Adley Rutschman Bio
Adley Stan Rutschman is an American professional baseball catcher for the Baltimore Orioles of Major League Baseball (MLB). He played college baseball for the Oregon State Beavers. He was named the Pac-12 Conference Player of the Year in 2019. The Orioles selected Rutschman with the first overall selection in the 2019 MLB draft and signed him for $8.1 million, which was the highest MLB draft signing bonus at the time. Rutschman made his MLB debut in 2022 and is a two-time All-Star.
Early Life and Background
Adley Rutschman was born on February 6, 1998, in Sherwood, Oregon. He attended Sherwood High School, where he showcased his talent in baseball. Although drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 40th round of the 2016 MLB draft, he chose to attend Oregon State University instead. At Oregon State, Rutschman played for the Beavers and made a significant impact on the team, earning accolades for his performance. In his freshman year, he played in 61 games, hitting .234 with two home runs and 33 runs batted in. Rutschman also played college football as a placekicker during his freshman year. His dedication to baseball paid off when he helped lead Oregon State to victory in the 2018 College World Series, where he was named the Most Outstanding Player.
Path to Baseball
Rutschman’s journey to professional baseball began in earnest during his time at Oregon State. In his sophomore year, he batted .408 and contributed significantly to the Beavers’ success, culminating in their third NCAA Division I Baseball National Championship. His junior season in 2019 was even more impressive, as he batted .411 and was recognized as the Collegiate Baseball Player of the Year. Rutschman’s exceptional skills earned him the Buster Posey Award, given to the nation’s top collegiate catcher, and the ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove Award for his defensive prowess.
Adley Rutschman Career
Early Career (2022–Present)
Adley Rutschman was selected first overall by the Baltimore Orioles in the 2019 MLB draft, signing for a record $8.1 million. He made his professional debut with the Gulf Coast League Orioles and quickly advanced through the minor leagues, showcasing his batting and defensive skills. By the end of the 2021 season, he was recognized as the best defensive catcher in the minor leagues, receiving the Rawlings MiLB Gold Glove Award. Rutschman made his MLB debut on May 21, 2022, and finished his rookie season with a batting average of .254, 13 home runs, and 42 RBIs in 113 games.
Breakthrough (2023–Present)
Rutschman’s breakthrough came in the 2023 season when he was selected as an All-Star for the first time. He achieved a remarkable feat on Opening Day, batting 5-for-5 with a home run, becoming the first MLB player to accomplish this since 1937. His performance in the first half of the season included a .273 batting average and 12 home runs. Rutschman also participated in the 2023 Home Run Derby, hitting 27 home runs in the first round. He continued to impress, winning the AL Silver Slugger Award among catchers and becoming a finalist for the Gold Glove Award.
Notable Works and Milestones
Adley Rutschman’s signature work includes his remarkable performance during the 2023 season, where he earned multiple accolades, including being named to the All-MLB First Team and winning the Silver Slugger Award. His contributions to the Orioles have made him a key player in their lineup and a fan favorite.
Adley Rutschman Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Adley Rutschman has received several nominations, including recognition as an All-Star and finalist for the Gold Glove Award.
Adley Rutschman Awards Won
Adley Rutschman has won numerous awards, including the All-MLB First Team and the Silver Slugger Award in 2023, as well as the Golden Spikes Award and the Dick Howser Trophy in 2019.
Adley Rutschman Family
Information about Adley Rutschman’s family is limited. However, it is known that his grandfather, Ad Rutschman, was a football and baseball coach at Linfield College and is a member of the National Football Foundation College Hall of Fame.
Personal Life
Adley Rutschman’s nickname, “Rooster,” was inspired by his desire to grow a mustache like the character Lt. Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw from the film Top Gun: Maverick. He has expressed his admiration for various MLB teams, initially supporting the New York Yankees before becoming a fan of the Seattle Mariners, citing them as the closest team to his hometown.