Who is Kumar Rocker? All you need to know about the Rangers' top prospect ahead of his MLB debut
Kumar Rocker is set to make his MLB debut with the Texas Rangers on Thursday. The hard-throwing righty is currently the club's No. 2 prospect, and many are excited to see him take the mound.
He made a name for himself by attending North Oconee High School in Georgia. Rocker parlayed that into committing to play for powerhouse Vanderbilt University, continuing to turn heads.
Rocker threw a no-hitter with candy in 2019, becoming the first pitcher ever to throw one in the Super Regional round of the NCAA D1 tournament. That year, he became Baseball America's Freshman of the Year.
The New York Mets selected him with the 10th pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, but he did not sign. The club was worried about his medical history, having had Tommy John surgery that September.
Ahead of the 2022 season, Kumar signed with the Tri-City ValleyCats, a club in the Frontier League. After a few starts, the Rangers selected him with the third overall pick.
Rangers' prospect Kumar Rocker set to make MLb history with start
Kumar Rocker will make MLB history when he delivers his first pitch against the Seattle Mariners on Thursday. He will become the first player of Indian Descent to play in the big leagues.
Rooker's mother is Indian, and it will surely be a big day for not just her, but a great many. There is no denying that will be on his mind as he steps in between the chalk.
Rooker's father, Tracy, played college football at the Univeristy of Auburn. He became a CFB Hall of Famer and now serves as a defensive line coach for the Tennessee Titans.
This has been a long time coming for Rooker. Now, it is time for the hard-throwing righty to show the world what he is mad of.