Robert Stock Bio
Robert Anthony Stock is an American professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the New York Mets organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox, and Chicago Cubs, as well as in the KBO League for the Doosan Bears. Stock represented the Israeli national baseball team during the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the second round of the 2009 MLB draft as a catcher, he transitioned to pitching and made his MLB debut in 2018 with the Padres.
Early Life and Background
Robert Stock was born on November 21, 1989, in Bellevue, Washington, and grew up in Agoura Hills and Westlake Village, California. He is of Jewish descent and attended temple and Hebrew school during his childhood. His parents, Gregg and Randi Stock, encouraged his athletic pursuits, and he has two brothers, Richard and Jacob, and two sisters, Sasha and Sabina. From a young age, Stock showed promise as a baseball player, throwing an 80-mile-per-hour fastball at just 12 years old. In 2002, he led his team to victory in the Pony Baseball’s Bronco League World Series, throwing a no-hitter in the championship game.
Path to Baseball
Stock attended Agoura High School, where he played as a catcher and pitcher for the school’s baseball team. During his sophomore year, he achieved a .405 batting average and a 5–1 win-loss record as a pitcher. His junior year saw him batting .456 with six home runs and a 5–3 record on the mound. Recognized for his talent, Stock was named Baseball America’s 2005 Youth Player of the Year and graduated early with a 3.8 GPA. He then enrolled at the University of Southern California (USC) in its Resident Honors Program, becoming the first athlete in USC history to participate in this program. At USC, he played both catcher and pitcher, achieving a .263 batting average and an 8–7 record with a 3.38 ERA as a pitcher.
Robert Stock Career
Early Career (2018–2019)
Stock’s professional career began when the St. Louis Cardinals selected him as a catcher in the second round of the 2009 MLB draft. He signed for a $525,000 bonus and quickly made a name for himself, being named a Topps Short-Season/Rookie All-Star in 2009. After transitioning to a full-time pitcher in 2013, he made his MLB debut on June 24, 2018, with the San Diego Padres. In his debut season, he recorded a 1–1 record with a 2.50 ERA over 32 relief appearances. His fastball consistently reached impressive speeds, including a pitch clocked at 100.6 miles per hour.
Breakthrough (2020–2021)
In 2020, Stock was claimed off waivers by the Boston Red Sox, where he made his first appearance on August 11. He struggled with command during his time with the Red Sox, finishing the season with a 0–1 record and a 4.73 ERA. The following year, he was claimed by the Chicago Cubs but faced challenges that led to his designation for assignment. On June 22, 2021, Stock was claimed by the New York Mets, where he made three starts, recording an 0–2 record and an 8.00 ERA before being placed on the injured list.
Notable Works and Milestones
Stock’s career has seen him transition from a catcher to a successful pitcher, with notable performances in both Major League Baseball and the KBO League. He signed with the Doosan Bears in 2022, where he achieved a 9–10 record with a 3.60 ERA and 138 strikeouts. His ability to throw at high velocities has made him a standout player, and he continues to work towards establishing himself in the MLB.
Robert Stock Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Robert Stock has received recognition for his performances, including being named a Topps Short-Season/Rookie All-Star in 2009.
Robert Stock Awards Won
Robert Stock has not yet won any major awards in his professional baseball career.
Robert Stock Family
Robert Stock is married to Sara Stock (née Krutewicz). The couple met on a blind date while Sara was on spring break in Palm Beach, where Stock was attending Cardinals spring training.
Personal Life
Stock maintains a private personal life, focusing primarily on his baseball career. He has expressed a deep passion for the game and a determination to succeed at the highest levels of professional baseball.
