Justin Turner’s got a beard that could stop traffic and a swing that’s silenced pitchers for nearly two decades. Born and bred in Southern California, he’s the kind of player who makes you believe in the underdog—someone who didn’t coast on natural gifts but clawed his way to the top with grit and a knack for being in the right place at the right time. Now with the Chicago Cubs as of early 2025, Turner’s career is a winding tale of resilience, postseason magic, and a personality that’s won over fans from coast to coast. Whether you’re new to the game or the type who’s got his 2017 NLCS stats tattooed somewhere, this deep dive into his life has plenty to chew on. Let’s unpack the story of Justin Wayne Turner—a guy who’s as real as the dirt on his cleats.
SoCal Roots: Where It All Began
Turner landed on this earth November 23, 1984, in Long Beach, California, and grew up in Lakewood, a suburb where baseball dreams sprout like palm trees. At Mayfair High School, he wasn’t the flashiest kid on the field—more hustle than hype—but he made it count. Twice named All-Suburban League, he led his squad to a CIF Southern Section Division I title in 2002. You could see the spark back then: a player who’d rather eat infield dirt than let a grounder slip by.
He took that fire to Cal State Fullerton, playing for the Titans from 2003 to 2005. His junior year stood out—.323 average, 37 RBIs, and All-Big West honors. The cherry on top? A College World Series All-Tournament nod in 2004 as Fullerton nabbed the national title. Scouts took notice, and in 2006, the Cincinnati Reds grabbed him in the seventh round, 204th overall. Not exactly a red-carpet entrance, but Turner wasn’t here to dazzle yet—he was here to grind.
The Early Days: Bouncing Around the Bigs
Turner’s first taste of the majors came September 8, 2009, with the Baltimore Orioles, who’d traded for him from the Reds. Facing the Red Sox, he pinch-hit and went 0-for-2—nothing to write home about. Over two seasons with the O’s (2009-10), he played just 12 games, mostly riding the shuttle between Triple-A and the big club. In 2010, the New York Mets scooped him off waivers, and he got a longer look—171 games from 2010 to 2013. He hit .265, posted a .326 on-base percentage, and bounced between second, third, and shortstop. Solid, sure, but he was a utility man, not a star. When the Mets cut him loose after 2013, Turner, then 29, could’ve faded into baseball obscurity. Instead, he found his spark.
Dodger Days: From Afterthought to Icon
In February 2014, the Los Angeles Dodgers took a flyer on Turner with a minor-league deal and a spring training invite. What happened next was pure baseball alchemy. Teaming up with hitting coach Turner Ward (no relation), he tweaked his swing—added a leg kick, tilted his launch angle—and suddenly, the power clicked. That first full year, he hit .340 in 109 games, earning a permanent spot. By 2016, he was entrenched at third base, batting .275 with 27 homers and 90 RBIs, good enough for ninth in NL MVP voting.
The postseason, though? That’s where Turner became a legend. Take October 15, 2017—Game 2 of the NLCS against the Cubs. With the score tied in the ninth, he crushed a walk-off three-run homer—29 years to the day after Kirk Gibson’s famous shot. Dodger Stadium lost its mind, and “Redturn” stuck. He hit .333 with two homers in that series, sharing MVP honors with Chris Taylor. Across nine playoff runs with LA (2014-22), he racked up 86 games, a .282 average, 13 homers, and 42 RBIs. In 2020, he helped end the Dodgers’ 32-year World Series drought—though his mid-series COVID-19 diagnosis and controversial return for the celebration stirred some pot. Love it or not, his postseason chops are unreal: he owns LA’s all-time playoff records for hits (96) and RBIs (42).
The Road Since: Red Sox, Jays, Mariners, and Cubs
After 2022, Turner inked a two-year, $27 million deal with the Boston Red Sox. At 38, he hit .276 with 23 homers in 2023, proving the tank wasn’t empty. Mid-2024 saw him traded to the Toronto Blue Jays (.258 average), then flipped to the Seattle Mariners (.259), where he bolstered their playoff push. In February 2025, at 40, he signed a one-year, $6 million pact with the Chicago Cubs—his seventh MLB team. Slated for first base, DH, and maybe some third, he’s the grizzled vet a young Cubs squad needs. As of March 26, 2025, he’s prepping for season 17, still swinging like he’s got something to prove.
Beyond the Lines: Heart, Humor, and That Beard
Off the field, Turner’s the real deal. He and his wife, Kourtney Pogue—a former cheerleader and entrepreneur—tied the knot in 2018 after years together. They’re a power couple with a purpose: the Justin Turner Foundation, launched in 2016, supports kids with illnesses, veterans, and homeless outreach in LA. He’s poured his heart into it, hosting golf tournaments and hospital visits—stuff that hits harder than any home run.
Then there’s the beard. It’s not just hair—it’s a brand. What started as a playoff superstition in 2014 grew into a fiery red badge of honor. He’s leaned into it, too—think beard oil partnerships and fans rocking fake ones at games. And the guy’s got a dry wit to match. Whether he’s cracking up teammates or shrugging off a slump with a quip, Turner’s the clubhouse glue who keeps it light. When he’s not playing, he’s back in Cali, hitting the beach or grilling with Kourtney—living the life he’s earned.
The Turner Legacy: Built to Last
At 40, Turner’s not the headliner he once was, but his mark’s indelible. Over 1,700 games (through 2024), he’s hit .286 with 197 homers and 811 RBIs. He’s a two-time All-Star (2017, 2021), a World Series champ, and a postseason beast. For newcomers, he’s proof you can reinvent yourself and thrive. For the diehards, every at-bat’s a nod to a guy who’s bled for the game. Justin Turner’s not just a ballplayer—he’s a testament to sticking with it, beard and all. Here’s to him keeping that fire burning in Chicago.
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