Wynton Bernard

{{Infobox baseball biography

|name = Wynton Bernard

|image = Wynton Bernard at bat, Aug 27 2022 (cropped).jpg

|caption = Bernard with the Rockies in 2022

|team = Leones de Yucatán

|number = 36

|position = Outfielder

|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1990|9|24}}

|birth_place = San Diego, California, U.S.

|bats = Right

|throws = Right

|debutleague = MLB

|debutdate = August 12

|debutyear = 2022

|debutteam = Colorado Rockies

| statyear = 2022 season

| statleague = MLB

| stat1label = Batting average

| stat1value = .286

| stat2label = Home runs

| stat2value = 0

| stat3label = Runs batted in

| stat3value = 3

|teams =

Colorado Rockies ({{mlby|2022}})

}}

Wynton Allen Bernard (born September 24, 1990) is an American professional baseball outfielder for the Leones de Yucatán of the Mexican League. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Colorado Rockies.

Amateur career

Bernard attended Rancho Bernardo High School in Poway, California.{{Cite web |date=2022-08-15 |title=Wynton Bernard's long journey from Rancho Bernardo High finally takes him to MLB |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2022/08/15/wynton-bernards-long-journey-from-rancho-bernardo-high-finally-takes-him-to-mlb-2/ |access-date=2024-11-22 |website=San Diego Union-Tribune |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2022-08-14 |title=An 11-year journey: Wynton Bernard debuts with the Colorado Rockies - DNVR Sports |url=https://thednvr.com/an-11-year-journey-wynton-bernard-debuts-with-the-colorado-rockies/ |access-date=2024-11-22 |website=thednvr.com |language=en-US}} He received an athletic scholarship to attend Niagara University and play college baseball for the Niagara Purple Eagles.{{cite news|url=https://buffalonews.com/sports/baseball/mike-harrington-for-niagara-coach-rob-mccoy-seeing-wynton-bernards-mlb-debut-was-a-real/article_38fc4a2c-23b5-11ed-bb22-53d6b202c0fe.html|title=For Niagara coach Rob McCoy, seeing Wynton Bernard's MLB debut was a real treat|date=August 24, 2022|agency=The Buffalo News|author=Harrington, Mike|accessdate=October 2, 2022|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824232334/https://buffalonews.com/sports/baseball/mike-harrington-for-niagara-coach-rob-mccoy-seeing-wynton-bernards-mlb-debut-was-a-real/article_38fc4a2c-23b5-11ed-bb22-53d6b202c0fe.html|archivedate=August 24, 2022}} As a freshman, Bernard had a .293 batting average and led the team in stolen bases. He transferred to Riverside Community College after the season because his father had a stroke and he wanted to be closer to his family. Bernard's father died after his sophomore year, and he transferred back to Niagara for his junior year.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-alumni-report-bernard-stands-tall-at-niagra-2012apr17-story.html|title=ALUMNI REPORT: Bernard stands tall at Niagra|date=April 17, 2012|website=San Diego Union-Tribune}} For Niagara, Bernard compiled a .279 average and 72 stolen bases in 140 games from 2009 to 2012.{{cite news |url=https://purpleeagles.com/news/2022/8/12/baseball-bernard-called-up-by-colorado-rockies.aspx |title=Bernard Called Up By Colorado Rockies |website=purpleeagles.com |date=August 12, 2022 |accessdate=August 13, 2022}}

Professional career

=San Diego Padres=

The San Diego Padres selected Bernard in the 35th round, with the 1,065th overall selection, of the 2012 Major League Baseball draft.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/pomerado-news/sports/sd-cm-pow-sports-giants-bernard-20170804-story.html|title=Rancho Bernardo High grad Wynton Bernard closing in on MLB dream|date=August 4, 2017|website=Pomerado News}} He made his professional debut with the rookie–level Arizona League Padres, hitting .232 across 23 games. In 2013, Bernard split the season between the AZL Padres, Low–A Eugene Emeralds, Single–A Fort Wayne TinCaps, and High–A Lake Elsinore Storm. In 51 total games, he accumulated a .251/.325/.331 batting line with 1 home run, 16 RBI, and 10 stolen bases.{{Cite web|title=Wynton Bernard - Stats - Batting|url=https://www.fangraphs.com/players/wynton-bernard/13408/stats?position=OF|access-date=June 29, 2023|website=fangraphs.com|language=en}} On January 23, 2014, Bernard was released by the Padres organization.{{Cite web|title=Wynton Bernard Stats & Scouting Report|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/players/2635/wynton-bernard/|access-date=June 29, 2023|website=baseballamerica.com|date=21 November 2016 |language=en}}

=Detroit Tigers=

On March 3, 2014, Bernard signed a minor league contract with the Detroit Tigers organization.{{cite web|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2015/01/24/detroit-tigers-wynton-bernard/22281189/ |title=Wynton Bernard thankful for opportunity with Tigers |publisher=Freep.com |date=2015-01-24 |accessdate=2022-08-14}}{{cite web|url=https://www.hollandsentinel.com/story/sports/2014/06/16/whitecaps-wynton-bernard-races-onto/37013412007/ |title=Whitecaps' Wynton Bernard races onto All-Star team |publisher=Hollandsentinel.com |date= |accessdate=2022-08-14}} He played for the Low-A West Michigan Whitecaps in 2014, and was named the Most Valuable Player of the Midwest League after hitting .324 with 6 home runs, 47 RBI, and 45 stolen bases across 131 contests. He additionally broke the team's single season hit record with 164.{{cite web|url=http://www.mlive.com/whitecaps/index.ssf/2014/08/wynton_bernard_breaks_single-s.html|title=Wynton Bernard breaks single-season hits record but West Michigan Whitecaps lose in extras|work=MLive.com|date=25 August 2014 |accessdate=January 16, 2015}} On October 31, 2014, the Tigers added Bernard to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.{{Cite web|title=Who is Wynton Bernard?|url= https://www.blessyouboys.com/platform/amp/detroit-tigers-minor-leagues-prospects/2014/11/2/7142755/wynton-bernard-detroit-tigers-prospects|access-date=June 29, 2023|website=blessyouboys.com|date= 2 November 2014|language=en}}

Bernard played for the Double-A Erie SeaWolves in 2015. In 135 games, he batted .302/.352/.408 with 4 home runs, 36 RBI, and 43 stolen bases.{{Cite web|url=https://www.goerie.com/story/sports/mlb/2015/04/12/erie-seawolves-outfielder-bernard-boosted/24808835007/|title=Erie SeaWolves outfielder Bernard boosted by faith|author=Staff Reporter|website=Erie Times-News}}{{Cite web|title=Tigers' Wynton Bernard continues to surprise everyone during ascent through minors|url=https://www.blessyouboys.com/platform/amp/2016/3/2/11145392/detroit-tigers-top-prospects-wynton-bernard|access-date=June 29, 2023|website=blessyouboys.com|date=2 March 2016 |language=en}} Bernard was optioned to the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens to begin the season.{{Cite web|title=Detroit Tigers Option Wynton Bernard— What it Means|url=https://motorcitybengals.com/2016/03/29/detroit-tigers-option-wynton-bernard-what-it-means/|access-date=June 29, 2023|website=motorcitybengals.com|date=29 March 2016 |language=en}} On June 18, 2016, Bernard was designated for assignment by the Tigers following the promotion of Casey McGehee.{{Cite web|title=Tigers' Wynton Bernard: DFA'd by Tigers on Saturday|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/tigers-wynton-bernard-dfad-by-tigers-on-saturday/|access-date=June 29, 2023|website=cbssports.com|date=18 June 2016 |language=en}} He cleared waivers and was sent outright to Double–A on June 24. In 104 total games for Erie and Toledo, he batted .279/.345/.396 with a career–high 7 home runs, 33 RBI, and 23 stolen bases.{{cite web | last=Gleason | first=Bucky | title=Niagara University product Bernard making a run toward the majors | website=Buffalo News | date=May 17, 2016 | url=https://buffalonews.com/opinion/columnists/niagara-university-product-bernard-making-a-run-toward-the-majors/article_75ab2d77-0720-5831-9e8c-988a29a8cade.html | access-date=August 15, 2022}} He became a free agent after the season on November 7.{{Cite web|title=Minor League Free Agents 2016|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-free-agents-2016/?amphtml|access-date=June 29, 2023|website=baseballamerica.com|date=8 November 2016 |language=en}}

=San Francisco Giants=

On November 18, 2016, Bernard signed a minor league contract with the San Francisco Giants organization.{{Cite web|title=The most interesting Giants non-roster invitees|url=https://www.mccoveychronicles.com/platform/amp/2017/2/10/14523824/sf-giants-non-roster-invitees-nri-spring-training|access-date=June 29, 2023|website=mccoveychronicles.com|date=10 February 2017 |language=en}}{{cite web |url= http://www.scout.com/mlb/rumors/story/1731110-minor-league-signings-roundup-edition-4 |title= Minor League Signings Roundup — Edition 4 |last=Orsatti |first=Joe |work= scout.com |date=November 22, 2016 |accessdate= June 29, 2023}}

File:Wynton Bernard (36343063686) (cropped).jpg

In 82 games for the Triple–A Sacramento River Cats, he hit .254/.303/.347 with 2 home runs, 14 RBI, and 13 stolen bases.{{Cite news|title=Giants 'so happy' for ex-Sacramento teammate Wynton Bernard, MLB's most inspiring story|url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/giants/article/Giants-so-happy-for-ex-Sacramento-teammate-17387330.php|access-date=June 29, 2023|newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle|language=en |last1=Slusser |first1=By Susan }} Bernard elected free agency following the season on November 6, 2017.{{Cite web|title=Minor League Free Agents 2017|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-free-agents-2017/?amphtml|access-date=June 29, 2023|website=baseballamerica.com|date=7 November 2017 |language=en}}

=Chicago Cubs=

On January 29, 2018, Bernard signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs organization.{{Cite web|title=Cubs' Wynton Bernard: Signs with Cubs|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/cubs-wynton-bernard-signs-with-cubs/|access-date=June 29, 2023|website=cbssports.com|date=30 January 2018 |language=en}} He split the season between the Double–A Tennessee Smokies and Triple–A Iowa Cubs, playing 98 total games and hitting .242/.293/.349 with 3 home runs, 22 RBI, and 25 stolen bases. Bernard elected free agency following the season on November 2.{{Cite web|title=Minor League Free Agents 2018|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-free-agents-2018/?amphtml|access-date=June 29, 2023|website=baseballamerica.com|date=6 November 2018 |language=en}}

On November 22, 2018, Bernard re–signed with the Cubs on a minor league contract.{{Cite web|title=Cubs re-signed OF Wynton Bernard to a minor league contract|url=https://www.nbcsports.com/mlb/wynton-bernard/50375/news|access-date=June 29, 2023|website=nbcsports.com|language=en}} In 52 games for split between Tennessee and Iowa in 2019, he hit .278/.359/.444 with 2 home runs, 15 RBI, and 8 stolen bases. Bernard was released by the Cubs organization on July 11, 2019.{{Cite web|title=Wynton Bernard Player Card|url=https://www.baseballprospectus.com/player/100197/wynton-bernard/|access-date=June 29, 2023|website=baseballprospectus.com|language=en}}

=Sugar Land Skeeters=

On July 15, 2019, Bernard signed with the Sugar Land Skeeters of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.{{Cite web|title=Wynton Bernard Stats, Fantasy & News|url=https://www.milb.com/player/wynton-bernard-592144|access-date=June 29, 2023|website=milb.com|language=en}} In 61 games, Bernard slashed .314/.353/.461 with 6 home runs, 36 RBI, and 32 stolen bases. On March 4, 2020, Bernard re–signed with the Skeeters for the 2020 season.{{Cite web|title=Skeeters Re-Sign OF Wynton Bernard|url=https://www.atlanticleague.com/news/index.html?article_id=1364|access-date=June 29, 2023|website=atlanticleague.com|language=en}}

After the 2020 Atlantic League season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic,{{Cite web|title=Atlantic League cancels season; York, Lancaster explore options|url=https://www.abc27.com/sports/atlantic-league-cancels-season-york-lancaster-explore-options/amp/|access-date=June 29, 2023|website=abc27.com|date=20 June 2020 |language=en}} Bernard joined the Skeeters in the Constellation Energy League. In 23 games, he hit .270/.325/.378 with 2 home runs, 9 RBI, and 6 stolen bases.{{Cite web|title=M-SABR Interviews: Wynton Bernard Is Finally A Big Leaguer|url=https://msabr.com/2022/08/12/m-sabr-interviews-1-wynton-bernard-is-finally-a-big-leaguer/|access-date=June 29, 2023|website=msabr.com|date=12 August 2022 |language=en}}

=Colorado Rockies=

On January 19, 2021, Bernard signed a minor league contract with the Colorado Rockies organization. He spent the season with the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes, playing in 100 games and batting .254/.319/.395 with 7 home runs, 30 RBI, and 23 stolen bases. He elected free agency following the season on November 7.{{cite web|title=2021-22 Minor League Free Agents For All 30 MLB Teams|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2021-22-minor-league-free-agents-for-all-30-mlb-teams/?amphtml|access-date=June 29, 2023|website=baseballamerica.com|date=9 November 2021 |language=en}} On February 1, 2022, Bernard re–signed with the Rockies on a new minor league contract.{{Cite web|title=Rockies' Wynton Bernard: Signs MiLB deal with Rockies|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/rockies-wynton-bernard-signs-milb-deal-with-rockies/amp/|access-date=June 29, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} In 108 games for Albuquerque, he hit .333/.387/.590 with career–highs in home runs (21) and RBI (92), as well as 30 stolen bases.{{cite web |url=https://www.milb.com/player/wynton-bernard-592144 |title=Wynton Bernard Stats, Fantasy & News |website=MiLB.com |accessdate=August 13, 2022}}

On August 11, 2022, it was announced that Bernard would be promoted to the major leagues for the first time.{{cite news |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/wynton-bernard-makes-major-league-debut-for-rockies |title=Mom's reaction to son's long-awaited callup is priceless |first=Thomas |last=Harding |website=MLB.com |date=August 12, 2022 |accessdate=August 13, 2022}} The following day, his contract was officially selected to the active roster.{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/rockies/roster/transactions/2022/08 |title=Rockies Roster & Staff – Transactions |website=MLB.com |publisher=Colorado Rockies |date=August 2022 |accessdate=August 13, 2022}} He made his major-league debut against the Arizona Diamondbacks that evening, recording a hit, stolen base, and run scored.{{Cite web|title=Wynton Bernard makes emotional debut after 11-year journey to the majors|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2022/08/14/wynton-bernard-rockies-debut/|access-date=June 29, 2023|website=washingtonpost.com|language=en}} After recording a base hit and a stolen base, he became the oldest player to do so in their major league debut since 1907.{{cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Kevin |title=Rockies' Wynton Bernard makes debut in MLB after playing in minor leagues |url=https://ats.io/sports-news/rockies-wynton-bernard-makes-debut-in-mlb-after-playing-in-minor-leagues/86345/ |website=ATS.io |date=15 August 2022 |access-date=15 August 2022}} In 12 major league games for Colorado, Bernard hit .286/.286/.310 with no home runs, 3 RBI, and 3 stolen bases.{{Cite web|title=Wynton Bernard was the feel-good story of 2022|url=https://www.purplerow.com/platform/amp/2022/11/2/23418073/colorado-rockies-wynton-bernard-was-the-feel-good-story-of-2022-mlb-debut|access-date=June 29, 2023|website=purplerow.com|date=2 November 2022 |language=en}} On November 9, Bernard was removed from the 40-man roster and sent outright to Triple–A.{{Cite web|title=Rockies' Wynton Bernard: Loses spot on 40-man roster|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/rockies-wynton-bernard-loses-spot-on-40-man-roster/|access-date=June 30, 2023|website=cbssports.com|date=9 November 2022 |language=en}} He elected free agency the following day.{{Cite web|title=2022-23 Minor League Free Agents For All 30 MLB Teams|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2022-23-minor-league-free-agents-for-all-30-mlb-teams/?amphtml|access-date=June 30, 2023|website=baseballamerica.com|date=13 November 2022 |language=en}}

=Toronto Blue Jays=

On January 24, 2023, Bernard signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays organization.{{Cite web|title=Blue Jays' Wynton Bernard: Signs deal with Blue Jays|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/blue-jays-wynton-bernard-signs-deal-with-blue-jays/amp/|access-date=2023-01-24|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} Bernard played in 60 games for the Triple–A Buffalo Bisons, hitting .271/.360/.393 with 3 home runs, 31 RBI, and 15 stolen bases. He was released by Toronto on June 28.{{Cite web|title=Blue Jays release two players: veteran outfielder Wynton Bernard and prospect Kyle Johnston (from the Daniel Hudson trade)|url=https://bluejaysnation.com/news/blue-jays-release-two-players-veteran-outfielder-wynton-bernard-and-prospect-kyle-johnston-from-the-daniel-hudson-trade|access-date=June 29, 2023|website=bluejaysnation.com|language=en}}

=Colorado Rockies (second stint)=

On June 29, 2023, Bernard signed a minor league contract with the Colorado Rockies organization.{{cite web | url=https://www.milb.com/transactions/2023-06-29/p-3 | title=Transactions }} In 66 games for the Triple–A Albuquerque Isotopes, he hit .329/.388/.484 with 8 home runs, 34 RBI, and 26 stolen bases. Bernard elected free agency following the season on November 6.{{Cite web|title=2023 MiLB Free Agents|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2023-milb-free-agents/|access-date=November 30, 2023|website=baseballamerica.com|date=8 November 2023 |language=en}}

=Chicago White Sox=

On November 28, 2023, Bernard signed a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox.{{Cite web|title=White Sox's Wynton Bernard: Inks MiLB deal with White Sox|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/white-soxs-wynton-bernard-inks-milb-deal-with-white-sox/|access-date=November 30, 2023|website=cbssports.com|date=30 November 2023 |language=en}} In 41 games for the Triple–A Charlotte Knights, he batted .306/.328/.446 with three home runs, 14 RBI, and 11 stolen bases. Bernard was released by the White Sox organization on July 8, 2024.{{cite web | url=https://www.milb.com/transactions/2024-07-08 | title=Transactions }}

=Minnesota Twins=

On July 10, 2024, Bernard signed a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins.{{cite web | url=https://www.milb.com/transactions/2024-07-10 | title=Transactions }} In 32 games for the Triple–A St. Paul Saints, he slashed .248/.300/.357 with two home runs, 15 RBI, and 12 stolen bases. On August 24, Bernard was released by the Twins organization.{{cite web | url=https://www.milb.com/transactions/2024-08-24 | title=Transactions }}

=Leones de Yucatán=

On March 16, 2025, Bernard signed with the Leones de Yucatán of the Mexican League.{{Cite web|url=https://x.com/leonesdeyucatan/status/1901442413450735680?s=46&t=UN5XGiNzRq3-vt33N7zCTw|title=x.com}}{{Cite web|title=LMB: Movimientos en listas de reserva - 24 de marzo de 2025|url=https://www.milb.com/mexican/news/lmb-movimientos-en-listas-de-reserva-24-de-marzo-de-2025|access-date=March 25, 2025|website=milb.com|language=en}}

International career

In addition to playing for various minor-league teams in the United States, Bernard has also played professionally in Mexico, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, and Australia.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=bernar000wyn |title=Wynton Bernard College, Minor, Winter & Independent Leagues Statistics |website=Baseball-Reference.com |accessdate=August 13, 2022}}

Personal life

Bernard has two older brothers: Walter played for the New Mexico Lobos in college and in the National Football League, and Wayne played professional basketball in Europe.{{cite web|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2015/03/08/anthony-fenech-wynton-bernard/24600457/ |title=Tigers prospect watch: Wynton Bernard runs onto 40-man |publisher=Freep.com |date= |accessdate=2022-08-14}}

Bernard appeared on the TV game show Family Feud alongside his brother Walter in 2011.