Jason Heyward

Jason Heyward, a noted figure in Major League Baseball (MLB), played 16 seasons for several teams including the Atlanta Braves, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, Houston Astros, and San Diego Padres. In 2010, he was recognized as the top prospect in all of baseball by numerous media outlets and was also named the Sporting News NL Rookie of the Year and the Baseball America MLB Rookie of the Year. Heyward was also selected to the Baseball America All-Rookie Team and included in Topps' Major League Rookie All-Star Team, making a significant impression in his initial year.

In 2012, Heyward began to garner recognition for his defensive skills, receiving his first MLB Fielding Bible Award and a National League Rawlings Gold Glove Award. His defensive prowess continued to be recognized in subsequent years, earning him multiple Gold Glove Awards and Fielding Bible Awards. In 2014, Heyward was acclaimed as the Wilson Sporting Goods' MLB right field Defensive Player of the Year and their overall MLB Defensive Player of the Year. His career took a turn in 2015 when the Braves traded Heyward to the St. Louis Cardinals. However, he continued to excel, winning his third Fielding Bible Award and third Gold Glove after the 2015 MLB season.

2016 was a noteworthy year for Heyward as he signed an eight-year contract with the Chicago Cubs, the largest player contract ever signed by the Cubs at that time. The same year, he was part of the team that won the World Series, ending the franchise's 108-year championship drought. Heyward etched his name in the history books by becoming the first position player in MLB history to win three straight Gold Glove Awards with three different teams. In 2023, he received the Roy Campanella Award, which is given to the most inspirational Dodger on the team. His career concluded with a one-year stint with the San Diego Padres before he announced his retirement from professional baseball on March 27, 2026.