50 Facts About Garrett Crochet

Early Life and High School

Garrett Crochet's journey to the MLB began in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. His early years were marked by impressive performances on the mound.

1. Birth and Early Life: Garrett Nolan Crochet was born on June 21, 1999, in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.
2. High School Career: At Ocean Springs High School, Crochet posted a 3–0 win–loss record with a 0.51 ERA and 25 strikeouts in 27+2⁄3 innings pitched during his junior season.

College Baseball at Tennessee

Crochet's talent earned him a spot at the University of Tennessee, where he continued to develop his skills.

3. College Commitment: Initially committed to Jones County Junior College, Crochet later chose the University of Tennessee.
4. Freshman Year: In his true freshman year, Crochet appeared in 17 games with 11 starts, posting a 5–6 record with a 5.51 ERA and 62 strikeouts.
5. Sophomore Year: Crochet went 5–3 with a 4.02 ERA over 18 appearances (six starts) in his sophomore year. He missed the SEC Tournament due to a broken jaw.
6. Preseason All-American: Entered his junior season as a first team preseason All-American by Baseball America and on the watch list for the Golden Spikes Award.
7. Junior Season Cut Short: Missed the first three weeks of the season due to arm soreness and appeared in one game before the season was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Entering the MLB

Crochet's transition to the MLB was swift and impressive, making history along the way.

8. Draft Selection: Selected by the Chicago White Sox in the first round of the 2020 MLB draft with the 11th overall pick.
9. Contract Signing: Signed a contract with the White Sox on June 22, 2020, which included a $4,547,500 bonus.
10. MLB Debut: On September 18, 2020, Crochet became the first player from the 2020 MLB Draft class to be promoted to the majors, and the 22nd player to go straight from the draft to the majors without playing in the minor leagues.

Early MLB Career

Crochet quickly made his mark in the major leagues with his powerful pitching.

11. 2020 Season Stats: Appeared in five games, not allowing a run in six innings pitched. Consistently threw 100 miles per hour and struck out both batters he faced in the decisive Game 3 of the 2020 AL Wild Card Series.
12. 2021 Season: Recorded a 2.82 ERA with 65 strikeouts in 54+1⁄3 innings pitched in his first full season.
13. Tommy John Surgery: Missed the entire 2022 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery on April 2, 2022.

Return and Transition to Starting Rotation

Crochet's return to the mound was marked by a significant transition to a starting role.

14. Return to MLB: Returned to the majors in May 2023 but faced inflammation in his left shoulder, limiting his appearances.
15. 2024 Season: Heading into 2024, the White Sox announced Crochet would move to the starting rotation, making him the team's Opening Day starter.
16. Opening Day Start: In his first start against the Detroit Tigers on March 28, 2024, Crochet gave up one run on five hits in six innings, striking out eight without walking anyone.

Achievements and Recognition

Crochet's hard work and talent have earned him numerous accolades and recognition.

17. Pitching Style: Known for his powerful left-handed fastball, consistently reaching speeds over 100 miles per hour.
18. Career Statistics: As of the end of the 2024 season, Crochet has appeared in 32 starts, registering a 3.58 ERA with 209 strikeouts across 146 innings pitched.
19. All-Star Selection: Named to his first All-Star Game in 2024, leading the league in strikeouts with 150 and strikeouts per nine innings at 12.6.
20. Comeback Player of the Year: Named AL Comeback Player of the Year in 2024, recognizing his remarkable recovery and performance.

Personal and Miscellaneous Facts

Beyond his professional achievements, Crochet has an interesting personal background and unique attributes.

21. Height and Weight: Stands at 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 245 pounds.
22. Bats and Throws: Bats left-handed and throws left-handed, a rare combination for a pitcher.
23. College Major: Majored in nuclear engineering at the University of Tennessee.
24. Draft Consideration: Selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 34th round of the 2017 MLB draft but chose not to sign and enrolled at Tennessee instead.

Overcoming Challenges

Crochet's career has been marked by resilience and determination in the face of challenges.

25. Injury Recovery: Demonstrated remarkable resilience in recovering from Tommy John surgery and returning to the majors.
26. Inflammation Issues: Faced inflammation issues in his left shoulder in 2023, limiting his appearances.
27. Starting Rotation Move: Thrived in the starting rotation, becoming a key contributor to the White Sox's success.
28. Opening Day Starter: Named the Opening Day starter for the White Sox in 2024, marking a significant milestone in his career.

Performance Metrics and Milestones

Crochet's performance metrics and milestones highlight his growth and improvement as a pitcher.

29. Performance Metrics: In June 2024, went 1–1 with an ERA of 1.91 and a WHIP of 0.93 in six starts, striking out 56 batters in 37+2⁄3 innings pitched.
30. Strikeout Leader: Led the league in strikeouts with 150 and strikeouts per nine innings at 12.6 in the first half of the 2024 season.
31. Career Highs: Set new career highs in innings pitched and strikeouts in the 2024 season.
32. All-Star Game Appearance: Selected to his first All-Star Game in 2024, recognizing his contributions to the White Sox's success.
33. Comeback Player Award: The AL Comeback Player of the Year award in 2024 highlighted his remarkable recovery from injury.

Team Contributions and Leadership

Crochet's contributions to the White Sox go beyond his individual statistics, as he plays a crucial role in the team's overall performance.

34. Team Contributions: Played a crucial role in the White Sox's overall performance and success during the 2024 season.
35. Pitching Style Evolution: Refined his pitching style over time, adapting to different situations and opponents.
36. Leadership Role: As a starting pitcher, Crochet has taken on a leadership role within the White Sox.
37. Fan Support: Received significant support from White Sox fans, impressed by his talent and resilience.
38. Media Recognition: Widely recognized by the media for his achievements and potential.

Career Milestones and Future Prospects

Crochet's career milestones and future prospects indicate a bright future in the MLB.

39. Career Milestones: Achieved several career milestones, including becoming one of the youngest players to start on Opening Day for the White Sox.
40. Injury Management: Demonstrated excellent injury management skills, working closely with trainers and medical staff.
41. Team Dynamics: Positively impacted team dynamics, providing a strong foundation for the White Sox's pitching staff.
42. Opponent Analysis: Shown the ability to analyze opponents effectively, adjusting his strategy to counter different lineups.
43. Game Strategy: Improved understanding of game strategy, making crucial decisions during games.
44. Mental Toughness: Mental toughness has been a key factor in his success, enabling him to perform under pressure.
45. Physical Conditioning: Exceptional physical conditioning allows him to maintain high velocity and control over his pitches.
46. Pitch Selection: Developed a keen sense of pitch selection, keeping batters off balance.
47. Defensive Support: Benefited from strong defensive support from his teammates.
48. Managerial Trust: Earned the trust of the White Sox manager, contributing significantly to the team's success.
49. Future Prospects: Expected to continue making significant contributions to the White Sox and potentially become one of the top pitchers in the league.
50. Career Statistics: As of the end of the 2024 season, Crochet has appeared in 32 starts, registering a 3.58 ERA with 209 strikeouts across 146 innings pitched.

Garrett Crochet's Remarkable Journey

Garrett Crochet's path from high school standout to MLB pitcher with the Chicago White Sox is nothing short of inspiring. Born in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, Crochet's talent shone early, leading him to the University of Tennessee and eventually the MLB. Despite setbacks like Tommy John surgery, he bounced back, showcasing resilience and skill. His 2024 season, marked by an All-Star selection and AL Comeback Player of the Year award, highlights his dedication and growth. Known for his powerful left-handed fastball, Crochet's move to the starting rotation proved successful, making him a key player for the White Sox. With a strong work ethic, mental toughness, and fan support, Crochet's future in baseball looks bright. His journey exemplifies determination, making him a player to watch in the coming years.