Zack Wheeler

Zack Wheeler's Biography

Zachary Harrison Wheeler, renowned as Zack Wheeler, was born on May 30, 1990. The American professional baseball player currently serves as a pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies of Major League Baseball (MLB). Before this, he played for the New York Mets in the MLB. Wheeler’s introduction to baseball came early as he was born into a family passionate about the sport. His birthplace was Smyrna, Georgia, but his family relocated to Dallas, Georgia, shortly before he started high school.

At East Paulding High School, Dallas, Wheeler proved his mettle in baseball by leading his school team to state playoffs in 2009. This athletic young pitcher pushed his talent further by pitching a no-hitter against Mill Creek High School. A no-hitter is an accomplishment where a pitcher or pitchers complete a full game without allowing the opposing team a single hit. The San Francisco Giants took note of Wheeler’s talent and selected him sixth overall in the 2009 MLB Draft. Wheeler, having a promising future in professional baseball, decided to sign with the Giants rather than proceed with his initial college baseball commitment at Kennesaw State.

For two consecutive years in 2010 and 2011, Wheeler played within the Giants’ minor league teams. However, in July 2011, he was traded to the New York Mets. From then onwards, Wheeler diligently worked his way up through the Mets’ farm system and eventually made his major league debut in 2013.

Unfortunately, a significant setback loomed on the horizon. Wheeler tore his ulnar collateral ligament during spring training in 2015. The injury was severe, requiring Tommy John surgery. There was optimism that the pitcher would return in the 2016 season, but he encountered successive setbacks throughout his rehabilitation. His return to active pitching was consequently delayed until 2017.

Hobbled by injuries in 2017, Wheeler made a strong comeback in 2018. That year, he hit career-high numbers of strikeouts and innings pitched. By the end of the 2019 season, Wheeler had transitioned into a free agent. He then signed a five-year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies in December 2019.

His stint in the 2020 season was abridged by a fingernail injury. Nevertheless, he started strong in 2021, becoming the third pitcher in Phillies’ history to strike out 10 or more batters in three consecutive starts.

Wheeler’s passion for baseball was nurtured from childhood. Born to parents Barry and Elaine Wheeler, his father played amateur baseball for 15 years, while his mother continued competing in softball even after becoming a mother. Young Wheeler, the youngest of three brothers, grew up in a family fervently passionate about baseball. His oldest brother Jacob’s sports career was cut short due to medical issues, but his middle brother, Adam, had minor league experience as a pitcher in the New York Yankees farm system until an injury restricted him.

The Wheeler family relocated to Dallas, Georgia when Zack was 13. It marked a departure from his brothers as he attended East Paulding High School rather than Campbell High School. As a junior in 2008, he recorded an 8-3 win-loss ratio with a 1.31 ERA and 127 strikeouts in over 64 innings. His exemplary performance named him Georgia High School Association 4A Region Pitcher of the Year. In his senior year, Wheeler set a school record with 149 strikeouts in 76 innings and an unbeaten 9-0 record and 0.54 ERA. He also majored as a designated hitter, evidenced by his .280 batting average in his senior year.

Wheeler’s form was phenomenal in the second round of the 2009 Class 5A state playoffs when he pitched his first no-hitter against Mill Creek High School. In recognition of his remarkable prowess, East Paulding retired Wheeler’s No. 45 jersey in 2015.
Following his selection by the San Francisco Giants in the 2010 MLB Draft, Wheeler had committed to joining Kennesaw State College, but he chose a professional career, signing with the Giants for a $3.3 million bonus. His initial 2010 season had him assigned to the Class A Augusta GreenJackets of the South Atlantic League, where he was initially benched due to a fingernail injury.

After recovery, Wheeler was back on the mound, contributing to the GreenJackets and later making appearances in the 2010 All-Star Futures Game in Anaheim, California. In 2011, Baseball America declared Wheeler as the Giants’ number two prospect, lauding him for having the “best fastball” in the Giants’ farm system. He was then assigned to Class A-Advanced San Jose Giants.

In July 2011, Wheeler’s career took a turning point when he was traded over to the New York Mets for veteran outfielder Carlos Beltrán and cash considerations. He completed the season with Class A St. Lucie Mets, finishing with an impressive 2-2 record, a 2.00 ERA and 31 strikeouts in just over 27 innings.

2012 found Wheeler at the Double-A Binghamton Mets of the Eastern League, rapidly making strides in his baseball career. He continued his excellent pitching form, earning a place in the Eastern League All-Star team and a second selection to the All-Star Future Game. After outstanding performances in Double-A, Wheeler found himself promoted to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons in August 2012.

The subsequent 2013 season had Wheeler pitching for the Las Vegas 51s of the Pacific Coast League, having been pushed further in his baseball career. Despite a slow start, he regained his momentum, striking out eight batters in just over six innings against the Reno Aces, before his subsequent ascent to the major league. His major league debut occurred on June 18, 2013, when he pitched six shutout innings in the second game of a doubleheader against the Atlanta Braves.

However, injuries marred Wheeler’s career, leading to limited performances and multiple times on the disabled list with varying ailments. Despite these setbacks, he continued to be a valuable player for his team, showing his tenacity and determination in each game. This resilience serves as a testament to his passion for the game and his commitment to his team.