Dee Gordon

Editor: Bradley Sukwanto

Speed, Success, and Struggle in Major League Baseball 

Devaris “Dee” Strange-Gordon is recognized as one of the most electrifying players in Major League Baseball during the 2010s because of his exceptional speed, ability to make contact, and dramatic flair. He was born April 22, 1988, in Windermere, Florida, and his path to professional baseball was destined, or so his father thought. His father, Tom “Flash” Gordon, was a long-time MLB pitcher and wanted his son to follow in his footsteps; however, his route to the MLB was far from straightforward. 

Gordon did not play organized baseball until his senior year of high school; instead, he focused on basketball because he said “it looked boring,” and girls never attended baseball games. However, his late start didn’t deter MLB scouts, and Gordon was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fourth round of the 2008 MLB Draft out of Seminole State College and Southeastern University. 

Once Gordon reached the professional level, his talents became evident. He bulldozed through the Dodgers' minor league systems, stealing 73 bases during the 2009 season alone, and was named the MVP of the Midwest League. Gordon made his MLB debut on June 6, 2011, at the age of 23, and by the end of the season, foreshadowing elite baserunning abilities that would eventually define his career. 

Rise to stardom

After becoming the Dodgers’ regular second baseman and occasionally shortstop, Gordon’s profile quickly rose. He became an All-Star in the 2014 season and led the National League in stolen bases with 64 swipes. A trade that December sent Gordon to the Miami Marlins, where his career reached its peak. In his first year as a Marlin, he had a .333 batting average and recorded 205 hits (both MLB leaders). Moreover, he stole 58 bases and won a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger for his defense and offensive excellence. His season performance has him among the game's elite leadoff hitters and dynamic players. 

Over an 11-year MLB career, Gordon played for four teams, the Dodgers, Marlins, Mariners, and Nationals, compiling a .286 batting average with 1,118 hits, 538 runs, and 336 stolen bases. His speed was his hallmark of the game, and he ranked among the top stealers in the 2010’s, making him a rare player in an era of focus on power hitting.

Controversy and Challenge

Despite his on-field success, Gordon’s career was not without controversy. Following his National League batting title in 2016, the MLB suspended him for 80 games after he tested positive for two performance-enhancing substances - extremely derived testosterone and clostebol. Gordon stood his ground, claiming he took the substances unknowingly but accepted the penalty, saying he had “let down his teammates, the organization, and the fans.” The suspension marked a significant setback in a career previously defined by achievement and grit.

Legacy and Impact 

Gordon’s influence on the game extends beyond his statistics. In an era dominated by hitters swinging for the fence, Gordon’s unique style of making contact and aggressive baserunning represented a throwback to an outdated kind of offensive skill. During his time with the Mariners, Gordon remarked that the modern game’s focus on power has made players like him increasingly rare. Moreover, Gordon’s commitment to community is resonant. As a Marlin, he engaged with the youth in his hometown in Florida by organizing events, community basketball tournaments, and using his platform in order to inspire young athletes from similar backgrounds. 

Ultimately, Dee Gordon's career embodies both the excitement and complexities of professional sports. His speed, batting prowess, and old style entertained fans and helped earn him accolades. While his suspension and the challenges of the evolving game may have slightly diminished his legacy his is still renowned as one of the premier baserunners and contact hitters of his generation. 

Works cited

BaseballBiographies. “Dee Strange-Gordon – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information.” Baseball Biographies, 26 Oct. 2024, www.baseballbiographies.com/dee-strange-gordon-baseball-player-retired-in-2022/. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026.

Baseball Reference. “Dee Strange-Gordon.” Baseball-Reference.com, 2024, www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gordode01.shtml. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026.

‌“Dee Gordon Career Stats | StatMuse.” StatMuse, 2016, www.statmuse.com/mlb/ask/dee-gordon-career-stats. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026

Wikipedia Contributors. “Dee Strange-Gordon.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 22 Nov. 2025.

“Securly - Geolocation Sharing.” Si.com, 2026, www.si.com/mlb/2016/04/29/dee-gordon-marlins-ped-steroids-suspension. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026.