Brent Rooker

Brent Rooker's Biography

Terry Brent Rooker Jr. was born on November 1, 1994. Emerging as a celebrated figure in the world of baseball, Rooker has enhanced his professional career as an outfielder and designated hitter for the Oakland Athletics in Major League Baseball (MLB). Known for his precision and prowess on the baseball field, Rooker made his MLB debut in the year 2020 for the Minnesota Twins. Further enhancing his portfolio, Rooker has also showcased his talents while playing for the San Diego Padres and Kansas City Royals. Being an influential player in the league, Rooker was selected to the 2023 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, showcasing the community’s recognition of his talents.

The journey towards achievement started in Memphis, Tennessee where Rooker attended the Evangelical Christian School. Fueled with his passion for baseball, he enrolled at Mississippi State University to play college baseball for the Mississippi State Bulldogs. The year 2014 saw Rooker being redshirted. However, Rooker bounced back in the very next year, participating in 34 games and displaying his abilities as a hitter. Overcoming challenges and embracing opportunities, Rooker led the Bulldogs to a Southeastern Conference (SEC) championship in 2016. His contribution was distinct, with a hitting record of .324/.376/.578, including 11 home runs and 54 runs batted in (RBIs).

The commendable performance fetched Rooker the opportunity to represent the Brewster Whitecaps in the Cape Cod Baseball League in 2016. Recognizing the remarkable potential, the league named Rooker as an all-star player.

In the year 2017, the achievements of Rooker proliferated. Uplifting his record, he led the conference with a .387 batting average, 23 home runs, 82 RBIs, and the rare accomplishment of winning only the second triple crown in SEC history. This achievement was supplemented with a .495 on-base percentage, a .810 slugging percentage, 30 doubles, and 18 stolen bases. Adding another feather in his cap, Rooker was awarded the C Spire Ferriss Trophy as Mississippi’s top college baseball player in 2017.

Standing as a remarkable year for Rooker, 2017 observed the Minnesota Twins selecting him with the 35th overall selection of the Major League Baseball (MLB) draft. Signed for a staggering $1.935 million bonus, Rooker was assigned to the Elizabethton Twins, following which he got promoted to the Fort Myers Miracle. Playing 62 games for both teams, Rooker batted .281/.364/.566, showcasing his skills with 18 home runs, 52 RBIs, and a .930 OPS.

Rooker’s performances continued to impress and in 2018 he was with the Chattanooga Lookouts. He achieved a batting average of .254/.333/.465 with 22 home runs and 79 RBIs. He played 130 matches in total, striking 32 doubles. The following year, Rooker played with the Rochester Red Wings, earning the International League All-Star honors. Managing to hit .281/.398/.535 with 14 home runs and 47 RBIs in over 65 games reaffirmed the player’s remarkable abilities.

The year 2019 fixed more milestones in Rooker’s journey. On October 10, he got selected for the US national baseball team in the 2019 WBSC Premier 12. The tournament proved fruitful for Rooker as he batted .300/.333/.800 with three home runs and five RBIs in 20 at bats. He was rewarded by being named the best-designated hitter in the tournament.

Rooker’s journey had an important milestone on September 4, 2020. This date marks Rooker being promoted to the major leagues for the first time, making his debut against the Detroit Tigers. Experiencing professional transitions, Rooker was traded to the San Diego Padres in 2022. However, he was again traded to the Kansas City Royals in the same year. After playing 14 games for Kansas City, Rooker was designated for assignment by the Royals.

In November 2022, Rooker was claimed off outright waivers by the Oakland Athletics, where he showcased his abilities and earned a spot in the team. In May 2023, Rooker was named the AL Player of the Week. In July, Rooker achieved the honor of being named to the 2023 Major League Baseball All-Star Game as a reserve, representing the Athletics solely.

Rooker led the Athletics in home runs (30), RBIs (69), OPS (.817), games played (137), at-bats (463), total bases (226) and strikeouts (172). He tied with Esteury Ruiz for the team-lead in hits (114).

His journey continues as a significant part of the Oakland Athletics, where he started the 2024 season as the team’s clean-up hitter on opening day. This path of success and achievement is bound to continue for Rooker defining his role in the baseball community.