Marcus Stroman

Marcus Stroman's Biography

Born on May 1, 1991, Marcus Earl Stroman is an American professional baseball player, notably recognized for his stature standing at 5 ft 7 inches, defying stereotypical norms in a sport usually dominated by taller athletes. He is one of only six pitchers shorter than 5 feet 10 inches that have started at the Major League Baseball (MLB) level in the 21st Century.

From representing the United States and Puerto Rican national teams on an international stage to playing for various teams in the MLB, Stroman’s portfolio is broad and boasts of an affluent career featuring impressive accolades. His journey in baseball has been filled with impressive milestones. Before making his way to the big leagues, Stroman was a Duke University alumnus where he displayed remarkable talents on the baseball field playing for the Duke Blue Devils.

Stroman was born to Earl Stroman, a police detective in Suffolk County, New York, and Adlin Auffant. The couple divorced when Marcus was in the fifth grade. Stroman’s heritage from his mother, who is Puerto Rican, made him eligible to represent Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic. Aside from his parents, he also has a brother named Jayden and a sister, Sabria. He also has a cousin, Erskine Kelley, who had an experience playing minor league baseball.

As a youngster, Stroman attended Patchogue-Medford High School in Medford. Here, he nurtured a friendly yet competitive rivalry with Steven Matz, who would eventually become a future teammate during their stint with the New York Mets. Both Stroman and Matz were a part of the same elite travel team, Paveco Storm, for several years during their junior high and high school days. They also lived as roommates during the Area Code Games.

Following his graduation from high school, Stroman enrolled at Duke University, where he played college baseball for the Duke Blue Devils. Here, Stroman made 48 appearances, establishing a career record of 15-13, and setting a Duke record for career strikeouts. His talents were recognized in the 2009 MLB draft when he was selected in the 18th round by the Washington Nationals. However, he opted not to sign and instead chose to continue his education.

Stroman graduated from Duke University armed with a bachelor’s degree in sociology on May 15, 2016. In addition to his degree, he also emerged from college with a reputation of being one of the most major league-ready players available for draft. Amidst much anticipation, he was drafted by the Blue Jays 22nd overall in the 2012 MLB draft, making him the first Duke player ever selected in the first round.

Stroman’s career witnessed a steady climb, rising up to play with the Blue Jays in 2014. This period marked the starting point of his career in MLB. Following the regular baseball season, his hard work and good form earned him a 2017 Gold Glove Award. His performances continued to improve, and in 2019, he was named an All-Star. By the end of the 2019 season, he had been traded to the Mets and signed a three-year contract with the Chicago Cubs prior to the beginning of the 2022 season. However, Stroman opted out of his third year at the end of the 2023 season.

His record speaks volumes of his achievements and commitment to baseball. Apart from his prominent career in MLB, he has also represented at the international level. In 2017, he was named the World Baseball Classic MVP, underlining his valued contribution to the United States team.

Throughout his development years and professional career, Marcus Stroman has demonstrated an unwavering passion for baseball. It’s a journey that started way back in his hometown of Medford, New York, playing with Patchogue-Medford High School, Duke University’s Blue Devils, and presently, for the New York Yankees. Through the years, his love for the game remained intact and with time only grew stronger. From beginning as a young baseball enthusiast to becoming one of MLB’s notable pitchers, Marcus Stroman’s journey truly is a testament to his talent, character, and dedication.