Michael Harris II facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Michael Harris II |
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Harris with the Braves in 2022
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| Atlanta Braves – No. 23 | |||
| Center fielder | |||
| Born: March 7, 2001 Decatur, Georgia, U.S. |
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| debut | |||
| May 28, 2022, for the Atlanta Braves | |||
| MLB statistics (through July 12, 2025) |
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| Batting average | .269 | ||
| Home runs | 59 | ||
| Runs batted in | 213 | ||
| Stolen bases | 62 | ||
| Teams | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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Michael Machion Harris II (born March 7, 2001) is an American professional baseball player. He plays as a center fielder for the Atlanta Braves in Major League Baseball (MLB). The Braves chose him in the third round of the 2019 MLB draft. He started playing in the MLB in 2022 and won the National League Rookie of the Year Award.
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Michael Harris II's Early Life and Baseball Start
Michael Harris II was born to Michael Harris Sr. and LaTaucha Harris. His mom worked as a special education teacher. His dad played college baseball at Alcorn State. Michael also has a sister named Mikaylah.
He grew up near Turner Field, which is where the Atlanta Braves used to play. Michael always dreamed of playing for the Braves since he was a little kid. He lived in DeKalb and Henry counties. Later, he went to Stockbridge High School in Stockbridge, Georgia.
High School Baseball and Mentorship
During his high school years, a family friend named Marquis Grissom coached Michael. Grissom, a former MLB player, helped him in summer leagues. He also trained Michael during the off-season.
In 2019, the Atlanta Braves picked Michael in the third round of the 2019 Major League Baseball draft. He decided to sign with the Braves for $548,000. This meant he did not go to Texas Tech University for college baseball. He had also thought about becoming a veterinarian. Before Texas Tech, the Louisiana State Tigers baseball team wanted him only as a pitcher.
Michael Harris II's Professional Baseball Journey
Starting in the Minor Leagues
Michael Harris II began his professional career in 2019. He first played for the Gulf Coast Braves. Soon after, he moved up to the Rome Braves. In 53 games across both teams, he hit well. He had two home runs and helped score 27 runs.
In 2020, the Minor League Baseball season was canceled due to COVID-19. So, Michael did not play that year. In 2021, the Braves invited him to their spring training. He spent the 2021 season with the Rome Braves. He hit seven home runs and stole 27 bases. In June, he was chosen to play in the All-Star Futures Game.
The Braves invited Michael to spring training again in 2022. He started the 2022 season with the Mississippi Braves. He played 43 games there, hitting five home runs. He also helped score 33 runs and stole 11 bases. During 2022, Michael was seen as one of the best young players. He was ranked the 63rd-best prospect in all of Minor League Baseball. He was also the Braves' top prospect.
Joining the Atlanta Braves MLB Team
On May 28, 2022, Michael Harris II was called up to the major league team. He made his first MLB appearance that same day against the Miami Marlins. In his first time at bat, he struck out. But later in the game, he got his first hit and scored his first run.
On May 31, Michael got his first career run batted in (RBI) against the Arizona Diamondbacks. He hit his first career home run on June 13 against the Washington Nationals. In June, Michael played very well. He had 13 extra-base hits out of 35 total hits. He also drove in 16 runs and stole four bases. Because of his great performance, he won the Rookie of the Month Award for June.
On August 17, the Braves and Michael agreed to a big contract. It was an eight-year deal worth at least $72 million. As the season went on, Michael, his teammate Spencer Strider, and later Vaughn Grissom were all considered for the National League Rookie of the Year award. Michael was named Rookie of the Month again for August. He had 16 extra-base hits out of 32 total hits that month. In September, he won Rookie of the Month for a third time. He hit six home runs and had 19 RBIs.
On November 14, 2022, Michael Harris II was named the National League Rookie of the Year. He finished ahead of his teammate Spencer Strider. Michael and Spencer were the second pair of Braves players to finish first and second for this award. The first pair was Craig Kimbrel and Freddie Freeman in 2011. Michael dedicated his award to Marquis Grissom, his youth baseball coach. He continued to work with Grissom during the off-seasons.
In 2023, Michael played in 138 games for the Braves. He hit 18 home runs, had 57 RBIs, and stole 20 bases.
Michael started the 2024 season with Atlanta. He played in 67 games, hitting five home runs and getting 20 RBIs. He also stole eight bases. On June 15, he was placed on the injured list because of a hamstring injury. He was moved to the 60-day injured list on July 24. He returned to play on August 14. That same evening, he hit his first career grand slam off of San Francisco Giants pitcher Robbie Ray.
Michael Harris II's Personal Life
Michael Harris II married Esther in 2024. They started dating in 2021.
