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50 Facts About Jordan Montgomery

Virgie Angel

Written by Virgie Angel

Published: 04 Oct 2024

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Source: Forbes.com

Who is Jordan Montgomery? Jordan Blackmon Montgomery, also known as "Gumby" or "Monty," is a talented American professional baseball pitcher. Born on December 27, 1992, in Sumter, South Carolina, Montgomery's journey from high school star to Major League Baseball (MLB) standout is nothing short of inspiring. He played college baseball for the South Carolina Gamecocks before being drafted by the New York Yankees in 2014. Known for his impressive pitching skills, Montgomery has played for the Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals, Texas Rangers, and currently, the Arizona Diamondbacks. His career highlights include winning a World Series championship with the Rangers in 2023 and being named to the All-MLB Second Team the same year.

Key Takeaways:

  • Jordan Montgomery's journey from high school state champion to MLB star showcases his resilience and talent, earning him a memorable college nickname "Gumby" and a successful career with the New York Yankees.
  • Despite facing injuries and trades, Jordan Montgomery's determination led him to a World Series championship with the Texas Rangers, highlighting his impact on the game and his leadership within the team.
Table of Contents
01Early Life and High School Achievements
02College Career and Nickname
03Draft and Minor League Journey
04Climbing the Ranks
05Major League Debut and Early Career
06Overcoming Injuries
07Trades and New Beginnings
08Physical Stats and Current Team
09Career Stats and Achievements
10Postseason Performance and Injuries
11Recent Career Moves
12Social Media and Recognition
13Leadership and Legacy
14Montgomery's Lasting Impact

Early Life and High School Achievements

Jordan Montgomery's journey to MLB stardom began in Sumter, South Carolina. His early years laid the foundation for his future success.

  1. Birth and Early Life: Jordan Blackmon Montgomery was born on December 27, 1992, in Sumter, South Carolina.
  2. High School Baseball: Montgomery attended Sumter High School, where he played for the school's baseball team and was named the state's player of the year as a senior.
  3. High School State Championship: He won a high school state championship in 2011 and was later named Pitcher of the Decade in South Carolina by Diamond Prospects.

College Career and Nickname

Montgomery's college years were pivotal, shaping his skills and earning him a memorable nickname.

  1. College Baseball: Montgomery enrolled at the University of South Carolina and played college baseball for the South Carolina Gamecocks baseball team.
  2. College Achievements: He was named Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week on April 9, 2012, and a Freshman All-American.
  3. College Nickname: Montgomery earned the nickname "Gumby" in college after a senior baseball player used it to make fun of his long limbs and lack of coordination.

Draft and Minor League Journey

Montgomery's professional career began with the New York Yankees, where he honed his skills in the minor leagues.

  1. Draft Selection: The New York Yankees selected Montgomery in the fourth round (122nd overall) of the 2014 MLB draft.
  2. Signing Bonus: He signed with the Yankees, receiving a $424,000 signing bonus.
  3. Minor League Debut: Montgomery began his professional career with the Gulf Coast Yankees of the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League and later pitched for the Staten Island Yankees of the Low–A New York–Penn League.
  4. Minor League Stats: In his minor league career, Montgomery pitched to a 1–1 win–loss record with a 3.79 earned run average (ERA) in 19 innings pitched.

Climbing the Ranks

Montgomery's journey through the minor leagues showcased his growing talent and determination.

  1. Promotion to Charleston RiverDogs: In 2015, he began the season with the Charleston RiverDogs of the Single–A South Atlantic League.
  2. Promotion to Tampa Yankees: The Yankees promoted him to the Tampa Yankees of the High–A Florida State League in June 2015.
  3. Performance in Tampa Yankees: Prior to the All-Star Break, Montgomery pitched to a 3.65 ERA, striking out 87 batters in 91+1⁄3 innings.

Major League Debut and Early Career

Montgomery's debut in the MLB marked the beginning of a promising career with the Yankees.

  1. No-Hitter Bid: On July 25, against the Cincinnati Reds, Montgomery took a no-hitter into the sixth inning before Scott Schebler hit a double to break up the bid.
  2. Optioned to Triple-A: On August 6, he was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.
  3. Recalled After Sabathia Injury: Montgomery was recalled on August 11 after CC Sabathia suffered a knee injury.
  4. Head Injury: On August 12, Montgomery was struck in the head by an errant foul ball during batting practice while signing autographs prior to the game; he was not seriously hurt.
  5. 2017 MLB Debut: Montgomery made his MLB debut on April 12, 2017, for the New York Yankees.
  6. 2017 Season Stats: In 29 starts in 2017, Montgomery finished with a 9–7 record and a 3.88 ERA.

Overcoming Injuries

Montgomery faced several challenges, including injuries that tested his resilience.

  1. Injury Recovery: Montgomery started the 2019 season on the 60-day injured list while still recovering from the previous season's surgery.
  2. Return to Yankees: He returned to the Yankees on September 15, 2019.
  3. 2020 Season Stats: In 2020, Montgomery pitched to a 5.11 ERA with 47 strikeouts in 44 innings pitched, while on defense he led all AL pitchers in errors, with three.
  4. 2021 Season Stats: In 2021, Montgomery had a 6–7 record and a 3.83 ERA in 157+1⁄3 innings.

Trades and New Beginnings

Montgomery's career took new turns with trades to different teams, each offering fresh opportunities.

  1. Trade to St. Louis Cardinals: The Yankees traded Montgomery to the St. Louis Cardinals in 2022.
  2. Trade to Texas Rangers: The Cardinals traded him to the Texas Rangers, where he won his first championship in the 2023 World Series.
  3. World Series Championship: Montgomery won his first World Series championship with the Texas Rangers in 2023.
  4. All-MLB Second Team: He was named to the All-MLB Second Team in 2023.

Physical Stats and Current Team

Montgomery's physical attributes and current team status highlight his ongoing career.

  1. Height and Weight: Montgomery stands at 6 feet 6 inches (198 cm) tall and weighs 228 pounds (103 kg).
  2. Bats and Throws: He bats left-handed and throws left-handed.
  3. Current Team: As of the latest updates, Montgomery is playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Career Stats and Achievements

Montgomery's career statistics and achievements reflect his impact on the game.

  1. Career Stats: In his MLB career, Montgomery has pitched to a 46–41 win-loss record with a 4.03 ERA over 872 innings pitched.
  2. Strikeouts: He has accumulated 788 strikeouts in his MLB career.
  3. WHIP: Montgomery has maintained a 1.27 WHIP throughout his career.
  4. Advanced Pitching Metrics: His advanced pitching metrics include a 3.80 ERA in the American League (AL) and a 3.75 ERA in the National League (NL).

Postseason Performance and Injuries

Montgomery's postseason performance and injury history have shaped his career trajectory.

  1. Postseason Performance: Montgomery has shown impressive postseason performance, including a notable diving catch in the 2023 wild-card series against the Tampa Bay Rays.
  2. Injury Issues: He has faced several injury issues, including Tommy John surgery and right knee inflammation, which have impacted his performance.
  3. Recall from Injured List: Montgomery was activated from the 60-day injured list on November 1, 2018.

Recent Career Moves

Montgomery's recent career moves and contract details highlight his ongoing journey in MLB.

  1. Diamondbacks Debut: He made his Diamondbacks debut on April 19, 2023, against the San Francisco Giants, allowing just one run over six innings.
  2. Injury in 2023: Montgomery was placed on the 15-day injured list with right knee inflammation on July 2, 2023.
  3. Reinstatement: He was reinstated on July 23, 2023, and allowed one run over five innings against the Kansas City Royals, earning the win.
  4. Move to Bullpen: Following 19 starts where he accumulated a 6.44 ERA over 95 innings pitched, the Diamondbacks announced on August 23 that Montgomery would move to the bullpen.
  5. 2024 Season Stats: Montgomery finished the 2024 season with a 6.23 ERA in 25 games (21 starts).
  6. Contract Details: He signed a one-year contract worth $25 million with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2024.

Social Media and Recognition

Montgomery's presence on social media and his numerous awards showcase his popularity and talent.

  1. Social Media Presence: Montgomery is active on social media, with his Twitter handle being @Gumbynation34 and his Instagram handle being @gumbynation34.
  2. Awards and Recognition: Throughout his career, Montgomery has received several awards and recognitions, including being named SAL Pitcher of the Week, FSL Pitcher of the Week, MiLB.com Organization All-Star, EAS Mid-Season All-Star, EAS Post-Season All-Star, and Baseball America Double-A All-Star.
  3. Baseball America Major League All-Rookie Team: He was named to the Baseball America Major League All-Rookie Team in 2017.

Leadership and Legacy

Montgomery's leadership and legacy in baseball continue to inspire his teammates and fans.

  1. World Series Championship with Texas Rangers: Montgomery's first World Series championship was with the Texas Rangers in 2023.
  2. Competitive Nature: His teammates have praised his competitive nature, which was evident in his spectacular diving catch during the 2023 wild-card series against the Tampa Bay Rays.
  3. Leadership Role: Montgomery has taken on a leadership role within the team, inspiring his teammates with his all-in attitude.
  4. Legacy in Baseball: As a pitcher with a strong work ethic and impressive career statistics, Jordan Montgomery continues to leave a lasting legacy in the world of baseball.

Montgomery's Lasting Impact

Jordan Montgomery's journey from a high school standout in Sumter, South Carolina, to a World Series champion with the Texas Rangers showcases his dedication and talent. Known as "Gumby" for his long limbs, Montgomery's career has been marked by resilience and impressive stats. From his college days at the University of South Carolina to his MLB debut with the New York Yankees, he's consistently proven his worth. Despite injuries, including Tommy John surgery, Montgomery's comeback stories are inspiring. His move to the Arizona Diamondbacks and subsequent performances highlight his adaptability. With a career ERA of 4.03 and over 788 strikeouts, Montgomery's contributions to baseball are significant. His leadership and competitive spirit continue to inspire teammates and fans alike. As he plays on, Montgomery's legacy in baseball remains strong, proving he's a force to be reckoned with on the mound.

Frequently Asked Questions

What teams has Jordan Montgomery played for in MLB?
Montgomery has shown his skills on the mound for the New York Yankees and the St. Louis Cardinals. His journey in Major League Baseball (MLB) started with the Yankees, where he first made a name for himself before joining the Cardinals.
How did Jordan Montgomery perform in his MLB debut?
On a day that'll stick with him forever, Montgomery made quite the splash during his MLB debut. He pitched impressively, showcasing his talent and proving he belonged in the big leagues from the get-go.
What's notable about Montgomery's pitching style?
Known for his crafty left-handed pitching, Montgomery mixes up his pitches effectively, keeping batters guessing. His arsenal includes a deceptive changeup, a sharp curveball, and a fastball that he can locate with precision.
Has Jordan Montgomery won any awards or received any special recognition in his career?
While he might not have a trophy case full of awards, Montgomery's performances have not gone unnoticed. His consistency and improvements over the seasons have earned him recognition as a reliable starter in his team's rotation.
What challenges has Montgomery faced in his career?
Like many athletes, Montgomery has had his fair share of hurdles. He's bounced back from injuries, including undergoing Tommy John surgery, which sidelined him for a significant part of a season. Yet, he's shown resilience, returning to the mound stronger.
How does Montgomery contribute off the field?
Beyond his baseball achievements, Montgomery is known for his community involvement and charitable efforts. He's participated in various events and initiatives aimed at giving back, highlighting his commitment to making a difference off the field as well.
What's a fun fact about Jordan Montgomery that fans might not know?
Away from baseball, Montgomery has an interesting hobby – he's quite the fishing enthusiast. When he's not striking out batters, you might find him enjoying a peaceful day fishing, showcasing a different kind of patience and skill.

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