Harrison Bader

Harrison Bader's Biography

Harrison Joseph Bader, or “Tots” as he is known in the baseball world, is an American professional baseball player who is currently a center fielder for the New York Mets in the Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on June 3, 1994, in Bronxville, New York, Bader has a rich history in the sport, having also played for the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, and Cincinnati Reds.

From a young age, Bader was influenced by his Bronxville upbringing and Jewish background – his mother, Janice, is of Sicilian descent and Catholic while his father, Louis, is Jewish and is also the lead counsel for Verizon in New York. A love for baseball was instilled in him from the start, with his father pitching for batting practice and him playing shortstop in the Eastchester Little League during his youth. This love carried through his high school years at the Horace Mann School in Riverdale, Bronx, where he honed his skills as a more skilled center fielder for the school’s baseball team.

Bader’s academic and athletic journey continued as he committed to the University of Pittsburgh, then to the University of Maryland, and finally to the University of Florida. Despite facing personal challenges and decommitments, Bader earned a place on the All-SEC Freshman Team in his first year. He continued to excel in his sophomore year, before facing a disciplinary setback due to a drunken driving incident involving a scooter. After serving a 19-game suspension, he returned stronger and finished his junior year with impressive stats, making significant contributions that led to his selection in the 2015 Major League Baseball draft.

Initially drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the third round, Bader quickly proved his worth. He made an immediate impact in his professional debut, hitting two home runs and earning his promotion to the Peoria Chiefs of the Class A Midwest League. His successful first season saw him named as a 2015 Organization All Star, beginning an illustrious baseball career marked by several promotions, awards, and recognitions.

Bader continues to develop as a player and make impactful contributions for his team. He was named the Cardinals 2016 Minor League Player of the Year and earned a place on the Cardinals after an impressive start at Memphis. His pivotal role in the team’s success in his debut season earned him further promotion to the Major Leagues, where he continued to shine by scoring the winning run. These achievements made Bader a fan-favorite and a critical player for the Cardinals, who continued to rise in the MLB.

Having completed his rookie campaign in 2018, Bader retained his impressive form, earning fourth place in the NL for his stolen base percentage. His excellent performance continued into 2019, notwithstanding his temporary demotion to Memphis due to a plate struggle. With consistent stats, Bader demonstrates the potential to be a professional baseball star with his combination of skill, finesse, precision, and strategic playing style.

Bader’s career took a new turn in 2020 with his departure from the Cardinals, seeing him play for the New York Yankees briefly, followed by a stint with the Cincinnati Reds. In 2024, he ultimately signed with the New York Mets as a free agent. Despite changing teams, Bader’s athletic ability, speed, and fielding prowess have seen him settle into his role as the team’s center fielder seamlessly, while also winning a Gold Glove Award in 2021.

Off the field, Bader maintains a close relationship with his younger sister, Sasha, and shares a once-removed first cousin relationship with actor Scott Baio. His ability to balance adversity, personal growth, and professional accomplishments, coupled with his love for baseball, positions Harrison “Tots” Bader as a prominent figure in MLB and a remarkable sports personality.