Nolan Arenado

Nolan Arenado – Life, Career & Notable Quotes

Explore the journey of Nolan Arenado — from his early life and rise in Major League Baseball to his legendary defense, offensive milestones, philosophy in the game, and memorable quotes.

Introduction

Nolan James Arenado (born April 16, 1991) is an American professional baseball third baseman currently playing for the St. Louis Cardinals. Widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive third basemen in MLB history, he has combined elite glove work with consistent power hitting, earning respect across the league. His track record of awards, durability, and competitiveness make his story especially compelling.

Early Life and Family

Arenado was born in Newport Beach, California, but grew up in Lake Forest, Orange County. Josh Fuentes, is also a professional baseball player.

As a youth, Arenado was a Los Angeles Dodgers fan. El Toro High School in Lake Forest.

Originally he committed to Arizona State University on a baseball scholarship, but after being drafted, chose to sign professionally instead.

Career and Achievements

Minor Leagues & Breakthrough

• Arenado was selected by the Colorado Rockies in the second round (59th overall) of the 2009 MLB Draft.

• In the minors, he compiled impressive numbers: for example, in 2011, over two levels he recorded 155 RBIs in 163 games.

• Also in 2011, he was named MVP of the Arizona Fall League after hitting .388 with six home runs and 33 RBIs.

• During his development, he was criticized for his footwork and defensive range; his coaches pushed him to take extra ground balls and improve agility.

He made his MLB debut on April 28, 2013, with the Rockies. Gold Glove Award.

Colorado Rockies Era (2013–2020)

Over his Rockies tenure, Arenado solidified his reputation.

• He became the only infielder in MLB history to win the Gold Glove Award in each of his first ten MLB seasons.

• He also collected Silver Slugger Awards (awarded to the best offensive players by position) multiple times—five in total (2015–2018, 2022)

• He led the National League in home runs three times (2015, 2016, 2018) and in RBIs twice (2015 & 2016).

• In 2015, Arenado tied for the NL home run lead with 42, and led MLB in RBIs with 130. That same season, he established a record for extra base hits by a third baseman (89).

• On June 18, 2017, he hit for the cycle, doing so with a walk-off home run—a rare feat.

• In 2018, he again posted power numbers (38 HR, 110 RBIs) and was selected for the All-Star Game while winning his sixth straight Gold Glove.

Trade to St. Louis Cardinals & Recent Years

• On February 1, 2021, Arenado was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals from Colorado.

• In 2021, he hit 34 homers and 105 RBIs, and won a Gold Glove at third base—part of a record five Cardinals winning the award that season.

• In 2022, he recorded his second career cycle (July 1) and posted 30+ homers and 100+ RBIs again.

• Also in 2022, he won his 10th consecutive Gold Glove.

• In 2023, he hit his 300th career home run.

As of the 2025 season, his cumulative stat line includes a batting average around .282, over 1,900 hits, 350+ home runs, and 1,100+ RBIs.

In recent news, Arenado has expressed that he might be open to a change of scenery if circumstances suggest it, citing a desire for new opportunity.

Historical Milestones & Context

• Arenado's immediate defensive excellence contrasts with many players who improve defense later; he asserted himself early.

• His trade from Colorado to St. Louis marked a major shift — from a hitter-friendly home park (Coors Field) to a more conventional environment, testing his adaptability.

• He has often faced criticism or scrutiny over contract size and expectations; yet his consistent output has generally validated his value.

• His combination of elite defense and strong power hitting at a demanding position (third base) places him among the few truly complete players of his generation.

Legacy and Influence

• Defensive standard-bearer: Many consider him among the best defensive third basemen ever.

• Durability & consistency: Ten straight Gold Gloves, high-level production across teams and parks.

• Professionalism & work ethic: Stories of him taking ground balls in the off-season or pushing extra drills highlight commitment.

• Role model for multi-ethnic players: With Cuban and Puerto Rican heritage, he resonates with Latinx communities in baseball.

• Bridging offense and defense: He shows that a fielder can also deliver power, challenging old trade-off notions.

Personality, Values & Playing Style

Arenado is known as quiet, methodical, and deeply focused. He lets his performance speak more than words.

He is a practicing Christian, and he has a tattoo on his left forearm referencing Matthew 19:26. Laura Kwan (his high school sweetheart) as of December 2019.

On approach, Arenado is detail-oriented: he values fundamentals (fielding, footwork) as much as hitting. In early development, he had to be pushed by coaches to improve his fielding range, and later he became relentless in ground-ball practice.

Famous Quotes of Nolan Arenado

Here are several memorable quotes and statements credited to him:

• “I need guys who want to get it in with me or tell me, ‘Hey, let’s go do this,’ instead of me having to ask them.”

• “Back in the day, before I really started to work on defense, I would just take ground balls, whatever, a couple, and then I’d say, ‘OK, now I’m going to go hit.’ Now I spend just as much time on ground balls as I do on hitting.”

• “I know I should thank God for what I have.”

• “Everyone that has an Arenado on their name is…” (partial excerpt)

• When asked ahead of a matchup with his former team: “At the end of the day, it’s another series … that’s the big picture and just trying to focus on that.”

• Regarding his time in Colorado: “I loved my moment in Colorado… I played with excitement. Everything. I want to leave that in the past.”

His words reflect a mindset of balance between offense and defense, reliance on faith, and a forward-focus approach to change.

Lessons from Nolan Arenado

1. Defense matters — Even in a game increasingly focused on offense and home runs, top-tier defense can define a player’s legacy.

2. Work the fundamentals — His emphasis on repeated drills, especially ground balls, shows mastery is built, not given.

3. Consistency over flashes — His decade of elite performance demonstrates staying power beats occasional peak moments.

4. Adaptability — Transitioning from a hitter’s home park to a different environment tests skills.

5. Let output speak — He rarely courts attention; his performance is his voice.

Conclusion

Nolan Arenado stands as one of modern baseball’s most complete third basemen, combining elite defense, power hitting, consistency, and professionalism. His journey—from Southern California to MLB All-Star, trade transitions, and evolving challenges—reveals a player who respects the grind, values precision, and continuously seeks growth. His legacy will likely be one of redefining what excellence looks like at the hot corner.