May 10, 2023: Who exactly is Jazz Chisholm Jr.?

“Like nobody else,” the Marlins' center fielder said. “One of one. There's only one of me in the world.”

It's hard to disagree. There's the name. The changing hair color. The megawatt smile. The manga cleats. The ice cream glove. An iced-out UFO chain that lights up. And whether it’s the home run off Jacob deGrom's 100 mph pitch or the celebration that ensues -- jump shot at first base, two fingers up at second, handshake with the third-base coach and the Euro step at home -- it's a production at every turn.

The 25-year-old Chisholm is a tantalizing blend of talent and theatrics. He has all the ingredients of a rising star in Major League Baseball.

“I see myself as all. As a baseball player, I see myself as an entertainer,” Chisholm said. “That's what we do as baseball players. We entertain. We're here to entertain. This is entertainment. They say it's a business, but it's a game. But we're here to entertain, and I'm here to entertain myself as well. I'm entertaining myself while I do it, too. So I'm just enjoying it myself.”

Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s partnership with Jordan was an opportunities that felt organic and aligned with what he's passionate about.

Growing up, Chisholm watched Ken Griffey Jr., Alex Rodriguez, Gary Sheffield and David Ortiz. They didn't have quite the same flair he does, but Chisholm looked up to those baseball icons as a youngster in the Bahamas, a country of just over 410,000 people. He is the seventh of eight Bahamians to reach the big leagues, and the only All-Star among the group. Despite just 205 MLB games on his resume prior to 2023, Chisholm is already closing in on the all-time numbers of the late Bahamian trailblazer Andre Rodgers.

But Chisholm isn't satisfied being a pioneer for just Bahamian baseball. Sandy Alcantara became the first Cy Young Award winner in Marlins history last November, and Chisholm aspires to bring home hardware in the near future, too. His mission is to build a winning baseball culture alongside Alcantara.

“I do really want to, because I want the community to realize Miami is a place that you can call home to any sport -- not just football, basketball,” Chisholm said. “People from Miami have got to realize that we're going to do it. Like we're going to eventually put this thing together, and I feel like this is the year that we could try and build that up. I'm happy and grateful for everything I've done, but I want to be the first person in Marlins history to do stuff. You know what I mean? I want to make it bigger. I want something that a Marlin has never done before, and nobody in the league has ever done before, to make Marlins baseball bigger.”
 
The possibility of becoming the face of an MLB franchise was beyond Chisholm's wildest imagination -- and he's one to dream big. Yet it doesn't come as a surprise to those closest to him. At the age of 2, Chisholm told his softball-playing grandmother and everyone else that he would become a big leaguer and make the Hall of Fame. Mentor Geron Sands remembers a child with swag, confidence and knowledge of what he wanted to do.

Those traits drew in Mike Rodriguez. Months after signing as an international free agent, a 17-year-old Chisholm and other players at his former agency worked out at the University of Southern California. Of all the young talent present, the underdog Bahamian was the one to catch the eye of his future agent.

 Miami's star graced the cover of Baseball America.

“‘Who is this bubbly kid?’” Rodriguez recalled thinking at the time. “It's like 10 in the morning, early in the offseason, and this guy just rolls into the stadium. And he's super happy-go-lucky and [with a] big smile. He's like, ‘Hey, check this out,’ in the cages, and I'm like, ‘All right, this guy has something special to him.’ He was literally the same kid then as he is now.”

At last year's All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium, which Chisholm was unable to participate in because of a season-ending back injury, a swarm of people shouted his name as he and Sands exited a hotel elevator. Sands slowly backed off so Chisholm could take pictures with fans and sign autographs. That surreal moment still gives Sands goosebumps. The feeling returns at loanDepot park in Miami, where Sands sees Chisholm's likeness everywhere, especially during Bahamian Heritage Night.

This doesn't happen to kids from the Bahamas. At the same time, Chisholm always foresaw this future, and made it into reality. Sands hopes Chisholm's success will encourage the Bahamian government to invest more in the sport. He's proof that any kid can make it big.

“They recognize him,” said Sands, who is the co-founder of the International Elite Sports Academy in Nassau. “Every kid loves Jazz Chisholm. He's so down to earth and so humble. He's always the guy who stops for all of the kids and takes pictures and talks to them. He would get on the field and even play catch with them and get in games with them. He's an icon in the baseball world in Nassau, in the Bahamas. He's just leading the way.”

People gravitate to Chisholm because of his tangible joy and infectious personality. He's a marketing dream. While Rodriguez wondered whether it was too early in Chisholm's career to build a brand -- perhaps he should establish himself more as a player first -- companies were eager to partner with him. Opportunities that felt organic and aligned with what he's passionate about -- whether it's brand Jordan or the ARiA Collective ice cream gloves -- were yeses.

Then came January's announcement that Chisholm would be the cover athlete for “MLB The Show 23.” Rodriguez left a meeting last May at Sony Studios in San Diego believing Chisholm, who was an ambassador in 2022, could receive the honor. He captivated everyone in the room, as he always does.

Marlins manager Skip Schumaker was with the Padres when Fernando Tatis Jr. first took the baseball world by storm, catapulting himself as a face of the sport and video game cover athlete. Schumaker's now 15-year-old son, Brody, loved watching Tatis make the impossible possible on a baseball field. Now, he wants to hop on the five-hour flight from Southern California to South Florida to catch Chisholm in person.

Last season, Rodriguez remembers stopping at an In-N-Out Burger on his drive back to Los Angeles from San Diego and spotting a kid fully decked out in Marlins gear -- a white T-shirt, socks and a hat. The 8-year-old boy unabashedly supported the hometown team with his family while on vacation.

Before big league camp opened in February, Chisholm stopped by a local Dick's Sporting Goods and helped local ballplayers pick out gear. Among those in attendance was the kid Rodriguez had met that day.

“I think Jazz handles it the right way,” Schumaker said. “I think when it takes away from your work and the actual game is when guys will get in trouble. So far, Jazz has not done that. The game is the most important part of your day. The other part of it is important, too. People in Miami are starting to understand there's a really special talent here. He's fun to go watch and see, and he's right in your backyard, and he does a really good job of getting his work done, and also interacting with the fans.”

Case in point: When the calendar turned to 2023 and the Marlins had yet to make a splash during the Hot Stove season to improve, Chisholm told Schumaker he would move to center field, if need be. That helped pave the way for Miami to acquire 2022 American League batting champion Luis Arraez, who is now playing second base, from the Twins.

As the National League's top vote-getter at second base for the 2022 All-Star Game, Chisholm certainly didn't need to relinquish his position.

“One thing that people don't realize is when you peel back all of Jazz Chisholm -- the necklaces and the chains and the charms -- when you peel all that back, the one thing that you'll always get back to with Jazz is, Jazz just wants to win,” Rodriguez said. “That's all he wants to do. He's so in love with baseball, and in love with wanting to win that that's the only important thing to him. He doesn't care about anything else. He really, really honestly does not care about anything else.”

Chisholm stepping forward is the type of buy-in that can make the center-field experiment pan out in the eyes of assistant general manager Brian Chattin. Ever since the day Chisholm brought the idea up, he has been a dedicated student, heavily leaning on outfield coach Jon Jay and teammates.
 
Chattin, who has been with the Marlins for 26 seasons, first saw Chisholm play in the 2018 Arizona Fall League. He jokes that it didn't take a seasoned scout to recognize the athleticism and potential. Every organization had Chisholm on its radar. A rare one-for-one prospect trade of Chisholm and pitcher Zac Gallen between the D-backs and Marlins went through ahead of the 2019 Trade Deadline.

It's hard to find a player comparable to Chisholm because his skill set is unique. Miguel Cabrera and Hanley Ramírez are arguably the most talented players in Marlins franchise history, but their primes came before the social media age. Giancarlo Stanton and Christian Yelich had the talent but weren't showmen during their stints in Miami.

“The key with any of that is that you want to make sure that what we're here to do, it's about the team, it's one of 26, and that what our guys -- whether it's Jazz or any of our players -- when they're out on the field, that they're respecting the game, they're respecting their opponent, they're thinking about what's best for the team,” Chattin said. “The thing about Jazz is that he has a love of the game. He plays with a youthful exuberance, which is infectious. I think that's why people enjoy watching him play, because he does enjoy being on the field. He does enjoy competing. That's not something that you would want to take away from a player or try to diminish that love of the game.”

Injuries have kept Chisholm from reaching his high ceiling early on in his career. When a stress fracture in his lower back ended his 2022 season, he was slugging .535 with 28 extra-base hits and a 139 OPS+ through 60 games.

Nonetheless, Chisholm is impacting the next generation of ballplayers. His joie de vivre encourages kids from coast to coast to be themselves -- or at least copy his Euro step at tournaments. His confidence can be theirs.

“I love him,” said Washington Nationals first baseman Dominic Smith, who calls Chisholm his little brother. “I feel like anybody who can be just that energetic and themselves, I think that's a special trait to have. He's a very infectious person, he's a very kind person. He would do anything for any of his teammates, any of his family members, friends. That's just the type of heart he has as a person.

“I'm happy to see him succeed on the field. He's done some great things out there in the Bahamas, and I'm just proud of all of his growth, seeing him as a young 18-year-old kid kind of grow into his own and seeing what he's doing, the impact he's making. I'm very proud of him, and it's just the beginning for him. He's going to do some really great things.” (CD Nicola - MLB.com - May 10, 2023)

July 5, 2015: Chisholm signed with the Diamondbacks as a free agent, out of the Bahamas. He received a $200,000 bonus, via scout Craig Shipley. 

D-backs special assistant Craig Shipley first came across Chisholm in Nassau in February 2015. Shipley was scouting touted shortstop Lucius Fox but was intrigued by Chisholm, who played second base that day, and took another trip down to see him at a workout a few weeks later.

“They ran a 60-yard dash, hit a little BP, took some ground balls, and now Jazz was at shortstop,” Shipley said. “I actually liked him better at short than what I’d seen at second. You could see the hands better.

“They played a game, he had three at-bats, and when there was a strike, he hit it. I know he caught the ball. His arm was easy.”

A few months later, the D-backs signed Chisholm for $200,000. He knows his bonus was small compared to other international players, but he says he’s not concerned.

“The signing bonus doesn’t really mean anything to me,” he said. “It’s something you get out of it, but I want to make my money in the big leagues.” 

“I’d like to thank God for putting me in this position on this signing day. I’d like to thank the Arizona Diamondbacks for believing in me and for letting me pursue my dreams," Jasrado said. (Nick Piecoro - Baseball Amercia - 4/21/2017)

The half-brother of Rays prospect Lucius Fox, Chisholm displays a swagger on the field befitting his nickname “Jazz.” He was born Jasrado.

Growing up in the Bahamas was wonderful, Chisholm said. "It was never a dull day," Jasrado said. "Instead of staying inside and playing video games all day, we always had something to do. Y'know, go to the beach, run on the beach, do whatever you gotta do. But playing baseball was always the number one thing we did."

Chisholm grew up in Nassau, the island's capital, and came to the United States after earning a scholarship to play baseball when he was 12 years old. Moving from the Bahamas to play at Life Prep Academy in Wichita, Kansas, "Jas" lived with his high school coach, who helped him grow into the player and person he is today. "I had a high school coach that pushed me hard, every day," Chisholm said. "And I still thank him today.

"It was never a 'Hey you could take a break if you want.' No, let's knock this out. 'You could do less reps today.' No, we're going to do as much as we could today."

Jazz comes from a family of ball players. Not only was his brother his teammate when he first visited Wichita for a tournament, but his grandmother, Patricia Coakley also played professional softball and on the Bahamian National Softball tean. And his cousin is Antoan Richardson, who got big league cups of coffee with the Braves in 2011 and the Yankees in 2014. But it's not his family's legacy that's earning the respect around the clubhouse.

"He's energetic, he can hit, he can play defense," Osprey manager Joe Mather explained. "He wants to play. I believe all of his goals are to beat everything Isan Diaz did last year, and Isan was the MVP of the league. So he's not short on confidence, and the older players take care of him there. Kind of bring him back down to Earth when he needs to," Mather concluded with a smile.

Jazz came to Max D Academy following the conclusion of his career at Life Prep in Wichita, Kansas.

Chisholm moved to the USA when he was 13 years old.

His  grandmother, Patricia Coakley ("Grammy Pat"), played shortstop for the Bahamian national softball team in the 1980s and didn't retire until after her 60th birthday.

She started a baseball academy for boys in the Bahamas in 1985.

She began doing soft toss with Jazz starting when he was 2 years old. 

In 2017, the Baseball America Prospect Handbook rated Chisholm as the 5th-best prospect in the D'Backs organization. And he was at #4 a year later, before 2018 spring training.

In 2019, they had Jazz as the #1 prospect in the D'Backs' organization. But he dropped to 5th-best prospect in the Marlins' farm system in the winter before 2020 spring training. And he was #4 in the spring of 2021.

BAHAMIANS IN MLB

Lucius Fox dropped his math homework, raised his fist, and pumped it a few times. Back home in the Bahamas, his childhood buddy Jazz Chisholm beat his chest and jumped into the air.

This was the day the doubters would become believers, the friends thought. As boys, the pair grew up on the baseball diamonds across Nassau. As teenagers, they were anointed the new faces of the sport in their country. It was Sept. 25, 2014, at Yankee Stadium. In one of the most memorable scenes in the franchise's history, Derek Jeter lined the game-winning RBI single to right field in the final at-bat of his storied career. In the aftermath, the future Hall of Famer embraced every single teammate on the field in the postgame celebration. Cameras caught Yankees legends waiting outside of the home dugout for their chance to embrace the baseball hero.

Fox, who was attending high school in Florida at the time, and Chisholm, who was watching from his living room in Nassau, scanned their TV screens looking for countryman Antoan Richardson. It was Richardson who had sprinted from second base, rounded third base perfectly, and leaped headfirst into home plate and Bahamian folklore with the winning run.

"This was an inspiration, a huge play for baseball in the Bahamas," said Fox, 21, "Baseball, it gives the kids another outlet instead of trying to just do track and field or basketball. Baseball can take you around the world, and obviously you can make a lot of money playing it. It's what I want kids in the Bahamas to play."

Baseball in the Bahamas is on the rise. And while it may never rival countries like the Dominican Republic and Venezuela in terms of quantity, there's an argument to be made that the quality of talent coming from there is on par with other international baseball hotbeds. In all, there have been six players from the Bahamas to play in the Major Leagues, with Richardson, who made his debut in 2011 and retired in 2016, as the most recent. There were an estimated 30 Minor League players from the Bahamas from 1960s to the 1980s.

There are 15 Minor Leaguers from the Bahamas now, a list that features outfielder Kristian Robinson, the D-backs' 12th ranked prospect, and Angels prospects Trent Deveaux and D'Shawn Knowles, who rank No. 23 and No. 24. Other prospects from the Bahamas to watch include D'Shawn's twin brother D'Vaughn Knowles (Yankees), Tahnaj Thomas (Pirates), Keithron Moss (Rangers) Reshard Munroe (Reds), and Shameko Smith, who was drafted by the Rockies in 2017.

"There are a lot of us now, but I'd honestly say I'm going to be the next one from the Bahamas in the big leagues," Fox said. "We have this competition amongst us and all of the other guys from the Bahamas would tell you the same answer. We all have the same goal to stick, make a long-term impact at the big league level for a long time."

Fox signed with Giants for $6 million as an on July 2, 2015. He was traded to the Rays the next year, started last season with Charlotte in the Florida State League and finished it by hitting .221 in 27 games for Double-A Montgomery. He went on to hit .326 with a home run, 11 RBIs and seven stolen bases for Peoria in the Arizona Fall League.

Chisholm signed with the D-backs only three days after Fox. He is the club's No. 3 ranked prospect and was named the organization's Minor League Player of the Year in 2018. He had a solid pro debut in 2016 but was slowed by injury the next year. In 2018, he combined to hit .272 with 25 home runs and 70 RBIs at Class A Kane County and High A Visalia. He had 19 hits in 43 at-bats in 10 games for the Salt River Rafters in the Arizona Fall League, where he roomed with Fox.

"I'm definitely going to be the next big leaguer from the Bahamas," Chisholm, 20, said. "No question." Fox and Chisholm met in the Freedom Farm Little League and have been competing against each other since childhood. Fox has always been the faster runner of the two. Chisholm has always shown more home run power. Their high level of confidence—which is through the roof—is equal.

"I know what he can do, what he's capable of and he knows what I'm capable of," Fox said. "Even him just watching me play one day, he'll be like, 'Hey, you did this.' When he has a little question, I'll give him my opinion and vice versa. We're just trying to push each other until the end. Even after our careers are done, we're going to find some way to compete."

Both Fox and Chisholm played some high school baseball in the United States, a common practice that Bahamian prospects use to get noticed by scouts. The next crop of players from the Bahamas are being discovered and groomed in a different way.

In 2013, Richardson, Albert Cartwright, Greg Burrows Jr. and Geron Sands opened the Maximum Development Baseball Academy to train players in Nassau, where 60 percent of the 400,000 people in the country live. Cartwright and Sands branched off to form the International Elite Baseball Academy last September. In 2017, Richardson, who graduated from Vanderbilt with an engineering science degree in 2008, launched a non-profit organization called Project Limestone, an education-based program designed to empower students to chase their dreams on the field and in the classroom.

"A long time ago, we all decided that, 'Hey, guys from the Dominican, guys from all over the world, they're signing and entering the Major Leagues at young ages. Why can't we?'" Sands said. "So, we decided to start the academy and we have worked extremely hard to bring Bahamian baseball players up to standard. We have tons of talent here and Albert and I work hard every day to make sure the guys get the training and mentorship they need to get to the next level."

International scouts have paid attention to this island nation for years, but there's been a newfound focus on the country during the last three years, in part because prospects like the Knowles brothers, Moss and Robinson were all developed there. In many ways, the Bahamas is the new battle ground for international talent.

"This island is on the cusp of making baseball more a norm than an exception at producing Major League talent," an American League international scouting director said. "Geron Sands and Albert Cartwright continue to produce talented players committed to growing the sport on the island and it's exciting to see where it's heading."

The country's baseball potential is not lost on its rising stars. Last month, Marlins Minor Leaguer Anfernee Seymour organized a baseball camp for 100 youth players from the Bahamas that featured Fox, Moss, Robinson and other Bahamian prospects as guest instructors.

"Our main sport is track and field, and swimming, and stuff like that, but baseball is definitely on the rise," Seymour said. "All of the people who run our country, I hope they take note of that and try to do something for our baseball players here in the country, because it really isn't as popular as it is in other countries, but we have a lot more players now playing professionally."

In January 2019, Fox and Indians prospect Todd Isaacs will play host to their second annual Don't Blink Home Run in Paradise contest in the Bahamas sponsored by their clothing brand in an effort to promote the sport. Blue Jays prospect Bo Bichette, who won the contest last year, is scheduled to return to defend his title. Nick Gordon, Lewis Brinson, Tommy Pham, Touki Toussaint, Nolan Jones, Jonathan India, Triston McKenzie are among the players scheduled to appear at the event.

"We just want to do something for the Bahamian people and the kids and the fans there," Fox said. "They come out and they watch the derby and they're amazed. It's new. If you watch their faces, it's amazing to them to just watch us go and hit."

The next wave of young talent from the Bahamas includes shortstops Ian Lewis, Dax Stubbs, Zion Bannister, catcher Lahiem Bell, along with outfielders Everette Cooper, Adrian Edgecombe, D'Shaughn Forbes and Andre Arthur. Their first steps in the race to be the next big leaguer from the Bahamas starts when they sign during the international signing period that begins July 2.

"In real time, I was just doing my job," Richardson, 35, said. "But when I reflect on that play with Derek Jeter and everything I did since I first left the Bahamas at 14, I'm happy if any part of my journey inspired people. It was my obligation to help pave the way and allow people to dream big and keep going forward. It still is." (Jesse Sanchez- MLB.com-Dec.23, 2018)

Chisholm has a bubbling, energetic personality and is brimming with confidence. Coaches and team executives say he continued to work hard despite being disappointed about starting the season in Kane County and repeating the Midwest League.

Jan 16, 2020: The offseason has hardly been a time to rest for Marlins shortstop prospect Jazz Chisholm. After spending all of 2019 at Double-A, the 21-year-old continued to get game repetitions by playing winter ball in Puerto Rico. And, when in South Florida, he’s been working out regularly at the Marlins’ Spring Training complex.

“I’m going into big league camp this year, and I’m just going out there trying to compete for a job,” Chisholm said. “I’ve been here all offseason, so I’ve gotten to meet all the guys and all the workers, the coaches and the front office, and everybody around the complex.”

A native of the Bahamas, Chisholm continues to get acclimated to the Marlins, an organization he joined last July after being acquired from the D-backs. Chisholm projects to start the season at Triple-A Wichita.

“It’s a great organization, and I’m happy to be here, and I can’t wait until Spring Training,” Chisholm said. “It’s Miami. I love Miami. I’m from the Bahamas. So, being in the 305 . . . I’m just excited to be here, and I’m glad somebody wanted me to be here this badly that they traded for me.” (J Frisaro - MLB.com - Jan 16, 2020)

Spring 2020: Upbeat by nature, Jazz doesn’t necessarily need any additional motivation to play baseball with more energy. Every time he’s on the field, he is all smiles and carries that exuberance off the field as well.

Chisholm got a stolen base during Spring Training, where he literally dislodged third base with his head-first slide. It was an awkward and humorous moment.  “When it came into my hand, I was thinking, ‘Can I put this in my locker and you guys can just get a new base?’ Chisholm said. “I’m going to hold the bag and ask if it could be a souvenir.”

Teammate Monte Harrison sees game-changing ability in Chisholm, who sometimes needs reminder that he has to stay focused.  “When he steps on the field, he can do anything he wants, at will,” Harrison said of Chisholm. “If he actually puts that into play and does it, that’s what I’m pushing for. That’s what I’ve been on his back about. He doesn’t really realize it."

“We’re feeding off each other, 100 percent,” Chisholm said. “If the other person gets it started then we’re going to keep on going as a family. That’s what this clubhouse is about, being a family.”  (Frisaro - mlb.com - 2/23/2020)

In 2020, Chisholm saw his first taste of the big leagues. He slashed .161/.242/.321 with two homers and six RBIs across 62 plate appearances while adding two stolen bases. In Game 3 of the NLDS against the Braves, Chisholm got the start, and he doubled and walked. (Christina De Nicola -  @cdenicola13 - Jan 7, 2021)

April 7, 2021:  Jazz Chisholm Jr., MLB Pipeline's No. 63 overall prospect, got his first start of the season at shortstop in the Marlins' 7-0 loss to the Cardinals at loanDepot park. According to manager Don Mattingly, Miguel Rojas was left out of the lineup because it was a travel day, which is followed by a day game in New York. Rojas had started Miami's first five games of the season. 

"We knew we're going to have to be a little careful with some guys, and Miggy has been one guy that has not been down the lineup," Mattingly said. "We've got to be careful with those guys using the off-day. Still, we felt they're in good shape. But with Miggy, we just wanted to give him a little breather today. I'd rather do it with Jazz at short, when we do that, if we can." (CD Nicola - MLB.com - April 7, 2021)

 Every day, baseball’s most electrifying player stops moving long enough to answer his phone. Whether he has lined a ball into the gap and then stolen third or struck out three times, Marlins Jazz knows what awaits him.

"I’m gonna get a call," he says. "An hour, exactly, after the game."

On the other end of the line is his first coach, the person who knows his swing better than anyone else. When Chisholm, 23, is playing well, the voice might say simply: "You did good tonight. Now go rest up and get ready for tomorrow." If he's struggling, the commentary is more specific: "You’ve gotta hit the ball! You’re striking out too much. Get on top of it, stay quick to the ball and use your legs."

"O.K.," Chisholm always replies. "Thank you, Grammy Pat."

He laughs now. He does not struggle often: He has a .926 OPS so far this season, and no one who smacks the ball squarer has stolen more bases. (He has barreled balls in 11% of his plate appearances and swiped seven bags without being caught.) But her coaching helps. "Every time she’s done it," he says, "I got two hits the next day!"

Baseball, it is often said, is a game for fathers and sons. Chisholm did not learn that cliché until he was a teenager at Life Preparatory Academy in Wichita, Kan. When he was growing up in Nassau, Bahamas, his baseball idol was his maternal grandmother, Patricia Coakley.

Coakley, 77, played shortstop for the Bahamian national softball team in the 1980s and starred on many amateur teams afterward. She finally retired only about a decade ago. Chisholm compares her to a rookie Francisco Lindor: "Tapping the ball around, running around the bases, making great defensive plays," he says. "She didn’t hit a lot of home runs. She was just out there making plays." One of Chisholm’s first memories involves watching her fly around the bases. "It was a wow moment," he says now of his toddler self. "I was like, I want to do that too."

Young Jasrado was close with both of his parents, Martinique Coakley and Jasrado Chisholm Sr., but he lived weekdays with his paternal grandparents, Judy and Hermis Chisholm. Grandma Judy convinced him to stick it out when, as a homesick high school freshman, he tried to quit boarding school and come home. It was from her that he learned to work, he says. Grammy Pat, with whom he spent the weekends, taught him to play. (Stephanie Apstein - May 7, 2021)

A living legend.  Those were the words emblazoned on Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s T-shirt following the Marlins’ 3-2 comeback win over the Mets at loanDepot park, a win secured by his go-ahead homer in the eighth inning. 

Just a 23-year-old rookie, Chisholm has the long-term goal of reaching the Hall of Fame.  It’s no secret among his teammates, who made him come up with a speech during the first road trip of the 2021 season.  It’s fitting, seeing as Marlins CEO Derek Jeter’s words the day before kept him entranced during the early stages of batting practice.  The mentor and mentee share the No. 2. Chisholm also came up in the Minors as a shortstop.

Earlier in the 2021 season, Chisholm didn’t shy away from saying that he was trying to win a head-to-head matchup with Braves All-Star Ronald Acuña Jr. as the pair traded highlights.  Chisholm maintained that same mentality with fellow second baseman Javier Báez.  It’s part of his plan of reaching living legend status.

“Every time I see someone on the field that's a superstar that I'm going up against, I feel that I need to be better than them,” Chisholm said.  “I already set my long-term goal to be who I want to be, and those are the guys that I've got to play better than to be that guy every day.  Every day I see them step up on the field, that's who I try to compete against, the best guys out there.”  On September 9, 2021, that opponent was Báez. 

“Jazz is always trying to do something, and he seems to have a little flair for the dramatic,” Marlins manager Don Mattingly said. “He has a beautiful swing.”  (De Nicola - mlb.com - 9/9/2021)

2021 Season: Chisholm had a great rookie season for the Marlins. The former fourth-ranked prospect slashed .248/.303/.425 with 18 homers, 23 stolen bases, and a 98 wRC+. The 23-year-old had his share of struggles. He really needs to work on his defense, as he had minus-4 outs above average and a minus-2.6 ultimate zone rating. But overall, he has a lot that he can build on after threatening a 20-20 season.  (Alex Kielar - October 19, 2021)

 2022 Spring Training: Marlins second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. is unabashedly himself.

From the blue hair Chisholm debuted ahead of Opening Day 2021 to his custom chains to his Grand Theft Auto cleats, the 24-year-old Bahamian is a trendsetter. He has taken it to another level this Spring Training, debuting an ice cream glove designed by ARiA Collective (Absolutely Ridiculous Innovation for Athletes).  The partnership began to take shape toward the end of November, when Chisholm's agent asked how he wanted to customize his gloves for the 2022 season. ARiA, whose slogan is "Where sport is art," caught Chisholm's attention. After a meeting to brainstorm ideas, it soon became clear they were a perfect match.

"I wanted to be myself," Chisholm said. "Colors isn't just me. It has to mean something to me. So when I got in contact with these guys, and we started talking, they were like, 'Hey, want to hop on board with this?' And I was like, 'Yeah, but let's try and do some different things.' They agreed, and they liked it because, honestly, ARiA is a collective group of athletes that are artists, or athletes turned artists."The glove Chisholm has been using this spring resembles a waffle cone with strawberry topping and sprinkles, one of three designs in the ice creamery line imagined by ARiA. The luxury detailing has Chisholm's logo, which is the silhouette of a web gem he made during a 2020 game against the Rays. The next drop is inspired by Chisholm's favorite ice cream flavor -- cookies and cream -- a black waffle ice cream cone called "the banned glove." According to ARiA's site, it is set to launch on Thursday, with only 200 to be sold."We came up with that together," Chisholm said. "It was just like a collective group of just thoughts going into it. The ice cream was something that they know they can do quicker than anything else, because my design still hasn't come yet, so it's a long process with the designing and stuff. I have probably like two or three different designs that I still haven't dropped yet." Those include gloves featuring a crown (his full name is Jasrado Prince Hermis Arrington Chisholm Jr.), and his favorite anime character (Black Clover). Expect there to be some purple, which not only is Chisholm's favorite color but historically also represents royalty, wealth and power."When people see that, I feel like it's going to be a love/hate one," Chisholm said.

No matter what glove Chisholm decides to wear this season, he'll be sure to flash the leather. He recorded five Defensive Runs Saved at second last season, eighth-most among all MLB second basemen who played at least 300 innings.  (Christina De Nicola - March 25, 2022)

Chisholm is genuinely thrilled with his bobblehead detail, which includes the Bahamian flag headband he’s been wearing as an ode to his home country. He’s also struggling to hide the fact that he needs another nap today. Yes, one of the most energetic players in baseball, whose every at-bat feels like a must-watch, who Euro steps around the bases, sticks his tongue out in glee after a stolen base and pumps his chest and flips three fingers upside down to signify a triple, is well-known inside the clubhouse for never being awake.

“He loves to sleep,” Marlins pitcher Richard Bleier said. “The guy sleeps like 20 hours a day it seems.”  It takes a lot of energy to play like Chisholm, whose elite speed ranks him in the 95th percentile on Statcast, which means getting to first base is often when the fun really begins. He’s testing his lead, drawing a throw, diving back, maybe even taking off for second. His speed and aggressive style of play don’t just make him fun, they make him dangerous.

Jazz has scored from second base on balls that never left the infield. His presence antagonizes opposing pitchers enough that one recent visitor joked that he needed a nap after Chisholm reached base three times against him. Chisholm’s spirited, effortlessly cool persona has fans dying their hair blue, actor Charlie Sheen wearing a “Smooth Jazz” T-shirt to a game in mid-April and nearly everyone wanting to at least try his signature look. 

On a recent off day, Chisholm went to watch his friend, Marlins prospect and fellow Bahamas native Ian Lewis at nearby Class-A Jupiter. He signed autographs and took pictures with every kid who came up to him for a solid hour, greeting staff members like they were family.

Most nights in Miami, Chisholm is the last to leave the home dugout. He lingers for fans, signing at least double-digit autographs every time. It’s a goal he made for himself. Chisholm didn’t go to many games growing up, but when he did, he remembers how frustrating it was: The guys you came to watch, the superstars, were almost never available.

“He works very hard. With great players, there’s always going to be interpretation about how he goes about his game. Jazz loves color. Jazz has a colorful personality. Sometimes that makes people uncomfortable, but as long as he’s getting his job done, as long as he’s serious about his job, let your personality flow and do what you’re doing. He respects the game and I respect him.” stated Hall of Famer Barry Larkin, who trained Chisholm.

“People get so caught up on his shoe game, the hair, the gold chains and the plays on the field. But he’s a really, really good human being, too,” Marlins infielder Miguel Rojas said of his teammate. “People don’t realize how much pride he has when he talks about his beginnings in baseball, how his grandmother helped him be the player that he is right now and how much where he’s from matters to him.” (Ghiroli-TheAthletic.com- June 6th, 2022)

July 8, 2022: Marlins second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. hasn’t been shy about his desire to make the All-Star team. He has been dreaming of playing in the Midsummer Classic since he was 5 years old, hitting rocks with a flat stick near his home in the Bahamas. He was always hitting home runs back then, too.

Baseball fans made his dream come true, when Chisholm was named the National League’s starting second baseman. Chisholm had a message for the fans who voted for him.

“My message to the fans is, 'I love you guys.' They are always behind me -- no matter how down [I am] or how up I am,” he said. “I love you guys and I thank you for all the support that you always gave me.” (B Ledson - MLB.com - July 8, 2022)

Cronenworth replaced the Marlins’ Jazz Chisholm on the roster, with Jeff McNeil of the Mets entering the starting lineup. 

 Sept. 21, 2022: The British National Team has advanced to the World Baseball Classic for the first time. Their chances have improved with the addition of Miami Marlins’ second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr.

It had been expected that Chisholm would be added to the roster if he was interested. He confirmed his place for the tournament as the native of the Bahamas will suit up for Great Britain.  (David Hill)

 Oct 13, 2022: It's getting close to showtime on MLB Tonight and Jazz Chisholm Jr. lets me know he has to get to makeup. 

We cruise down the hallway, past the rows of screens and more screens that make up the MLB Network studios. Jazz stops to look at a photo on one of the walls.

"Satchel Paige!" he grins, before spinning and heading back in the direction we were going. We turn another corner and duck into a room with a few mirrors and chairs. Jazz knows the routine from the night before and jumps up on one of the seats, ready for what's next. Co-host Yonder Alonso can't help but look on from the corner, seeing what his guest host for the week might do. Before the makeup artist works her magic, Jazz reminds everyone in the room what this really is."This is anti-shine," Chisholm says, smiling and rubbing his face. "Make sure to make a note of that."Over the last couple years, Jazz Chisholm has become one of the biggest stars in MLB.He has a home run swing and bat flip that not many can rival. Or maybe they're afraid to. He makes sparkling plays on the infield that would make acrobats jealous.

The Bahamian native has an aura, a flair, a personality more akin to a Hollywood actor than someone you'd find on a baseball field. He has his own stylist -- Whitney Etoroma -- who has helped him along the way at events like his MLB Network appearance or the ESPYs. (Although she says he pretty much already knows what he's doing).  So, there was no question that the 2022 All-Star should've been a guest host on MLB Tonight for three days during pre- and postgame postseason coverage. It was a new venture for the 24-year-old Marlins second baseman, but when they asked, he was ready to go. And he seemed pretty cool and collected before his second night on the job.

"Easy for me," Chisholm told me in the break room. "Harold [Reynolds] and Greg [Amsinger] and Sean [Casey], they're easy to work with. They just told me to be me. That's all I need to hear."Like on a baseball diamond, Jazz did seem like a natural on TV.

He broke down his own at-bats against that night's Phillies starter Zack Wheeler. (Going over highlights beforehand, he laughed about the fact that he was wearing the same four chains in-studio that day that he wore in his at-bats.) He dove into how Guardians batters could've taken after Steven Kwan and hit better against Gerrit Cole.

Before going on air, the NL East player even got into analyst mode by making predictions about the Division Series matchup between his familiar NL East foes.

"Braves," Chisholm said confidently. "I know Bryce and Nick and everybody is doing what they're supposed to be doing, but when you got a team like the Braves with the pitching and the sticks that come behind, it's just tough."

And the World Series?"I feel like whoever comes out of the NL will win the World Series," he said. "Dodgers or Braves are my guess."But away from the bright lights of the TV cameras and field is where Jazz's personality, it seems, really comes through.

He jokes about his "Twitter haters" who probably think he flips his bat too much, he treats his publicists and people he just met at the Network like some of his best friends, he finds a few moments to record a birthday message for a young fan off his phone, he has his girlfriend, Olivia -- back home in Florida -- set up on FaceTime almost the entire time before he goes on set.

Probably so he can feel like she's there with him. She's Bahamian, but they met stateside about a year or so ago.Speaking of the Bahamas, it's a place that means a lot to him. It's where Jazz first picked up a bat and ball -- mostly thanks to his softball-playing grandmother. Patricia Coakley starred as a shortstop for the national team.

“She took me to that field every weekend. It didn’t matter,” Chisholm recalled a few years ago. “She would just throw balls at me and tell me to hit it. And that’s what I did.”

His eyes light up at the fact that baseball is growing in a place that some people may have never thought possible.

"A lot more people in the Bahamas are baseball fans," he told me. "I'm meeting people who just started watching baseball this year. They're messaging me. And with kids, it's a lot more baseball in the Bahamas, for sure. When I was coming up, it was such a small group. We're all still friends today. Everybody I played baseball against or with in the Bahamas, we're still tight because there weren't many of us."

There are 24 pro players from the island and a couple top prospects -- a huge jump from just a couple decades ago. There's now even an annual winter event on Paradise Island: The Don't Blink Home Run Derby in Paradise. It's gotten bigger every year with more big-name players and fans, and, well, just looking at it, you can see why that might be.

That event, the game's growth in the Bahamas and even the game's growth among younger generations in the U.S. has a lot to do with Jazz and the way he seems to have fun in everything he's doing. His bat, his glove and his shine -- undeterred by anyone or anything (even a little bit of makeup) -- will hopefully be a force for years to come. (M Managan - MLB.com - Oct 13, 2022)

2022 Season: Jazz Chisholm Jr. had a 2.5 WAR in just 213 AB. Most starting players have at least 500 AB, so we can reasonably assume that he’d have double that WAR in double the AB’s. That gives him 5.0 WAR in 416 AB. Of course he could’ve been worse or better, but 5.0 WAR is a good benchmark for his true talent. I would add that he would’ve received at least another 100 AB, so a 6.0 WAR season was on the table.  ( Neil Raymond - Oct. 14, 2022)

Jan. 30, 2023: The 2023 MLB The Show cover dropped today, and I’m thinking the cover athlete is going to catch a lot of folks by surprise.It’s not Shohei Ohtani or Aaron Judge or Julio Rodriguez – it’s Miami Marlins second-baseman-turned-center-fielder, Jazz Chisholm Jr.  (Brett Taylor)

TRANSACTIONS

July 5, 2015: Chisholm signed with the Diamondbacks as a free agent, out of the Bahamas. He received a $200,000 bonus, via scout Craig Shipley. 

July 31, 2019: The D-backs traded Jazz to the Marlins, in exchange for RHP Zac Gallen.

Chisholm has surprising lefthanded power, considering that he's only 5-feet-11 and weighs in at 165 pounds. But he has big, strong hands and takes powerful, aggressive swings—sometimes too aggressive, leading to swings-and-misses. He generates a smooth, lefthanded uppercut stroke.

Jazz has impressive raw tools on both sides of the ball. His smooth, uppercut swing generates solid bat speed and plus power, but his extremely aggressive approach leads to lots of swings and misses. He had a 31% strikeout rate and .107 batting average against fastballs in his debut in 2020.

Chisholm has more power than most shortstops because he has explosive bat speed and natural loft in his left-handed swing. Rather than let home runs come naturally, he employs an overly aggressive approach that depresses his batting average and leads to a ton of strikeouts. He was more pull-happy in 2019 than he had been in the past, though a career-high 11 percent walk rate offers some hope than he can adopt a more disciplined plan at the plate. Chisholm has solid speed and is an efficient base-stealer. (Spring 2020)

Jazz has a 45 grade for his hit tool, with a 60 for his above-average power.

Power is a big part of Chisholm’s game, and so too are strikeouts. The lefthanded hitter ranked second in the league with both 21 home runs 147 strikeouts. Chisholm takes aggressive, powerful swings regardless of the count or situation. And he hit the ball in the air more frequently than virtually anybody in the Southern League.

His hitting approach leaves him vulnerable to pitches away, but he showed greater willingness to hit the ball where it’s pitched late in the season, making the infield shift less effective against him. (Matt Eddy - Baseball America - Spring 2020)

Coaches say he has a tendency to try too hard to generate power to his pull side, saying his swing can get too steep and his approach too pull-conscious. They believe when he keeps his approach simple, the power comes naturally to all fields. He strikes out a lot—nearly 30 percent of the time in 2018—and his high swing-and-miss rate on pitches in the zone is concerning. He also struggled against lefthanded pitchers. (Spring, 2019)

Jazz projects to be an above-average hitter, with good bat speed and the ability to barrel balls and handle velocity. The ball jumps off his bat and he has enough power to project double-digit home run totals each year, though he could use more polish to his plate approach.

But he has a lefthanded stroke that is geared for line drives. It is an unorthodox swing from an upright stance with low hands, but it works for him. He barrels balls well and has good bat speed.

Chisholm is thin, but he generates home run power with a whippy, uppercut swing that sends long fly balls out to right field. He’ll get overly aggressive and chase pitches, leading to elevated strikeout totals, but at other times he flashes good feel for the strike zone.

He’s got solid-average raw power though his contact issues are a concern. He ranked seventh in the Pioneer League with 73 strikeouts in 2016. (Spring, 2017)

Jasrado has a good eye at the plate. But he strikes out too frequently. He takes a violent hack that sometimes produces damage to the opposition.

2018 Season: Chisholm was named the MLB Pipeline Hitter of the Year for the Diamondbacks.

He played well at low Class A Kane County, then broke out over the season’s final six weeks following a promotion to high Class A Visalia. All told, Chisholm hit .272/.329/.513 with 25 home runs and 17 stolen bases.

“I think he’s more cognizant of what he needs to do,” D'Backs assistant GM Amiel Sawdaye said after the 2018 campaign. “He can still get big and try to hit the 500-foot home run, but he has really easy raw power and it can clearly translate in games when he gets a good pitch to hit.”

2019 Season: Ranked by MLB Pipeline as the Marlins’ No. 4 prospect, and No. 54 overall, Chisholm is a left-handed hitter, listed at 5-foot-11 and 165 pounds. Don't be deceived by the size. He has better-than-average bat speed, a ton of power and immense raw talent. To tap into his potential, Chisholm is focused on refining his swing in hopes of reducing his strikeout rate.

“For me, it’s just trusting myself and not trying to hit a ball 500 feet every swing,” Chisholm said. Chisholm isn’t looking to necessarily change or restructure his swing. He's merely focused on cutting it down a little bit.

Before the trade, Chisholm was at Double-A Jackson, and he had a strikeout percentage of 33.8 percent, to go along with a slash line of .204/.305/.427 with 18 home runs and 44 RBIs.

After the trade in July 2019, he lowered his strikeout rate with Miami's Double-A Jacksonville affiliate. With the Jumbo Shrimp, he had a slash line of .284/.383/.494 with three home runs and 10 RBIs. And his strikeout percentage fell to 25.5.

Jasrado goes by "Jazz" instead of his formal first name.

Jazz has a solid glove at shortstop. He is athletic, with good hands. He is able to make both the difficult and the routine play. He gets a 60 grade for his defense.

Jazz has all the tools necessary to stay at shortstop, as his actions, range, hands and arm all grade as at least above average. While there's currently a large gap between his floor and ceiling, his game and early Minor League career are reminiscent of Javier Baez's.

Chisholm shines defensively with strong lateral range, soft hands and a plus arm (55 grade) he uses to make throws from anywhere and without having to plant his feet.

Jazz is a twitchy, rangy athlete who displayed above-average defense, speed and arm strength at both shortstop and second base in the majors. (Spring, 2021)

It seems Chisholm makes a highlight reel play almost every night. He just needs to gain more consistency. He has smooth, flashy actions but is prone to lapses in concentration, making highlight-reel plays before committing errors on routine ones. (Spring, 2019)

Chisholm has a laser arm from deep in the hole at short. It grades at 60.

Jazz needs to slow the game down.

Chisholm is very confident on the field, with scouts noting he thinks he’s a big leaguer already.

He has smooth, athletic actions at shortstop and a strong arm, but like a lot of young infielders needs to improve his consistency and focus in the field. He's confident, talkative, and well-liked by teammates. And he clearly enjoys playing the game. (Spring, 2018)

Jazz plays with swagger and a constant smile on his face, bringing a lighthearted nature to the field while energizing his team. His plus speed and athleticism on both sides of the ball stood out in particular. He has smooth, flashy actions.

“He’s pretty talented,” Modesto manager Mitch Canham said. “We watched him make some extraordinary plays at shortstop. How relaxed and comfortable and athletic that kid is, he looks like a really special player.”

September 6, 2020: Making just the second start of his big league career, Jazz turned heads with his defense in Miami's 5-4 loss at Tropicana Field. He ranged into shallow center field and laying out to steal a hit away from the Rays’ Nate Lowe in the bottom of the eighth.

With the Marlins shifting, Lowe’s popup was hit almost directly over Chisholm’s head, but he was able to keep the ball in his sights before leaving his feet for a spectacular catch in front of center fielder Starling Marte.

After the inning, Chisholm celebrated the sweet grab, along with his first career hit, with some sweet (and sour) snackage, breaking into a bag of Sour Patch Kids.  Chisholm had tweeted before the game that he was bringing the candy to the dugout with him.  (Harrigan - mlb.com - 9/6/2020)

April 7, 2021: Chisholm, who won the second-base job in Spring Training, is considered the franchise's future shortstop. He made nine appearances (six starts) at the position in 2020 upon his callup. In 51 2/3 innings, Chisholm committed one error, turned three double plays and posted zero outs above average and 0.3 range runs above average (UZR).

MLB Pipeline's scouting report calls the 23-year-old's actions, range, hands and arm solid or better at shortstop. On the 20-80 scale, he has grades of 55 for fielding and arm. During Spring Training, general manager Kim Ng noted that the organization was intrigued by Chisholm's versatility. With him on the roster, the club has the luxury of giving Rojas a breather without expecting a dip defensively at shortstop. (CD Nocola - MLB.com - April 7, 2021)

Jasrado is fast. He can steal a base for you. He gets a 55 grade for his running and should steal 20 bags a year in the Majors.

When you rock Grand Theft Auto-inspired cleats, you're destined for speed.  Jazz showcased his elite wheels during the third game of the 2021 season.

Chisholm told Bally Sports Florida during a pregame interview that he played the Vice City edition growing up, so he decided to put "Prince Jazz" with the popular video game's font on his footwear.  Chisholm considered it a way to show love for Miami.  But for his dash around the bases the previous day, his cleats had graphics from the Japanese manga series Black Clover, with one shoe representing talent and the other hard work.  Jazz likes to think of himself as a mix of the two, he told Bally's Kelly Saco.

"I just feel like it's just so me, that's why, everything about baseball," Chisholm said. "That you could be yourself on the field and you can play as yourself and do whatever you want as yourself.  I just feel like that’s how the Miami Marlins are built like. I don't think there's another team in baseball with swag like the Marlins. I can tell you that." 

"We have aggressive runners, we've got Jazz in the lineup," outfielder Starling Marte said. "Thank goodness we have him.  He's a young guy, very few days here in MLB, but you can see the talent that he has. He has so many tools. We're very happy just having him."  (De Nicola - mlb.com - 4/3/2021)

May-end of 2017 season: Chisholm suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee, missing the rest of the season.

April 20, 2018: Jasrado was on the DL.

April 28-May 16, 2021: Jazz was on the IL with a left hammy strain.

July 19-30, 2021: Chisholm was placed on the 10-day IL. He was injured on a diving attempt at catching a popup single in the first inning. He’s listed as having a left shoulder contusion.

Aug 3-4, 2021: Jazz was on the IL.

Aug 9-13, 2021: Jazz was on the IL due to Covid protocol.

June 29-Nov 10, 2022: The Marlins placed second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. on the 10-day injured list with a right lower back strain.

July 22, 2022: A CT scan revealed Jazz Chisholm Jr. has a stress fracture in his lower back, the team said. 

Sept 14, 2022: Chisholm is feeling better and working out on a daily basis at loanDepot park after having his rehab transferred from Jupiter, Fla. But his season is done, manager Don Mattingly and general manager Kim Ng confirmed. With the stress fracture, it wouldn't heal properly without proper rest over time. 

May 14, 2023: Jazz was on the IL with right turf toe.

May 16, 2023: Chisholm injured his right big toe on the cement block of the left-center-field wall at loanDepot park on May 15 as he tried to make an inning-ending catch.  X-rays came back negative, and the club initially called it a right foot contusion. He will be out four to six weeks per manager Skip Schumaker.

May 22, 2023: Chisholm saw specialist Dr. Robert Anderson on May 15 in North Carolina to get more information. He is rehabbing in Jupiter, Fla., currently doing upper body workouts.