In 2007, Justin Upton, who was born in 1987, was the National League’s youngest player.
In the 2004 World Junior Championship, Upton was one of the top performers for the United States, hitting .417 with four triples and a home run in 24 at-bats (second on the team after Brandon Snyder).
With 8 runs and 2 steals, he was the team’s MVP. He was not selected for the tournament All-Star team, while South Korean Ji-soo Kim was selected at shortstop.
The Arizona Diamondbacks made him their first-round pick in the amateur draft in 2005. Greg Lonigro scouted him and he signed with the club for a club-record of 6.5 million dollars in early 2006.
He made his professional debut with the Midwest League’s South Bend Silver Hawks that summer, hitting.263 with 12 home runs and 66 RBIs.
In high school, Upton was a shortstop, but in the professional ranks, he became an outfielder. In the 60-yard dash, he ran the quickest time ever at Perfect Inning Games, clocking in at 6.2 seconds.
Upton has been likened to a younger Ken Griffey Jr. who is faster. In the 2007 Futures Game, Upton batted second and played center field for the US, finishing 1 for 2 with a home run in a 7-2 loss.
How Old Is Justin Upton?
Justin Upton is 34 years old. He was born on August 25, 1987.