Cody Bellinger isn’t just another name on the Yankees roster—he carries a story that stretches well beyond baseball diamonds and stat sheets. With a family deeply tied to the game and roots that connect him to both American and Greek heritage, his journey feels larger than just home runs and highlight plays. When the Yankees brought him over from the Cubs in late 2024, it wasn’t just a transaction; it was a continuation of a legacy.

His father, Clay, not only celebrated championships in New York but also represented Greece on the Olympic stage. That blend of cultures, family history, and personal belief has helped shape Cody into the athlete and man he is today.

This piece dives into the core of who he is—his faith, his heritage, and his identity as a proud American ballplayer now wearing pinstripes.

Where is Cody Bellinger from, and What is Cody Bellinger’s Nationality?

Cody was born on July 13, 1995, in Scottsdale, Arizona, but his identity is far richer than his birthplace alone.

He grew up in a household that blended American upbringing with a proud connection to Greek heritage. While his environment was quintessentially American – from Little League fields to the major league stadiums where he rose to fame – the shadow of his Greek ancestry added a unique element to his upbringing.

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When it comes to nationality, Cody Bellinger is unequivocally American. However, this straightforward American identity is uniquely enhanced by his family’s international ties.

His father, Clay Bellinger’s 2004 Olympic experience representing Greece, instilled in Cody an appreciation for a broader cultural identity that transcends borders and reminds him of the diverse influences that help shape who he is. Meanwhile, Jennifer Bellinger, his mother, is an American, growing up in Los Angeles. While Jennifer is a former collegiate volleyball player, Clay is a former MLB player that probably inspired their son to carry on with baseball from early on.

Cody Bellinger even played in the 2007 Little League World Series.

Graduating from Hamilton High School in Chandler, Arizona, in 2013, as a senior, he batted .429 with 36 hits. Belli didn’t attend college; instead, decided to play in the league. He was picked by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 4th round of the 2013 MLB Draft.

Cody’s story is often seen through the lens of his athletic accomplishments – a towering power hitter with a keen eye, an MVP, a key figure in professional baseball.

What is Cody Bellinger’s ethnicity?

Cody Bellinger is of white/Caucasian ethnicity, but there is a mix of several other roots.

He is mostly American and one-eighth Greek. But some sources also suggest that his ethnicity includes German, Irish, English, Scottish, and even distant Dutch.

Cody’s paternal grandfather, Daniel Bellinger (the son of Herbert/Hubert Louis Bellinger and Mary Louise Peter), was born in New York. But his international background comes from his paternal grandmother, Penelope A. Meleniclis (the daughter of Emanuel Meleniclis and Helen Schaefer). Emanuel was born in Cairo, Egypt, to Greek parents, Peter Meleniclis and Penelope. And Helen was born in Budapest, Hungary, the daughter of Jack Schaefer.

Is Cody Bellinger Christian?

Faith has always been a quiet but steady part of Cody Bellinger’s life. He identifies as Christian, and while he isn’t someone who frequently makes public statements about religion, those close to him recognize how much it anchors him.

It’s not about grand displays or loud declarations; rather, it shows in the way he carries himself, how he stays grounded despite the pressures of fame, and the values he brings to the clubhouse.

For Bellinger, faith seems less about words and more about action – discipline, humility, and resilience that have guided him through both career highs and struggles.