Who Are Justin Turner’s Parents? All to Know About Chicago Cubs Star’s Family

Justin Turner, born on November 23, 1984, is the kind of baseball player who’s left his mark on just about every team he’s touched. From the bright lights of the New York Mets to the Hollywood glam of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Turner has been a force to be reckoned with. The infielder and designated hitter has had a journey that reads like a road trip through baseball’s top-tier clubs: the Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, and Seattle Mariners.

But it was with the Dodgers that he became a fan favorite, earning the nickname “The Red Turn 2” – all thanks to his signature red beard and clutch play. Always known for his fiery attitude and clutch bat, Turner’s ability to step up when the stakes are high has made him a key to every roster he’s been a part of. Now, he’s doing his thing with the Chicago Cubs—making waves in a new chapter of his MLB saga. However, nothing is possible without a solid backbone to support and Justin’s parents have been just that for him.

Who are Justin Turner’s parents?

John and Betsy Turner welcomed their son, Justin, into the world in Long Beach, California. The American baseball player also has a younger sister. Justin Turner’s baseball journey didn’t start with a big league moment. According to MLB.com, the storied fable began with a plastic T-ball set and a dad who was there to see him all the way. Picture this: a 3-year-old Justin, full of energy, sliding down the slide, grabbing his bat, knocking the ball off the tee, and then running over to shoot some hoops. That Christmas video remains one of his most cherished memories – and for fans too.

In addition to being Justin’s father, John Turner served as his first coach. John had always encouraged Justin to be the greatest – right from the early days of little league to high school, where he even served as coach of the freshman squad. Justin’s path was also heavily influenced by the relationships John had from his own baseball days. As such, Justin’s baseball circle expanded to include mentors like Fullerton coach Rick Vanderhook and major league veteran Mike Fitzgerald, creating a network that would help him succeed.

That tough, nasty gaming mindset for which Justin is renowned? He attributes that to his father. Early on, Justin Turner realized that the game required more than simply athletic prowess; it also required mental toughness, resilience, and the ability to overcome obstacles. Justin needed his father’s tough-love approach to cultivate that killer instinct. On the field, he might have been rough, but as soon as his young son made a mistake, he would swiftly put his arm around his shoulder and help him get back up.

John Turner taught the children how to perform despite their injuries and how to keep going despite them. Wounds? A slight lingering discomfort, perhaps? No justifications. Such an upbringing teaches you to play through it all, and the young man remembers that lesson well. And boy did the grit pay off! Justin recalled how his father encouraged him to persevere and taught him what it meant to be genuinely strong, both mentally and physically, in an era where players struggled with the smallest mishaps.

How parents paved Justin Turner’s MLB career

Justin Turner’s journey to MLB stardom started early. Growing up in a sports-driven family, it didn’t take long for him to catch the baseball bug, with his parents, John and Betsy, cheering him on every step of the way. According to Rev Up sports, by the time Turner hit Mayfair High School in Lakewood, his passion for the game had already turned into raw talent.

As a shortstop and second baseman, he dominated the field, earning three All-Suburban first team honors and holding a .514 batting average during his senior year. Oh, and let’s not forget: he led his team to a league title and nabbed the MVP award to cap off his high school career. The California native then took his talents to California State University at Fullerton, where he balanced his studies in kinesiology with some serious baseball skills.

The young gun quickly made a splash. He earned freshman All-American honors in 2003, and helped the Titans reach the College World Series. That year, he was named to the All-tournament team, and in 2004, Turner played a key role in the Titans’ triumph, clinching a College World Series title over Texas. He also spent a summer playing in the Cape Cod Baseball League for the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox. He’s known as “Red” because of his red beard, and he’s as committed to charitable activities as he is to the game. He is married to former beauty queen Kourtney Elizabeth, and the two of them share a son who was born last year. Needless to say at this point, Justin Turner is a family man, through and through.