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 2024 season) |
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| Batting average | .285 | ||
| Home runs | 53 | ||
| Runs batted in | 169 | ||
| Stolen bases | 50 | ||
| Teams | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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Michael Machion Harris II, born on March 7, 2001, is an American professional baseball player. He plays as a center fielder for the Atlanta Braves. The Braves are a team in Major League Baseball (MLB). He was chosen by the Braves in the 2019 MLB draft. Michael started playing in the MLB in 2022. That same year, he won the National League Rookie of the Year Award.
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Early Life and Baseball Dreams
Michael Harris II was born to Michael Harris Sr. and LaTaucha Harris. His mom was a special education teacher. His dad played college baseball at Alcorn State University. Michael also has a sister named Mikaylah.
Growing up near Turner Field, Michael always dreamed of playing for the Atlanta Braves. He spent his childhood in DeKalb and Henry counties. Later, he went to Stockbridge High School in Stockbridge, Georgia. During summers, a family friend and former baseball star, Marquis Grissom, coached him. Grissom also helped Michael train in the off-season.
After high school, the Atlanta Braves picked Michael in the third round of the 2019 Major League Baseball draft. He signed with the Braves for $548,000. This meant he decided not to play college baseball at Texas Tech University. He also gave up his idea of going to veterinary school.
Professional Baseball Journey
Starting in the Minor Leagues
Michael Harris II began his professional career in 2019. He played for the Gulf Coast Braves first. Then, he moved up to the Rome Braves. In 53 games that year, he had a batting average of .277. He hit two home runs and brought in 27 runs for his team.
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused the Minor League Baseball season to be canceled. 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. He also brought in 64 runs. In June, he was chosen to play in the All-Star Futures Game. This game features top young players.
The Braves invited Michael to spring training again in 2022. He started the 2022 season with the Mississippi Braves. In 43 games, he hit five home runs and stole 11 bases. He also brought in 33 runs. During this time, Michael was seen as one of the best young players in all of Minor League Baseball. He was also the Braves' top young player.
Joining the Atlanta Braves
On May 28, 2022, Michael Harris II was called up to the major leagues. 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, he brought in his first career run against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Michael hit his first career home run on June 13 against the Washington Nationals. In June, he played really well. He had 35 hits, and 13 of them were extra-base hits. He also brought 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, along with his teammates Spencer Strider and Vaughn Grissom, were all considered for the National League Rookie of the Year Award. Michael won Rookie of the Month again for August. He had 32 hits, and 16 of them were extra-base hits. In September, he won Rookie of the Month for a third time. He hit six home runs and brought in 19 runs.
On November 14, Michael Harris II was named the 2022 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, who had taught him baseball when he was younger.
In 2023, Michael played in 138 games for the Braves. He hit 18 home runs, brought in 57 runs, and stole 20 bases.
Michael started the 2024 season with the Braves. He played in 67 games. On June 15, he had to go on the injured list because of a hamstring injury. He was able to return to playing on August 14. That same night, he hit his first career grand slam off of San Francisco Giants pitcher Robbie Ray.
