Joseph Andrew Ross Bio
Joseph Andrew Ross (born May 21, 1993) is an American professional baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Washington Nationals, Milwaukee Brewers, and Philadelphia Phillies. The San Diego Padres selected Ross in the first round of the 2011 Major League Baseball draft, where he was the 25th overall pick. He made his MLB debut in 2015 with the Washington Nationals and has since established himself as a notable player in the league.
Early Life and Background
Joseph Andrew Ross was born on May 21, 1993, in Berkeley, California. He comes from a family with a strong background in medicine; his father, Willie Ross, is a pediatrician, and his mother, Jean Ross, is an emergency room nurse. Growing up, Ross and his siblings played youth baseball at Greenman Field in Oakland, where they practiced hitting together in their family garage. A fan of the Oakland Athletics, Ross frequently visited the Oakland Coliseum during his childhood. He attended Bishop O’Dowd High School, where he played as both a pitcher and shortstop before ultimately focusing on pitching. In his final high school season, Ross achieved an impressive 0.79 earned run average (ERA) with 101 strikeouts over 70+2⁄3 innings pitched.
Path to Baseball
Ross was selected by the San Diego Padres with the 25th overall pick in the 2011 MLB draft, despite having committed to play college baseball for the UCLA Bruins. He signed with the Padres on August 15, 2011, receiving a $2.75 million signing bonus. After his selection, Ross began his professional career with the Rookie-level AZL Padres, where he made a brief appearance in one game during the 2011 season. He faced challenges in the minor leagues, particularly during the 2012 season with the Class A Fort Wayne TinCaps, where he struggled with an 0-3 win-loss record and a 9.53 ERA in his first three starts. However, he continued to develop his skills and returned to pitch for the Lake Elsinore Storm and the San Antonio Missions in subsequent seasons.
Joseph Andrew Ross Career
Early Career (2015–2021)
Ross made his Major League debut on June 6, 2015, as a starting pitcher for the Washington Nationals. In his early appearances, he showcased his potential by outdueling established pitchers like Jimmy Nelson and A. J. Burnett, earning wins for the Nationals. His performance earned him a spot in the team’s rotation, although he faced challenges with injuries, including right shoulder inflammation that limited his appearances in 2016. Despite these setbacks, Ross continued to contribute to the Nationals, including a notable performance in the 2019 World Series, where he started game 5 against the Houston Astros. Although he allowed 4 runs in 5 innings, he received a World Series ring after the Nationals won the championship.
Breakthrough (2022–Present)
After opting out of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ross faced further challenges with injuries, including a partial tear of his ulnar collateral ligament in 2021, which required Tommy John surgery. He returned to the field in 2022 but faced setbacks that limited his appearances. In 2023, Ross signed a minor league contract with the San Francisco Giants, where he made appearances across various levels of the minor leagues. He later signed a one-year deal with the Milwaukee Brewers in December 2023, where he began the season in the rotation. Ross compiled a 2–4 record and a 4.50 ERA before being placed on the injured list. In December 2024, he signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, making 37 appearances during the 2025 season before being released.
Notable Works and Milestones
Joseph Andrew Ross has made significant contributions to Major League Baseball, including being a World Series champion in 2019. His career highlights include a strong debut season and notable performances in high-pressure situations, such as the World Series.
Joseph Andrew Ross Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Joseph Andrew Ross has been recognized for his contributions to baseball, including his participation in the World Series and his performances during his time with the Washington Nationals.
Joseph Andrew Ross Awards Won
Joseph Andrew Ross achieved notable recognition as a World Series champion in 2019, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Joseph Andrew Ross Family
Joseph Andrew Ross has a supportive family background. His father, Willie Ross, is a pediatrician, and his mother, Jean Ross, is an emergency room nurse. He has an older brother, Tyson Ross, who also pitched in Major League Baseball from 2010 to 2019. His sister, Frankie, is a pediatrician and played soccer at Portland State University.
Personal Life
Joseph Andrew Ross is of Korean descent through his maternal grandmother. He has maintained a relatively private personal life, focusing on his professional career in baseball.
