The former CAK pitcher progresses in the Majors

Knoxville, Tenn. (WVLT) – His now world-famous mustache is much-loved, but Knoxville’s Spencer Strider has so much more to offer.

The former Knoxville Christian Academy star, who won Gatorade State’s Baseball Player of the Year in 2017, has carved his way into the spotlight on one of the league’s top teams baseball major.

Strider, who was born in Columbus, Ohio and was a huge Cleveland fan, was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 35th round of the 2017 Major League Baseball Draft but did not sign and played in the college baseball at Clemson University.

Strider missed the 2019 season after suffering a UCL tear that required Tommy John surgery. He returned from his injury in 2020 and was drafted by the Braves in the fourth round of the 2020 Major League Draft and signed with Atlanta.

At just 23 years old, Spencer has made great strides as he works his way to the big club and from the bullpen to the starting rotation. On Wednesday night in Washington, Strider hit a career-high 11 batters as he helped the world champions to their 14th straight win.

Spencer’s mum Bonnie couldn’t be more proud of her talented son who once again fought through Tommy John surgery and came out even stronger on the other side consistently throwing the top 90s and even three digits. Bonnie says: “Spencer is a very determined and very thoughtful guy, which also allows him to get a little too much in his head. Operation Tommy John gave him a real opportunity to set the record straight and take control of it.

His former head coach at CAK, Tommy Pharr, adds: “He’s a smart kid, and I think he’s reworked his arm action a bit and, and the way he trained and everything. I think it was a big problem for him. gain some speed.

Wednesday was Strider’s best career start, as he tied his career high with 5.2 innings and surpassed his previous career high of eight strikeouts. He could get a pair of starts next week against the Giants and Dodgers, both of whom would return at home.

Copyright 2022 WVLT. All rights reserved.

Comments are closed.