50 Facts About Jacob Degrom

Early Life and Background

Jacob deGrom's journey to becoming one of baseball's elite pitchers began in DeLand, Florida. His upbringing and early experiences shaped his path to the major leagues.

1. Birth and Early Life: Jacob Anthony deGrom was born on June 19, 1988, in DeLand, Florida, to Tony and Tammy deGrom. He grew up with two sisters, Sarah and Jessica.
2. Father's Influence: His father, Tony, worked as an AT&T lineman and built a batting cage in their backyard, fostering Jacob's love for baseball.
3. High School Career: DeGrom attended Calvary Christian Academy in Ormond Beach, Florida, where he excelled in both baseball and basketball.
4. Basketball Accolades: He earned the District 9 Class 1A player of the year award in basketball, showcasing his athletic versatility.
5. Baseball Recognition: Jacob was named to the All-Florida second team in baseball during his high school years.
6. American Legion Baseball: Playing American Legion baseball helped him gain exposure, leading to his recruitment by Stetson University.

College Years and Transition to Pitching

Jacob's college career at Stetson University marked a significant turning point, as he transitioned from shortstop to pitcher.

7. College Enrollment: After not being selected in the MLB draft out of high school, deGrom enrolled at Stetson University.
8. Position Change: Initially playing as a shortstop, he was converted to a pitcher during his junior year.
9. Draft Selection: The New York Mets selected deGrom in the ninth round of the 2010 MLB draft.
10. Professional Debut: He made his major league debut with the Mets on May 15, 2014.

Rising Star in the MLB

Jacob deGrom quickly made a name for himself in Major League Baseball, earning accolades and setting records.

11. Rookie of the Year: In 2014, deGrom was named the National League's (NL) Rookie of the Month twice and ultimately won the NL Rookie of the Year award.
12. All-Star Selections: DeGrom has been selected as an MLB All-Star four times: in 2015, 2018, 2019, and 2021.
13. Cy Young Awards: He won the Cy Young Award in 2018 and 2019, leading the NL in earned run average (ERA) in 2018 and strikeouts in 2019.
14. Strikeout Leader: In 2020, deGrom led the National League in strikeouts for the third consecutive year.
15. Career Statistics: As of the end of the 2023 season, deGrom has a career ERA of 2.53 and a WHIP of 0.99.

Record-Breaking Performances

Jacob deGrom's career is filled with record-breaking performances that highlight his dominance on the mound.

16. 2021 Season Start: In his first four starts of the 2021 season, deGrom set a new MLB record with 50 strikeouts.
17. Game Score: His average Game Score across all four starts in 2021 was 79.9, the best of any four consecutive starts in his career.
18. Career Highs: DeGrom achieved a career-high 15 strikeouts in a single game against the Washington Nationals in 2021.
19. Dominant Performance: His 2021 performance was compared to Pedro Martínez’s greatest seasons and Dwight Gooden’s dominating performances.
20. Game Score Record: DeGrom’s Game Score in his complete game shutout against the Nationals in 2021 was 97.6, the highest of any start in his career.

Personal Life and Community Involvement

Beyond his baseball career, Jacob deGrom is known for his personal life and contributions to the community.

21. Marriage: DeGrom married Stacey in November 2014 and has two children.
22. Children: He has a son born in April 2016 and a daughter born in February 2018.
23. Family Traditions: His family has been supportive throughout his career, with his father playing a significant role in his development.
24. Community Involvement: DeGrom is known for his charitable work, particularly in the Orlando area where he grew up.
25. Social Media Presence: His long hair during his time with the Mets led to the trending hashtag #hairwego on Twitter.

Challenges and Resilience

Jacob deGrom has faced numerous challenges, including injuries, but has shown remarkable resilience throughout his career.

26. Contract with Texas Rangers: On December 2, 2022, deGrom signed a five-year, $185 million contract with the Texas Rangers.
27. Injury and Surgery: In June 2023, the Rangers announced that deGrom would require Tommy John surgery after suffering a torn UCL in his right elbow.
28. Career Longevity: Despite injuries and surgeries, deGrom has demonstrated remarkable longevity and resilience in his career.
29. Impact on Baseball: DeGrom’s influence extends beyond his on-field performance, inspiring a new generation of pitchers.
30. Fan Base: He has a dedicated fan base, particularly among Mets fans who have watched him evolve from a rookie sensation to a perennial All-Star.

Pitching Style and Achievements

Jacob deGrom's unique pitching style and numerous achievements have solidified his place among baseball's elite.

31. Pitching Style: Known for his crisp slider and fastball, deGrom has consistently demonstrated exceptional control and velocity.
32. Batting Ability: DeGrom has also shown unexpected batting prowess, hitting .545 in the 2021 season with six hits in 11 plate appearances.
33. Historical Comparisons: His performance has been compared to legendary pitchers like Pedro Martínez and Dwight Gooden.
34. ERA-Plus: DeGrom’s ERA-plus in 2021 was a staggering 1,227, indicating how much better he pitched compared to the league average.
35. Career Wins and Losses: Despite his impressive statistics, deGrom has had a relatively low win-loss record due to the Mets' inability to capitalize on his performances.

Legacy and Future

Jacob deGrom's legacy in baseball is already significant, and his future continues to hold promise despite recent challenges.

36. Spoiled Starts: The Mets have spoiled 24 outings where deGrom had a Game Score of 60 or better by losing while scoring two or fewer runs.
37. Career Highs in Strikeouts: DeGrom has consistently led the league in strikeouts, setting new records each season.
38. Historical Context: DeGrom’s achievements are often placed alongside those of other all-time greats, such as Pedro Martínez and Dwight Gooden.
39. Career Longevity Continued: Despite injuries, deGrom has demonstrated remarkable longevity and resilience in his career.
40. Impact on the Game: DeGrom’s influence extends beyond his on-field performance, inspiring a new generation of pitchers.

Personal and Professional Balance

Jacob deGrom has managed to balance his personal life with his professional career, maintaining a strong presence in both areas.

41. Family Support: His family has been instrumental in his success, providing emotional support and encouragement throughout his career.
42. Offseason Training: DeGrom is known for his rigorous offseason training regimen, which includes extensive conditioning and pitching drills.
43. Mental Preparation: He emphasizes the importance of mental preparation, often citing his father’s advice to stay humble and focused.
44. Philanthropy: DeGrom is involved in various charitable initiatives, particularly in the Orlando area where he grew up.
45. Legacy Continued: DeGrom’s legacy extends beyond his playing career, expected to be remembered as one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history.

Career Highlights and Milestones

Jacob deGrom's career is filled with highlights and milestones that showcase his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport.

46. Career Highlights: Notable highlights include his 2018 and 2019 Cy Young Awards and his record-breaking 50 strikeouts in the first four starts of the 2021 season.
47. Pitching Mechanics: DeGrom’s pitching mechanics are highly regarded, with a focus on control and velocity.
48. Batting Statistics: As a hitter, deGrom has shown surprising ability, hitting .545 in the 2021 season with six hits in 11 plate appearances.
49. Historical Context Continued: DeGrom’s achievements are often compared to those of other all-time greats, such as Pedro Martínez and Dwight Gooden.
50. Career Milestones Continued: DeGrom currently holds the second-lowest ERA and the lowest WHIP among starting pitchers in the live-ball era with at least 1,000 innings pitched.

Jacob deGrom: A Legacy in the Making

Jacob deGrom's journey from a high school athlete to one of baseball's elite pitchers is nothing short of remarkable. His dominance on the mound, highlighted by multiple Cy Young Awards, All-Star selections, and record-breaking performances, cements his place among the greats. Despite facing injuries, his resilience and dedication to the game shine through. Off the field, deGrom's commitment to his family and community showcases his character beyond baseball. His influence extends to inspiring young athletes and contributing to charitable causes. As he continues his career with the Texas Rangers, fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipate what’s next for this pitching phenom. Jacob deGrom's legacy is already etched in baseball history, and his story is far from over.