Eric Hosmer

Eric Hosmer was born on October 24, 1989. Scouts labeled Hosmer, a highly ranked talent from American Heritage High School in Florida, as “a left-handed batter with tremendous power.” He was chosen third overall by the Royals in the 2008 M.L.B. draft and got a $6 million signing bonus. He excelled in Minor League Baseball before making his M.L.B. debut in 2011. After hitting .293 with 19 home runs in 128 games in 2011, he finished third in the Rookie of the Year voting. As champions of the series, Hosmer became a free agent after the 2017 season and signed an eight-year contract with the San Diego Padres.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Eric John Hosmer

Nickname:

Papo

Birth date:

October 24, 1989

Age:

34

Zodiac Sign:

Scorpio

Height:

6' 4"

Relationship Status:

Engaged

Net Worth:

$2 million

Eric's Social Media:

Background

Mike, Hosmer’s father, is a retired firefighter, and Ileana, his mother, is a nurse. Ileana was born in Cuba and immigrated to the United States with her family when she was seven years old to escape Fidel Castro’s tyranny. She grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Mike and Ileana met in 1979, when Mike was assigned to serve at Coral Gables Hospital in Coral Gables, Florida. Four years later, they married. Mike Jr., their first son, was born in 1985, and Eric was born four years later in Miami.

Soon after signing his contract, the Royals assigned Hosmer to the Idaho Falls Chukars of the Pioneer League’s rookie level. Before reporting to the Chukars, Royals general manager Moore informed reporters that Hosmer would not be “rushed” to the Majors, noting that he must progress through the Minor League ladder at his ‘own natural speed.’ He appeared in a few games with the Chukars before a contract disagreement with another Boras client, Pittsburgh Pirates’ second overall selection Pedro Alvarez, prevented him from participating.

Hosmer signed an eight-year, $144 million contract with the San Diego Padres on February 19, 2018, the richest contract in Padres team history. He altered his uniform number to 30 in memory of his former Royals teammate Yordano Ventura, who died a year ago. The Padres had previously retired Hosmer’s old number 35 in honor of Randy Jones. Hosmer hit .253 with 18 home runs and 69 R.B.I.s in his debut season with the Padres. As the Padres’ main cleanup hitter in 2019, Hosmer hit .265, .310, and .425 with 22 home runs and 99 R.B.I.

Hosmer represented the United States in the 2017 World Baseball Classic. He hit the game-winning home run in a second-round comeback victory over the Venezuelan squad. He was chosen to the 2017 All-World Baseball Classic squad after the tournament.

Career timeline

2008
His Career Begins

The Royals selects Eric Hosmer as one of the country's top five prep baseball players.

August 15, 2008
Hosmer in the Pioneer League

The Royals assigns Hosmer to the Idaho Falls Chukars of the Pioneer League's rookie level.

May 5, 2011
Hosmer’s Major League Debut

Hosmer makes his M.L.B. debut at first base against Oakland Athletics starter Gio González, replacing Kila Ka'aihue.

July 12, 2016
An All-Star M.V.P.

Hosmer is voted the M.V.P. of the 2016 M.L.B. All-Star Game in San Diego.

February 19, 2018
He Signs with San Diego Padres

Hosmer agrees to terms with the San Diego Padres on an eight-year, $144 million contract, the highest in Padres team history yet.

Why We Love Eric Hosmer

  1. He's a versatile player

    Eric Hosmer has played multiple positions for Kansas City throughout his career. In 2017, he played first base, right field, and third base while spending time at second base. His versatility makes him a precious asset to any team because managers can plug him into any position they need help with without worrying about losing much production.

  2. He's a nice guy

    Hosmer is known to be a great teammate, always eager to help his fellow players. When he was traded from Kansas City to San Diego, some of his teammates at third base sent him off with gifts such as new cleats and a personalized jersey.

  3. He's down to earth

    He's also known as one who’s down to earth, despite being one of the best players in baseball today. He is a famous professional baseball player, yet not a snob. That's why he has so many fans.

5 Surprising Facts

  1. A top prospect

    Baseball America ranked Eric Hosmer as the eighth-best overall prospect and the top Royals prospect, overall.

  2. The biggest Royals signing bonus

    Hosmer got a $6 million signing bonus, the most awarded to a Royals draft selection.

  3. He attracted 20 college scouts

    Graduating from the American Heritage High School in Florida, Hosmer drew at least 20 M.L.B. and collegiate scouts, who scrutinized his every action.

  4. He entered the major league at 21

    Hosmer made his major league debut with the Kansas City Royals when he was 21.

  5. He credits his family

    Hosmer typically attributes his success as a baseball player to his family.

Eric Hosmer FAQs

Is Eric Hosmer a good player?

He is an excellent player. Hosmer leads the majors in hitting average, is second in the National League in on-base percentage and wRC+ (200), is tied for third in WAR (1.3), and is sixth in slugging percentage.

How many Gold Gloves does Eric Hosmer have?

He has won four Gold Gloves, in 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2017.

Why is Eric Hosmer called Papo?

Papo is his nickname, a phrase meaning “affection, love, and tenderness.” The term is used to describe male-to-male devotion or “brotherly love.”

Eric Hosmer’s birthday dates

YearDateDay
2024October 24Thursday
2025October 24Friday
2026October 24Saturday
2027October 24Sunday
2028October 24Tuesday

Holidays Straight to Your Inbox

Every day is a holiday!
Receive fresh holidays directly to your inbox.