He’s a first baseman who made his mark in Major League Baseball when he debuted in 2012 with the St. Louis Cardinals. Right from the start, he showed great promise, and it wasn’t long before he became a key player for the team. He played a big role in helping lead the Cardinals to the 2013 World Series, where they ultimately fell to the Boston Red Sox in six games. Though that series didn’t end in a title, it was just the beginning of an impressive journey.
Years later, in 2019, he finally captured his first World Series Championship—this time as a vital part of the Washington Nationals’ historic run. It was a defining moment in his career, one that showcased his perseverance and skill on the game’s biggest stage.
Before all the spotlight, though, he was already proving himself as a standout hitter during his college years at Slippery Rock. His consistent performance there, including maintaining a batting average over .300, set the foundation for what was to come. He carried that momentum into the minor leagues, where he continued to shine within the Cardinals’ farm system.
Born in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania, he’s always carried that small-town grit with him. Throughout his career, he’s demonstrated resilience, dedication, and a quiet leadership that teammates and fans alike have come to respect. And through every chapter—from college ball to the minors, from St. Louis to Washington—he’s remained a steady presence, letting his play do the talking.
During his very first spring training camp with the Cardinals, he quickly picked up the nickname Big City. It was a name that seemed to stick right away, almost as if it had been waiting for him. People started calling him Big City more and more, and honestly, it suited him perfectly. Being new to the team didn’t slow things down one bit—Big City became part of the everyday chatter around the field. Even the coaches began using the name, and before long, it felt like everyone in the Cardinals organization knew him as Big City.