What MLB Players are from North Carolina?
North Carolina has been home to an impressive list of Major League Baseball (MLB) players. With the state’s long and varied baseball history, it’s no surprise that many talented players have come from North Carolina and gone on to have successful careers in the MLB.
Notable Players
Among the most notable MLB players from North Carolina are Jackie Robinson, who was born in Cairo, and Jim “Catfish” Hunter, who was born in Hertford. Robinson is widely remembered as the first African American to play Major League Baseball and is credited with breaking baseball’s color barrier. Hunter was a five-time All-Star and a three-time World Series champion.
Other notable players from North Carolina include Andre Dawson, who was born in Miami, and B.J. Surhoff, who was born in Asheville. Both Dawson and Surhoff are members of the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Current Players
There are currently several MLB players from North Carolina. These include:
- Andrew Benintendi, an outfielder for the Boston Red Sox who was born in Cincinnati
- Josh Donaldson, a third baseman for the Minnesota Twins who was born in Pensacola
- Brandon Lowe, an infielder for the Tampa Bay Rays who was born in Kinston
- Trevor May, a pitcher for the Minnesota Twins who was born in Charlotte
- Chris Paddack, a pitcher for the San Diego Padres who was born in Statesville
- Mitch Walding, an infielder for the Philadelphia Phillies who was born in Raleigh
- Christian Walker, an infielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks who was born in Hickory
Minor Leaguers
In addition to the current MLB players from North Carolina, there are also a number of players in the minors. These include:
- Alex Faedo, a pitcher for the Detroit Tigers who was born in Jacksonville
- Joey Wentz, a pitcher for the Atlanta Braves who was born in Hickory
- Ryan Weathers, a pitcher for the San Diego Padres who was born in Monroe
- Cody Henry, an infielder for the Colorado Rockies who was born in Wilmington
- Jade Weems, an outfielder for the Chicago Cubs who was born in Burlington
- Tyler White, an infielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates who was born in Greenville
- J.T. Brubaker, a pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates who was born in Charlotte
MLB Draft Picks
Each year, players from North Carolina are selected in the MLB Draft. Recent picks include:
- Cody Morris, a pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates who was born in Gastonia
- Seth Lonsway, a pitcher for the Cleveland Indians who was born in Cary
- Kris Bubic, a pitcher for the Kansas City Royals who was born in Charlotte
- Conor Grammes, an infielder for the Cincinnati Reds who was born in Raleigh
- George Kirby, a pitcher for the Seattle Mariners who was born in Wilmington
- Alek Manoah, a pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays who was born in High Point
- Garrett Stallings, a pitcher for the Cleveland Indians who was born in Raleigh
College Players
North Carolina is also home to a number of college players who are likely to make it to the MLB in the future. These include:
- Mason Fox, an outfielder for the University of North Carolina who was born in Asheville
- Caden O’Brien, a pitcher for the University of North Carolina who was born in Greenville
- Matt Eardensohn, a pitcher for the University of North Carolina who was born in Charlotte
- Gregory Veliz, a pitcher for the University of North Carolina who was born in Wilmington
- Dillon Dingler, an infielder for the Ohio State University who was born in High Point
- Sam Hall, an infielder for the Duke University who was born in Mooresville
- Garrett Blaylock, an infielder for the Wake Forest University who was born in Greensboro
High School Players
North Carolina is also home to a number of talented high school players. These include:
- Josh Hall, an outfielder for the Moravian Prep who was born in Winston-Salem
- Logan Jarvis, a pitcher for the Crest High School who was born in Shelby
- Jacob Gonzalez, an infielder for the Cannon School who was born in Monroe
- Adam Hackenberg, a pitcher for the South Caldwell High School who was born in Hudson
- Drew Donathan, an infielder for the Apex High School who was born in Apex
- Josh Avin, a pitcher for the East Forsyth High School who was born in Kernersville
- Will Wilson, an infielder for the Kings Mountain High School who was born in Kings Mountain
The Future of North Carolina Baseball
The future of North Carolina baseball looks bright with so many talented players coming from the state. With the right guidance and training, these players have the potential to make it to the MLB and make a lasting impact on the game.
The Impact of North Carolina Baseball
North Carolina has had a significant impact on the MLB. Not only have the state’s players had successful careers, but they have also helped to shape the game in a positive way. North Carolina players have been role models for other players and have helped to break down racial and social barriers in the sport.
Conclusion
North Carolina has produced a number of talented MLB players, both past and present. From Jackie Robinson to Chris Paddack, these players have had a lasting impact on the game and have helped to make it what it is today. With so many talented players from North Carolina, the future of the state’s baseball looks bright.