Joshua Ronald Hader Bio
Joshua Ronald Hader is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Houston Astros of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Milwaukee Brewers and San Diego Padres. Hader is a six-time All-Star and three-time winner of the National League Reliever of the Year Award. The Baltimore Orioles selected him in the 19th round of the 2012 MLB draft. He was traded twice, including to the Astros, before joining the Milwaukee Brewers organization in 2015. Hader played for the United States national team in the Pan American Games in 2015 and appeared in the All-Star Futures Game in 2016. As a member of the Brewers, Hader made his MLB debut in 2017. In 2021, he became the fastest pitcher in major league history to reach 400 strikeouts. The Brewers traded Hader to the Padres in 2022. Hader signed with the Astros in 2024. Since 2018, Hader has made six All-Star and three All-MLB First Team appearances.
Early Life and Background
Joshua Ronald Hader was born on April 7, 1994, in Millersville, Maryland, USA. He attended Old Mill High School, where he showcased his talent as a pitcher and player for the school’s baseball team. In his senior year, Hader achieved an impressive 10–0 win-loss record with a remarkable 0.30 earned run average (ERA) and 125 strikeouts. His batting average exceeded .400, and he hit four home runs. After graduating from high school, Hader was set to enroll at Anne Arundel Community College but instead pursued a career in professional baseball.
Path to Baseball
Hader’s professional journey began when the Baltimore Orioles selected him in the 19th round of the 2012 MLB draft. He signed with the Orioles for a $40,000 signing bonus, opting to forgo college. Hader’s fastball velocity increased significantly during his early career, evolving from 84–88 miles per hour as a high school player to 94–95 miles per hour as he adapted his training regimen. He made his professional debut with the Gulf Coast Orioles and later played for the Aberdeen Ironbirds, where he excelled, allowing only 14 hits and nine walks while striking out 48 in 28+2⁄3 innings pitched.
Joshua Ronald Hader Career
Early Career (2012–2015)
After being traded to the Houston Astros in 2013, Hader continued to impress with his pitching skills. He played for the Quad Cities River Bandits and later for the Lancaster JetHawks, where he was named the California League Pitcher of the Year in 2014. Hader’s performance earned him a spot on the United States national baseball team for the 2015 Pan American Games. He was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in 2015, where he began to make his mark in the major leagues.
Breakthrough (2017–2020)
Hader made his MLB debut on June 10, 2017, with the Milwaukee Brewers. He quickly established himself as a formidable reliever, becoming the first pitcher to record eight strikeouts in less than three innings during an outing against the Cincinnati Reds in 2018. His outstanding performance led to his first All-Star selection that same year, and he won the National League Reliever of the Year Award. Hader continued to excel, earning the same award in 2019 and 2021, and he led the National League in saves in 2020.
Notable Works and Milestones
Hader’s signature achievements include being a six-time All-Star and a three-time All-MLB First Team selection. He made history by reaching 400 strikeouts faster than any pitcher in MLB history in May 2021. He also played a crucial role in a combined no-hitter against the Cleveland Indians on September 11, 2021.
Joshua Ronald Hader Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Joshua Ronald Hader has received numerous nominations, including six All-Star selections and three All-MLB First Team nominations, showcasing his consistent performance and impact on the game.
Joshua Ronald Hader Awards Won
Hader has won several prestigious awards, including three National League Reliever of the Year Awards and multiple All-Star selections, highlighting his excellence as a pitcher.
Joshua Ronald Hader Family
Joshua Ronald Hader is the son of Tom and Patricia Hader. He is married to Maria Hader, and the couple welcomed their first child in June 2022.
Personal Life
Hader’s personal life has been marked by both achievements and challenges. During the 2018 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, past tweets containing controversial content were discovered, leading to public scrutiny. Hader issued an apology and deleted his Twitter account following the incident. Despite this, he has continued to focus on his career and family life.