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases in a season.
• In 2008, he led the American League with 44 stolen bases but also led the league with 16 times caught stealing.
• He became the first Tampa Bay Ray to hit for the cycle on October 2, 2009.