Dean Kremer Bio
Dean Junior Kremer is an Israeli-American professional baseball pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles of Major League Baseball (MLB). In 2015, he became the first Israeli drafted by an MLB team. He made his MLB debut in September 2020 and has since represented Israel in various international competitions, winning prestigious awards such as the Most Valuable Pitcher in the European Baseball Championship qualifiers.
Early Life and Background
Dean Kremer was born on January 7, 1996, in Stockton, California. He was raised in a Jewish household and had his bar mitzvah in Israel. Kremer’s parents, Adi and Sigal Kremer, are Israeli and moved to the United States after completing their service in the Israel Defense Forces. His father played college tennis at the University of the Pacific. Kremer is fluent in Hebrew and speaks it at home with his family. He has two younger brothers, Ron and Niv, and his extended family resides in Israel.
Kremer began playing baseball at the age of five in Little League. He attended Lincoln High School in Stockton, where he played baseball for two seasons as a right fielder and pitcher. He graduated in 2013 and was recognized as a Second Team All-League player during his high school career. As a senior, he achieved a 6–2 record with a 2.35 earned run average (ERA) and 37 strikeouts in 41.2 innings pitched.
Path to Baseball
After high school, Kremer attended San Joaquin Delta College for his freshman year, where he played for the Mustangs and became a full-time pitcher. He had a standout season, posting a 13–1 record with a 2.00 ERA and earning Third Team All-American honors in 2015. Kremer then transferred to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, on a baseball scholarship for his sophomore year, where he continued to develop his skills as a starting pitcher.
In June 2015, Kremer made history by becoming the first Israeli selected in the Major League Baseball draft when he was picked by the San Diego Padres in the 38th round. However, he chose to honor his college commitment and played for the UNLV Rebels before being drafted again by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 14th round of the 2016 draft. He signed with the Dodgers and made his professional debut on July 3, 2016, for the Ogden Raptors in the Rookie Pioneer League.
Dean Kremer Career
Early Career (2020-Present)
Kremer’s journey in the minor leagues saw him excel, leading all minor league pitchers in strikeouts in 2018. He was traded to the Baltimore Orioles in July 2018 as part of a deal for Manny Machado. Kremer made his MLB debut on September 6, 2020, against the New York Yankees, where he allowed only one run and struck out seven batters in six innings, marking a historic debut for an Israeli pitcher.
In his first season, Kremer finished with a 4.82 ERA and a 1–1 record over four starts. He faced challenges in 2021, struggling with a 7.55 ERA. However, he rebounded in 2022, achieving three consecutive scoreless starts, tying the franchise record. Kremer’s performance improved significantly, and he ended the 2022 season with an 8–7 record and a 3.23 ERA.
Breakthrough (2023)
The 2023 season marked a significant milestone for Kremer as he became a key player for the Orioles. He achieved a 13–5 record, ranking sixth in the American League for wins, with a 4.12 ERA over 32 starts. Kremer’s pitching was instrumental in leading the Orioles to the American League East division championship, and he received accolades for his performance throughout the season.
Notable Works and Milestones
Kremer’s signature work includes his historic MLB debut and his contributions to Team Israel in international competitions, including the 2023 World Baseball Classic. His achievements have solidified his position as a prominent figure in baseball, particularly for Israeli representation in the sport.
Dean Kremer Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Dean Kremer has received recognition for his performances, particularly in international competitions where he has been awarded the Most Valuable Pitcher in European Baseball Championship qualifiers.
Dean Kremer Awards Won
Dean Kremer has won several prestigious awards during his career, including the Most Valuable Pitcher award in both 2014 and 2015 during the European Baseball Championship qualifiers.
Dean Kremer Family
Dean Kremer’s family background is rooted in Israel, with both of his parents being Israeli citizens. He has two younger brothers, and his extended family resides in Israel, highlighting his strong connection to his heritage.
Personal Life
Kremer maintains a dual Israeli-American citizenship and spends part of each year living in Israel. He is known for his dedication to representing Israel in international baseball competitions and has expressed pride in his heritage and the opportunity to play for his country.
