Who Is B. J. Upton? Age, Biography, and Wiki
B. J. Upton, born on August 21, 1984, in Norfolk, Virginia, is a retired American professional baseball player known for his dynamic play style and impressive athleticism. Upton made his Major League Baseball debut in 2004 and played primarily as an outfielder, showcasing his skills with teams like the Tampa Bay Rays and Atlanta Braves. As he steps into 2025, Upton remains an influential figure in the sports world, inspiring a new generation of baseball enthusiasts.
| Occupation | Baseball Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 21, 1984 |
| Age | 41 Years |
| Birth Place | Norfolk, Virginia, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
B. J. Upton's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
In 2025, B. J. Upton stands tall at 6 feet 2 inches and weighs approximately 205 pounds. His athletic build allowed him to excel in both speed and agility throughout his career, making him one of the more formidable outfielders of his time. His body measurements are a testament to the rigorous training and discipline that defined his professional career.
During the Rays' June 27, 2010, home game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Upton took a long time to retrieve a ball hit by Rusty Ryal into left-center field, allowing a double to become a triple. At the end of that half inning, Evan Longoria approached Upton in the dugout and argued with Upton about his effort.
Upton and Longoria argued at very close range until Longoria walked away, while Rays player Willy Aybar grabbed Upton by the waist and took him away from the scene. Maddon found fault with how hard Upton ran after the ball after Ryal pulled it into left center field.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, B. J. Upton is happily married to Kelly Upton. The couple has maintained a supportive relationship, often seen attending various sports events and charity functions together. They share a close-knit family and are proud parents to two children, reinforcing their commitment to family values even amidst their busy lives.
Until 2015, Upton went by the initials "B. J.", which stood for "Bossman Junior"—Upton's father, Melvin, was nicknamed "Bossman". Upton stated his desire to use his actual name was a result of teammates and fans knowing him as B. J. and feeling the name was irrelevant to him away from the ballpark.
Upton spoke with his family members about using his birth name of "Melvin Upton Jr." full-time, before filing the paperwork with the Major League Baseball office. In January 2019, Upton announced that he would return to being known as "B. J." at the suggestion of his wife.
Net Worth and Salary
B. J. Upton's net worth in 2025 is estimated to be around $30 million. Throughout his professional career, Upton earned significant salaries through his MLB contracts, endorsements, and other business ventures. His high-profile deals, most notably with the Tampa Bay Rays and Atlanta Braves, greatly contributed to his wealth, and his investments have also helped secure his financial future post-retirement.
Career, Business, and Investments
After an illustrious career in baseball, B. J. Upton transitioned into various business ventures. He has been actively involved in sports commentary and analysis, leveraging his experience and expertise in the game. Additionally, Upton has invested in several businesses, particularly those focusing on health and fitness. His commitment to promoting sports among youth has led to the establishment of several baseball training academies across the country.
As a member of the 18U United States national baseball team, Upton batted .462 (12-for-26) in nine games. The team went 9–2 and finished in second place in the Pan American Baseball Confederation in the qualifying for the 2002 World Junior Baseball Championship.
In 2002, Upton was named a first-team All-American by Baseball America, batting .641 (50-for-78) with 11 doubles, four triples, 11 home runs, and 32 RBI during his senior year at Greenbrier. For his entire high school career, he hit .633 with 13 home runs, 51 RBI, 44 runs and 43 stolen bases in 47 attempts.
He signed a letter of intent to play college baseball at Florida State.
Social Network
B. J. Upton has a strong presence on social media, actively engaging with fans and sharing insights into his post-career life. He can be found on platforms such as:
- Instagram: @bj_upton
- Twitter: @BJUpton2
- Facebook: B. J. Upton
Upton hit .273 with just nine home runs and 44 stolen bases in 2008 (second in the AL; while he led the AL in times caught stealing, with 16). However, he would become one of the team's postseason heroes, as he hit 7 home runs in the three post-season series' Tampa Bay played in.
Education
B. J. Upton attended Princess Anne High School in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where he excelled in baseball, showcasing his immense talent from a young age. His exceptional performance in high school earned him a spot in the MLB Draft, forgoing college to pursue his dreams of becoming a professional athlete. Despite his decision not to pursue a college degree, Upton often emphasizes the importance of education and encourages young athletes to focus on their studies alongside their sports aspirations.
Yvonne worked as a teacher and Melvin worked variously as a scout for the Kansas City Royals, a mortgage broker and a college basketball referee in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference after playing both college football and basketball at Norfolk State.
