Kumar Rocker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kumar Rocker |
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Rocker with the Vanderbilt Commodores
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| Texas Rangers – No. 80 | ||||||||||||||
| Pitcher | ||||||||||||||
| Born: November 22, 1999 Watkinsville, Georgia, U.S. |
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| debut | ||||||||||||||
| September 12, 2024, for the Texas Rangers | ||||||||||||||
| MLB statistics (through 2024 season) |
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| Win–loss record | 0–2 | |||||||||||||
| Earned run average | 3.86 | |||||||||||||
| Strikeouts | 14 | |||||||||||||
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Medals
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Kumar Rocker, born on November 22, 1999, is an American professional baseball player. He is a pitcher for the Texas Rangers in Major League Baseball (MLB). Before joining the Rangers, Kumar played college baseball for the Vanderbilt Commodores. He was first picked in the 2021 MLB draft by the New York Mets, but he didn't sign with them. After playing for the Tri-City ValleyCats, the Rangers chose him in the 2022 MLB draft. He joined the Rangers and played his first MLB game in 2024.
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Early Baseball Career
Kumar Rocker went to North Oconee High School in Bogart, Georgia. In 2017, when he was a junior, he had a very good 1.63 earned run average (ERA). This means he didn't allow many runs to score. He also had 68 strikeouts in about 55 innings.
That same year, Kumar played in two special games for top young players: the Under Armour All-America Baseball Game and the Perfect Game All-American Classic. Later that summer, he joined the USA Baseball 18U National Team.
College Baseball at Vanderbilt
Kumar Rocker decided to play college baseball at Vanderbilt University. Many people thought he would be picked early in the 2018 Major League Baseball draft. However, he wasn't chosen until the 38th round by the Colorado Rockies. This happened because teams weren't sure if he would sign a professional contract or go to college. Kumar chose not to sign with the Rockies and went to Vanderbilt.
Making History in College
On June 8, 2019, Kumar Rocker made history. He became the first pitcher ever to throw a no-hitter in the Super Regional round of the NCAA Division I baseball tournament. A no-hitter is when a pitcher doesn't let the other team get any hits during the whole game. He also got 19 strikeouts as Vanderbilt beat Duke 3–0.
Kumar was named the 2019 College World Series Most Outstanding Player. This award is given to the best player in the College World Series. Vanderbilt won the 2019 NCAA Division I Baseball Championship on June 26, 2019. Kumar won both of his games in the College World Series. He finished his first year with a 12–5 record. He was also named the 2019 Baseball America Freshman of the Year.
Drafted by the Mets
The New York Mets picked Kumar Rocker with the 10th choice in the first round of the 2021 MLB draft. Kumar and the Mets had agreed on a $6 million signing bonus. This was more money than what was usually given for the 10th pick. However, the Mets decided not to offer him a contract after looking at his medical information.
Kumar's agent, Scott Boras, said that Kumar "requires no medical attention." But Kumar did have surgery on his shoulder in September. After not signing with the Mets, Kumar did not go back to Vanderbilt.
Professional Baseball Career
Playing for Tri-City ValleyCats
Before the 2022 MLB draft, Kumar Rocker signed with the Tri-City ValleyCats on May 13, 2022. This team plays in the Frontier League, which is an independent baseball league. Before the draft, Kumar had a 1.35 ERA with 32 strikeouts in 20 innings for Tri-City. His fastball pitch reached speeds of 99 miles per hour.
Joining the Texas Rangers
The Texas Rangers chose Kumar Rocker in the first round of the 2022 MLB draft. He was the third player picked overall. This reunited him with his former Vanderbilt teammate, Jack Leiter. On July 26, 2022, Kumar signed with the Rangers for a $5.2 million signing bonus.
After signing, Kumar did not play in any games that year. Instead, he worked out at the Rangers' training facility. After the 2022 season, Kumar played for the Surprise Saguaros in the Arizona Fall League. In 6 games there, he had a 2–1 record with a 4.50 ERA. He also had 18 strikeouts in 14 innings.
Injury and MLB Debut
In 2023, Kumar Rocker was invited to the Rangers' major league spring training. He made 6 starts for the High-A Hickory Crawdads team. He had a 2–2 record and a 3.86 ERA with 42 strikeouts in 28 innings. However, on May 16, 2023, it was announced that Kumar would need Tommy John surgery. This type of surgery is on the elbow and ended his season.
On September 12, 2024, the Rangers brought Kumar Rocker up to the major league team. He made his MLB debut that night against the Seattle Mariners.
Personal Life
Kumar Rocker's father, Tracy Rocker, used to play in the National Football League (NFL). Tracy is also in the College Football Hall of Fame from Auburn University. He is currently a coach for the Tennessee Titans football team.
Kumar's grandparents on his mother's side came to the United States from Andhra Pradesh, India. His parents met when his mother, Lalitha, was a student at the University of Maryland. At that time, his father was playing for the Washington Redskins.
