Jacob deGrom Bio
Jacob Anthony deGrom is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers of Major League Baseball (MLB). He initially played for the New York Mets, where he began his professional career in 2014 and quickly established himself as one of the top pitchers in the league, winning multiple Cy Young Awards. Born in DeLand, Florida, he attended Stetson University where he transitioned from a shortstop to a pitcher. His impressive career statistics include being a five-time MLB All-Star and setting numerous records for earned run average and strikeouts.
Early Life and Background
Jacob Anthony deGrom was born on June 19, 1988, in DeLand, Florida. He attended Calvary Christian Academy, a small school in Ormond Beach, Florida, where he played for both the baseball and basketball teams. As a basketball player, he was recognized as the District 9 Class 1A player of the year by the Florida Athletic Coaches Association and selected to the all-state third team for Class 1A. In baseball, he was named to the All-Florida second team by the Florida Sports Writers Association during his senior year. He also played American Legion Baseball, which caught the attention of the coaches for the Stetson Hatters, the college baseball team of Stetson University.
After not being selected in the Major League Baseball draft out of high school, deGrom enrolled at Stetson University and played for the Hatters. Initially, he was exclusively a shortstop during his freshman and sophomore seasons. Although he was considered a good fielder with a strong throwing arm, deGrom struggled at the plate with a career .263 batting average. He made his first appearance as a pitcher in May 2009 and quickly became one of Stetson’s best pitchers, transitioning to the starting rotation midway through his junior season. Major league scouts began to take notice of deGrom when he pitched against Chris Sale of Florida Gulf Coast University, where he also hit his only home run of the season.
Path to Baseball
The New York Mets selected Jacob deGrom in the ninth round of the 2010 Major League Baseball draft, with the 272nd overall selection. He signed with the Mets and was assigned to the Kingsport Mets of the rookie-level Appalachian League. Unfortunately, deGrom faced a setback when he was diagnosed with a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his pitching elbow, leading to Tommy John surgery in October 2010. After recovering from surgery, he pitched for the Savannah Sand Gnats of the Class A South Atlantic League and the St. Lucie Mets of the Class A-Advanced Florida State League in 2012, finishing the year with a 2.43 ERA in 19 games started. DeGrom continued to rise through the ranks, eventually making his major league debut with the Mets on May 15, 2014.
Jacob deGrom Career
Early Career (2014–2015)
Jacob deGrom made his major league debut on May 15, 2014, against the New York Yankees. He pitched seven innings, allowing only one run and striking out six, although the Mets lost the game. DeGrom quickly gained recognition, compiling four quality starts in his first four major league appearances. He was named the National League’s (NL) Rookie of the Month for July 2014 and ended his rookie season with a 9–6 record and a 2.69 ERA, earning the NL Rookie of the Year award.
In 2015, deGrom continued to impress, finishing the season with a 14–8 record and a 2.54 ERA. He was selected as an MLB All-Star for the first time and struck out the three batters he faced during the All-Star Game on ten pitches. DeGrom also made significant contributions during the postseason, tying a Mets franchise record with 13 strikeouts in a single postseason game.
Breakthrough (2018–2019)
Jacob deGrom’s breakthrough came in 2018 when he won the National League Cy Young Award. He finished the season with a 10–9 record and an impressive 1.70 ERA, which led the majors. DeGrom also recorded his 1,000th career strikeout that season and was recognized for his outstanding performance with numerous accolades. He followed up his success in 2019 by winning the Cy Young Award for the second consecutive year, becoming one of only 11 pitchers in history to achieve this feat. His remarkable season included a 2.43 ERA and 255 strikeouts, further solidifying his status as one of the top pitchers in the league.
Notable Works and Milestones
Jacob deGrom’s signature achievements include being a five-time MLB All-Star, winning the NL Rookie of the Year award in 2014, and receiving the NL Cy Young Award in both 2018 and 2019. He has also led the National League in strikeouts and earned run average multiple times, showcasing his dominance on the mound.
Jacob deGrom Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Jacob deGrom has received several nominations for prestigious awards, including multiple selections for the Cy Young Award and All-Star Game appearances.
Jacob deGrom Awards Won
Jacob deGrom has won numerous awards, including the NL Rookie of the Year in 2014, the NL Cy Young Award in 2018 and 2019, and multiple All-Star selections.
Jacob deGrom Family
Jacob deGrom is married to Stacey deGrom, and the couple has three children: a son born in 2016, a daughter born in 2018, and another son born in 2023. They reside in DeLand, Florida.
Personal Life
Jacob deGrom was raised in a supportive family environment. His father, Tony deGrom, built a batting cage in their backyard for him to practice, instilling a strong work ethic in his son. DeGrom is one of three children, with two sisters named Sarah and Jessica. He grew up as a fan of the Atlanta Braves and has maintained a humble demeanor throughout his career.