Carlos Correa

Carlos Javier Correa Oppenheimer Jr. was born on September 22, 1994, in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Raised in Barrio Velázquez, Santa Isabel, he took up baseball early, showing great promise as a player from the age of five. His dedication to the sport received a significant boost when the family persevered despite the loss of their home due to Hurricane Georges in 1998.

Growing up, Correa also excelled in his academics and secured a scholarship to attend Raham Baptist Academy. Despite many challenges, including moving due to recurrent floods and the family’s car being totaled in an accident, Correa’s on-field performances advanced by leaps and bounds. His discipline and potential got him into the Puerto Rico Baseball Academy and High School (PRBAHS) on a scholarship.

Correa, at the age of 17, was already a high-profile player attracting a lot of attention in the games. He significantly enhanced his reputation with a string of strong performances in national events, such as the Perfect Game BCS Finals, the WWBA PG Underclassman World Championships. His game-changing performances, including a record-setting 97-mph throw, caught the eye of major sports publications like Sports Illustrated and ESPN.

In 2012, Houston Astros chose Correa first overall at the Major League Baseball (MLB) draft, making him the highest-selected player ever drafted directly from a Puerto Rican high school. The happy event was marked by much fanfare including a victory parade at his native Santa Isabel.

Signing with the Astros on June 7 for a $4.8 million bonus, Correa started his professional baseball journey at the team’s spring training in Kissimmee, Florida. He showcased his talent playing at the Rookie-level leagues, earning a promotion to the Quad City River Bandits of the Class A Midwest League. Correa’s game continued to impress many, earning him several accolades such as being the youngest player selected for the Midwest League All-Star Game and the All-Star Futures Game.

Riding on his strong performances, Carlos made his MLB debut with the Astros in 2015 as a shortstop, going on to win the American League Rookie of the Year Award. Correa left no stone unturned to justify the faith put in him. He smashed records and milestones, establishing himself as a player of high caliber. The powerhouse shortstop reached several career highlights, such as becoming the youngest to score a home run in playoff competition and a record-setting 12 home runs within his first 46 games.

2017 was an eventful year in Correa’s professional life. He appeared in the World Baseball Classic and won the AL Player of the Month Award for May, becoming an MLB All-Star, and winning the World Series. In 2021 Correa made it to his second All-Star Team, while also bagging the Gold Glove and Platinum Glove Awards.

After seven memorable seasons with Houston Astros, Correa entered free agency and signed a three-year deal with Minnesota Twins. Post a single season with the Twins, he opted out of the agreement. Then followed discussions with San Francisco Giants and New York Mets which did not materialize due to failed physicals. Consequently, Correa returned to the Twins for another season.

Carlos Correa Jr., through his journey, has exemplified the power of resilience, passion, and hard work. His phenomenal accomplishments at such a young age indeed make him an inspiration for future generations of baseball enthusiasts.