Jim Edmonds is one of those baseball names people still bring up when they talk about great defense in center field and big, game-changing power. He was not just a highlight-reel player. He also built a long career with strong numbers, major awards, and a World Series ring.
But Jim Edmonds’ story is not only about baseball. Over the years, his personal life has also been very public, with marriages, divorce headlines, and later a new relationship that became a major topic in entertainment news. In this first half, we’ll cover his background, his rise in MLB, his peak years, and why his career still stands out.
Quick Bio
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | James Patrick Edmonds |
| Known As | Jim Edmonds |
| Date of Birth | June 27, 1970 |
| Age | 55 years old |
| Birthplace | Fullerton, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Religion | Not publicly disclosed |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) |
| Playing Weight | 190–210 lbs (86–95 kg) |
| Profession | Former MLB Player, Broadcaster, Entrepreneur |
| MLB Position | Center Fielder |
| Bats / Throws | Left / Left |
| MLB Debut | September 9, 1993 |
| MLB Retirement | 2010 (official retirement 2011) |
| Teams Played For | California Angels, Anaheim Angels, St. Louis Cardinals, San Diego Padres, Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers, Cincinnati Reds |
| Career Highlights | 4× All-Star, 8× Gold Glove, Silver Slugger, 2006 World Series Champion |
| Career Home Runs | 393 |
| Career Hits | 1,949 |
| Career Batting Average | .284 |
| Estimated Net Worth | ~$20 million |
| Current Wife | Kortnie O’Connor (married 2022) |
| Former Wives | Lee Ann Horton, Allison Jayne Raski, Meghan King |
| Children | 7 children |
| Current Residence | United States (reported Tennessee area) |
| Social Media | Instagram: @jimedmonds15 |
Who Is Jim Edmonds and Why Do People Still Talk About Him?
Jim Edmonds is a former MLB center fielder who played 17 seasons in the major leagues. He is known for being an excellent defender, a strong hitter, and a player who made difficult catches look easy. If you ever watched baseball highlights in the late 1990s and early 2000s, there’s a good chance you’ve seen Jim Edmonds flying through the air for a catch.
Jim was born on June 27, 1970, in Fullerton, California. He bats left-handed and throws left-handed, He is listed at 6-foot-1 and around 190 pounds during his playing days. On paper, those are just numbers, but they match what fans remember: a smooth center fielder with strong timing, quick reads, and the confidence to take risks when a big play was needed.
Early Life, High School Baseball, and the Draft Moment
Jim Edmonds is a California native, and his baseball road started early. He went to Diamond Bar High School in Diamond Bar, California. Like many players, he was not instantly a big star in front of the whole country. His path shows something many young athletes learn: talent helps, but patience matters just as much.
A major turning point came in 1988. Jim Edmonds was drafted by the California Angels in the 7th round of the MLB June Amateur Draft. That draft spot matters because it shows he was not a “can’t miss” superstar at the time. He still had to prove himself, climb step by step, and earn every level. He signed soon after being drafted, and his professional journey truly began.
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Jim Edmonds’ MLB Role and Playing Style in Simple Words
Jim Edmonds played center field, and that is one of the toughest spots on the field. A center fielder has to cover huge space, read the ball fast, and make quick decisions. If the outfield is like a big open ocean, the center fielder is the person steering the ship. When something goes wrong, everyone notices. When something goes right, it can look “normal,” even if it was actually very hard.
What made Jim Edmonds special was how complete his game felt at his best. He could hit for power, hit for average, get on base, and change a game with his glove. He won Gold Gloves because his defense was not “pretty good.” It was elite, year after year. He also won a Silver Slugger, which tells you he was not just a defender who could hit a little. He was a real threat in the lineup.
Career Snapshot: The Numbers That Define Jim Edmonds
If you want the quick picture of Jim Edmonds as a player, his career totals paint a strong story. Over 17 seasons, he had 1,949 hits and 393 home runs. He drove in 1,199 runs (RBIs) and scored 1,251 runs. His career batting average was .284, and his on-base percentage was .376, which shows he was more than a free swinger. He got on base a lot.
Jim slugging percentage was .527, and his OPS was .903, which is excellent across a long career. His OPS+ is listed at 132, meaning he was well above league average as a hitter. His career WAR is 60.4, which places him in a serious conversation among strong all-around players. In simple terms: Jim Edmonds was not “good for a few years.” He was very good for a long time.
The Angels Years: Growth, Breakout Seasons, and Early Respect
Jim Edmonds debuted in the early 1990s and played for the California Angels (later Anaheim Angels). Those years mattered because they show the build-up. In 1993, he had a short run, and it was not a great start by advanced value numbers. That is normal for many players. Baseball is hard, and the jump to MLB can feel like jumping from high school math to rocket science overnight.
Then he took off. By 1995, Jim Edmonds put together a major season: 33 home runs and 107 RBIs, with strong hitting numbers and a big impact. By 1996, he hit .304 with 27 home runs in fewer games. In 1997 and 1998, he added Gold Gloves, showing his defense was getting recognized at the highest level. These years built the foundation of his reputation: a center fielder who could save runs and create runs.
The Big Trade and the St. Louis Cardinals Era
One of the biggest moments in Jim Edmonds’ career came in March 2000. He was traded from the Anaheim Angels to the St. Louis Cardinals. Trades can change everything in a player’s life. New city, new clubhouse, new pressure, new fans. For Jim Edmonds, it became a turning point that led to his most famous seasons.
In St. Louis, Jim Edmonds reached another level. In 2000, he hit 42 home runs, drove in 108 runs, and posted an OPS near 1.000. He was an All-Star, got Gold Glove recognition, and finished high in MVP voting. That year was like an announcement to the baseball world: this is not just a great defender—this is a superstar-level player.
Peak Years: When Jim Edmonds Was at His Best
From about 2000 to 2005, Jim Edmonds had a stretch that many players dream of. He hit for power and got on base at a high rate. His on-base numbers stayed strong, and his slugging stayed high. He also continued winning Gold Gloves, showing he stayed locked in on defense even while being a big bat.
One season that really stands out is 2004. Jim Edmonds hit 42 home runs again, batted around .301, and had an OPS over 1.000. He won both a Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger that year. When a player wins awards for both hitting and defense, it usually means they are controlling games in multiple ways. That is exactly what Jim Edmonds did during that period.
Awards and Honors: What Jim Edmonds Earned
Awards do not tell the full story, but they help confirm how the baseball world saw him at the time. Jim Edmonds was a 4-time All-Star. Jim won 8 Gold Gloves, which is a huge number for any outfielder, especially a center fielder. He also won a Silver Slugger, showing he was one of the best hitting outfielders in his league in that season.
He also took part in the Home Run Derby in 2003. That might sound like a small thing, but it shows his power was respected and marketable. People wanted to see him hit. That is usually reserved for the names fans get excited about.
Postseason Moments and the Road to a World Series Ring
For many players, the postseason is where reputations are made. Jim Edmonds played in multiple playoff series, especially with the Cardinals. In different years, he had strong playoff stretches and also tough ones, which is normal because postseason pitching is often the best of the best.
The biggest team result on his resume is simple and clear: Jim Edmonds is a World Series champion. He won a World Series with St. Louis in 2006. That ring matters because not every star gets one. Baseball careers can be long and still end without a championship. Jim Edmonds got that final reward.
Teams, Late-Career Moves, and How It Ended
Over his career, Jim Edmonds played for six MLB teams: the California Angels, Anaheim Angels, St. Louis Cardinals, San Diego Padres, Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers, and Cincinnati Reds. Most fans link him with the Cardinals because that is where he had his most famous run, but his full career shows a long journey through different roles and different stages.
In 2008, he had a split season with the Padres and Cubs, including a rough stretch with San Diego and a better run with Chicago. Later, in 2010, he played for the Brewers and then the Reds. By then, he was an experienced veteran who could still contribute, even if he was not the same everyday star from his peak years. His last MLB season was 2010. In early 2011, he returned to the Cardinals on a minor league deal, then voluntarily retired in February 2011.
A Quick, Clear Look at the Hall of Fame Question
Whenever a player has big numbers and big awards, the Hall of Fame question comes up. Jim Edmonds has not been elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. In one of his BBWAA voting years, he received a small percentage of the vote, which shows he had some support but not enough to stay on the ballot in that cycle.
Still, many fans keep debating it because of his mix of power, defense, and long-term value. Even if you do not want to get deep into complicated stats, the simple idea is this: eight Gold Gloves, nearly 400 home runs, and a long run as a top center fielder makes people talk.
From Baseball to Public Life: Why His Name Kept Trending
Now, here’s where Jim Edmonds’ story shifts, and this is a good place to pause the first half. After retirement, his name stayed in public conversation not only because of baseball, but also because of his personal life and reality TV connections.
Jim Edmonds was married three times before he went public with Kortnie O’Connor in 2020. He shared children with his first wife, Lee Ann Horton, who later passed away in 2015. He also had children with his second wife, Allison Jayne Raski, and they split in 2014. Later in October 2014, he married Meghan King, who became part of The Real Housewives of Orange County world shortly after their wedding.
The Meghan King Marriage and Life in the Public Eye
After Jim Edmonds retired from baseball, his life slowly moved into the public spotlight in a new way. In October 2014, he married Meghan King. Not long after the wedding, Meghan joined The Real Housewives of Orange County. This brought Jim Edmonds into reality TV conversations, even though he was never a full-time cast member.
During their marriage, the couple welcomed three children together. They had a daughter named Aspen in 2016 and twin sons, Hayes and Hart, in 2018. For a while, they appeared to be building a busy family life. But behind the scenes, things were not smooth. Their relationship became tense, and personal problems began to surface in public.
In 2019, the marriage ended. Meghan King accused Jim Edmonds of being unfaithful, including claims involving a nanny. Jim denied those claims at the time. The divorce became highly public, with interviews, podcasts, and headlines adding more pressure. By May 2021, the divorce was finalized, but communication and custody issues continued to make news afterward.
Kortnie O’Connor and a New Chapter in Jim Edmonds’ Life
In early 2020, a new name entered Jim Edmonds’ story: Kortnie O’Connor. She was later confirmed as the woman connected to earlier rumors during Jim’s marriage to Meghan King. Despite the controversy, Jim and Kortnie became official while quarantining together during the pandemic.
By April 2020, Jim Edmonds made the relationship Instagram official. Over time, his posts showed a calmer and more positive tone. He often spoke about support, healing, and feeling happy again. Many fans noticed a clear change in how he talked about life and family.
In July 2021, Jim proposed to Kortnie O’Connor. The engagement became public soon after. In September 2022, the couple married in a romantic destination wedding in Lake Como, Italy. It was Jim Edmonds’ fourth marriage and Kortnie’s first. The wedding was small, elegant, and focused on close friends and family.
Wives, Parents, Siblings, and Children Explained Simply
Jim Edmonds has been married four times. His first wife was Lee Ann Horton, who passed away from cancer in 2015. They had two daughters together, Lauren and Hayley. These are his oldest children.
His second wife was Allison Jayne Raski. They married in 2008 and divorced in 2014. They share two children together, a son named Landon and a daughter named Sutton.
His third wife was Meghan King. They married in 2014 and divorced in 2021. Together, they have three children: Aspen, Hayes, and Hart. Hart has a medical condition called periventricular leukomalacia, which affects the brain, and Jim has spoken about the importance of care and family support.
His current wife is Kortnie O’Connor, now known as Kortnie Edmonds. They married in 2022 and live together as a blended family. Jim Edmonds has seven children in total and is also a grandfather.
Height, Weight, and Age of Jim Edmonds
Jim Edmonds was born on June 27, 1970. As of now, he is in his mid-50s. Even after retirement, he is still recognized easily due to his athletic build and public presence.
During his playing career, Jim Edmonds stood about 6 feet 1 inch tall. His playing weight was around 190 to 210 pounds, depending on the season. These physical traits helped him cover ground in center field and generate power at the plate.
Although he no longer plays professional baseball, he stays active and healthy. His lifestyle now focuses more on family, travel, and personal balance rather than daily athletic performance.
Jim Edmonds’ Net Worth and How He Earned His Money
Jim Edmonds has an estimated net worth of around $20 million. The biggest part of his wealth came from his MLB career. Over 17 seasons, he earned more than $90 million in salary alone.
Some of his largest contracts included a four-year deal with the Angels and a six-year, $57 million contract with the St. Louis Cardinals. These contracts came during his peak years when he was winning Gold Gloves and hitting 30 to 40 home runs in a season.
After baseball, Jim Edmonds earned money from broadcasting, business ventures, and real estate. He worked as a baseball analyst and color commentator. He also opened several restaurants, though most of them eventually closed. Real estate sales and property investments also played a role in his income over the years.
Restaurants, Business Attempts, and Real Estate Moves
Jim Edmonds tried his hand at the restaurant business after retiring. He opened Jim Edmonds’ 15 Steakhouse in 2007, followed by The Precinct and later Winfield’s Gathering Place. While these projects showed his interest in business, none of the restaurants stayed open long-term.
Real estate became another major area of focus. Jim Edmonds and Meghan King once owned a large home in Newport Beach, California, which was featured on reality TV. Later, Jim purchased a luxury property near St. Louis, Missouri, which he eventually sold.
More recently, Jim Edmonds moved toward a quieter lifestyle. Reports suggest he bought a home in Tennessee after selling his Missouri property. This move fits with his stated desire for privacy and space away from constant media attention.
Nationality, Ethnicity, and Religion
Jim Edmonds is American by nationality. He was born and raised in California and spent most of his professional career in the United States.
He is generally described as White in ethnicity. Jim Edmonds has not publicly spoken much about his religious beliefs. Like many public figures, he tends to keep faith and personal beliefs private unless directly relevant to family or life values.
What stands out more than labels is how often he talks about family, growth, and learning from mistakes. Those themes appear regularly in his interviews and social media posts.
Where Is Jim Edmonds Now?
So where is Jim Edmonds now? Today, he lives a quieter life compared to his playing days and reality TV years. He spends most of his time with his wife Kortnie and his children. Family appears to be his main focus.
He is no longer part of regular MLB broadcasting, but he still follows the game closely. He occasionally appears in baseball discussions, interviews, or social media conversations, especially when Cardinals history or elite defense is discussed.
Jim Edmonds now seems focused on stability, privacy, and enjoying life outside the spotlight. After a long career in baseball and years of public personal drama, this chapter looks calmer and more settled.
Final Thoughts
Jim Edmonds’ life has had many chapters. From a young draft pick to an elite MLB center fielder, From World Series champion to reality TV headlines. From public breakups to a new marriage and blended family.
His baseball legacy is clear. Eight Gold Gloves, nearly 400 home runs, and years of elite defense place him among the best center fielders of his era. His personal life has been more complicated, but it also shows change, growth, and new beginnings.
At the end of the story, Jim Edmonds is more than stats and headlines. He is a former athlete, a father, a husband, and someone who continues to move forward. That balance between career success and personal lessons is what makes his story still worth reading today.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why did Meghan and Jim Edmonds divorce?
Meghan King and Jim Edmonds divorced due to ongoing marital problems and trust issues. Meghan publicly accused Jim of being unfaithful, including claims involving a nanny. Jim Edmonds denied the allegations, but the relationship continued to break down, leading to their separation in 2019 and finalized divorce in 2021.
How long were Meghan and Jim Edmonds married?
Meghan King and Jim Edmonds were married for about five years. They tied the knot in October 2014 and separated in 2019. Their divorce was officially finalized in May 2021.
Is Jim Edmonds married?
Yes, Jim Edmonds is currently married. He married Kortnie O’Connor in September 2022 in a destination wedding held at Lake Como, Italy. This is Jim Edmonds’ fourth marriage.
How many children does Jim Edmonds have?
Jim Edmonds has seven children in total. He has two daughters with his first wife Lee Ann Horton, two children with his second wife Allison Jayne Raski, and three children with his third wife Meghan King.
How old is Jim Edmonds’ new wife?
Jim Edmonds’ wife, Kortnie O’Connor, was born in 1984. She is currently around 40 years old. She is significantly younger than Jim Edmonds, who is in his mid-50s.
Disclaimer
The information in this article is based on publicly available sources and online references. Some details may be unverified or subject to change. This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not claim to represent official facts.
