Jimmy Crooks Bio
James Dale Crooks II is an American professional baseball catcher for the St. Louis Cardinals of Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut in 2025 after being drafted in the fourth round of the 2022 MLB draft. Crooks has shown promise in his professional career, with a strong collegiate record in Texas.
Early Life and Background
James Dale Crooks II was born on July 19, 2001. He attended Trinity High School in Euless, Texas, where he began to develop his skills in baseball. After high school, he played college baseball at McLennan Community College and later at the University of Oklahoma. During his collegiate years, he also played summer baseball with the Wareham Gatemen of the Cape Cod Baseball League in 2021, further honing his abilities.
Path to Baseball
After showcasing his talents in high school and college, James Crooks was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the fourth round of the 2022 Major League Baseball draft. His early career began with the Single-A Palm Beach Cardinals, where he made a notable impact by batting .266 over 23 games. This initial success set the stage for his progression through the minor leagues.
Jimmy Crooks Career
Early Career (2022–2024)
James Crooks made his professional debut in 2022 and continued to develop his skills in the minor leagues. In 2023, he played for the High-A Peoria Chiefs, where he hit .271 with 12 home runs and 73 runs batted in (RBI) across 115 appearances. His performance earned him a spot in the Arizona Fall League, where he played for the Scottsdale Scorpions after the season.
In 2024, Crooks played for the Double-A Springfield Cardinals, appearing in ninety games and batting an impressive .321 with 11 home runs and 62 RBI. His consistent performance in the minor leagues demonstrated his potential as a valuable player for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Breakthrough (2025)
James Crooks was assigned to the Memphis Redbirds to start the 2025 season. On August 29, 2025, he received the call-up to the major leagues when the Cardinals selected his contract. He made his MLB debut that night against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park, where he caught the last two innings of the game without registering a plate appearance. The Cardinals won the game 7-5 in 10 innings.
On August 31, 2025, Crooks made his first MLB start against the Reds and recorded his first MLB hit, a solo home run off Reds pitcher Sam Moll. This moment marked a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his potential as a major league player.
Notable Works and Milestones
James Crooks has quickly established himself as a promising catcher for the St. Louis Cardinals. With a batting average of .133, one home run, and one RBI in his early MLB career, he has the opportunity to further develop and make a significant impact in the league.
Jimmy Crooks Award Nominations
As of now, James Crooks has not received any award nominations in his professional baseball career.
Jimmy Crooks Awards Won
James Crooks has not yet won any awards in his professional baseball career.
Jimmy Crooks Family
Details about James Crooks’ family background are not publicly available at this time.
Personal Life
Information regarding James Crooks’ personal life, including relationships or children, is not publicly disclosed.
