A very happy 24th birthday to Dodgers shortstop Dee Gordon.

For those who do not know, Gordon’s full name is Devaris Strange-Gordon. He was born in Windermere, Florida, and is the son of former Major League closer Tom “Flash” Gordon, whose nickname seems to be more appropriate for his son.

Gordon didn’t figure to follow in his Dad’s footsteps, not taking up baseball until he was in high school. Prior to that he took up basketball, playing for Avon Park (Fla.) High School, where he averaged 24 points a game prior to committing to Rick Pitino and the Louisville Cardinals.

It didn’t pan out for Dee though, who would move on to Seminole Community College before attending Southeastern University.

In 2008 the Dodgers selected Gordon with their fourth round pick, and quickly saw that their future shortstop would get a quick start to his career. He hit .331 for the Ogden Raptors before stealing 73 bases at Great Lakes. The following year would see him swipe 53 at Double-A Chattanooga, at which point everybody began to take notice.

Gordon’s calling became crystal clear after hitting .331 and swiping 32 bases in 37 attempts last season, primarily at Triple-A Albuquerque.

Dee would finish 2011 with the Dodgers, and hit .304 in 56 games, continuing his tear on the basepaths, stealing 24 bases in 31 tries.

It is this that continues to give Dodger fans hope that the .217 start to this season might be a result of a sophomore slump. Opposing teams have had enough time to slot Gordon into their gameplans, and keep their eye on him once on base.

On behalf of everybody at DodgersNation.com we would like to wish this phenomenal player a very Happy Birthday, and many stolen bases throughout the season.

If you do not follow him on Twitter already, you may do so @skinnyswag9. While you’re at it, follow us too @DodgersNation.