Alex Gordon

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Lore & Background

Gordon's career began with high expectations after a historic collegiate year in 2005, where he swept major awards including the Golden Spikes Award. The Royals selected him second overall, making him the highest draft pick from Nebraska since Darin Erstad. His early professional years were defined by a struggle at third base; despite hitting .185 through his first two months as an everyday starter in 2007 and leading the American League with 16 errors in 2008, the organization remained patient. The turning point arrived in 2010 when Gordon was demoted to the minor leagues for a substantial period. There, he moved from third base to left field under coach Rusty Kuntz's guidance. Upon his recall on July 23, 2010, he hit his first career walk-off home run against the Baltimore Orioles on July 30. This shift unleashed his potential: in 2011, he set career highs with a .303 average, 101 runs, and 45 doubles while leading all major league outfielders with 20 assists—a Royals franchise record. His defensive dominance continued for the rest of his tenure, culminating in the 2015 World Series title. In 2024, the organization honored his loyalty by electing him to its Hall of Fame.

In Their Own Story

On April 5, 2007, Gordon recorded his first major league hit against Daisuke Matsuzaka of the Boston Red Sox after striking out in his debut. Just five days later, he hit his first home run off Josh Towers of the Toronto Blue Jays. His rookie season saw him set a Royals record with 34 doubles by September 12 against the Minnesota Twins, though he ended the year with a .247 average after breaking his nose in the final game. The following spring, Gordon switched his uniform number from #7 to #4. On Opening Day 2008, he hit a two-run homer off Justin Verlander but later suffered a torn quadriceps muscle, missing time until September. Injuries plagued him again in 2009; after sliding and tearing labral cartilage in his right hip, he underwent surgery on April 17. He returned to make history on August 2 by stealing home for the first time since Mendy López in 2003. The true narrative shift occurred in May 2010 when a broken thumb led to a demotion where he learned to play left field. His recall that July brought immediate results, including a walk-off blast against Baltimore. By 2011, Gordon was hitting .388 for the U.S. collegiate national team earlier in his career and now dominated the majors with a .303 average and 23 home runs, leading all outfielders in assists.

Reader's Guide

Fans should note that while Gordon debuted as a third baseman, his legacy is defined by his time in the outfield. He was selected for the 2006 All-Star Futures Game after posting a .1.000+ OPS with 29 home runs and 22 steals for the Double-A Wichita Wranglers. A notable off-field moment occurred when Topps prematurely issued his rookie card, leading to production halts and holes punched in existing cards that now sell for thousands on eBay. In college, he hit .355 with 44 home runs and 189 RBIs, earning First Team All-Big 12 honors twice. During the 2004 World University Baseball Championship in Tainan, Taiwan, Gordon led all players with a .524 average (11-for-21) and was named top offensive player. His professional journey included a one-year, $4.775 million deal signed on February 9, 2012. He won the Texas League Player of the Year Award in 2006 after leading his team to the playoffs. In 2011, he led all major league outfielders with 20 assists, setting a franchise record. His defensive accolades include eight Gold Gloves and two Platinum Gloves, all earned after moving to left field.

Did You Know?

• Topps prematurely issued Gordon's rookie card in 2006, leading to a production halt and some cards being cut with holes.
• Gordon stole home on August 2, 2009, becoming the first Royal to do so since Mendy López in 2003.
• In his junior year at Nebraska (2005), Gordon won the Brooks Wallace Award, Dick Howser Trophy, and Golden Spikes Award.
• Gordon led all players with a .524 average at the 2004 World University Baseball Championship in Tainan, Taiwan.
• He set a Royals rookie record with 34 doubles in 2007.