On Thursday afternoon at Comerica Park, Texas Rangers pitching sensation Jack Leiter marked his MLB debut against the Detroit Tigers. Selected as the No. 2 pick in the 2021 draft, Leiter carries a legacy in baseball, being the son of Al Leiter, a renowned pitcher with a 19-year career spanning from 1987 to 2005.
Reflecting on the emotional moment of informing his father about his call-up, Leiter shared, “It was a long conversation, and I was kind of blacked out. He said how proud he was.” He reminisced about their journey together, from backyard games to this milestone moment.
Leiter’s debut started with a bang as he struck out Riley Greene, the first batter he faced, showcasing his talent with a three-pitch strikeout. Despite a solid start, Leiter faced challenges in the second inning, surrendering a lead against the Tigers, ultimately exiting the game after four innings.
Notably, Leiter’s debut carries historical significance, marking the first instance in baseball history where two brothers who played in the majors have sons following in their footsteps. Al’s brother, Mark, had an 11-season career, and his son, Mark Leiter Jr., is currently with the Chicago Cubs.
Raised in New Jersey, Leiter shares a special bond with New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe, his high school teammate. While Volpe expresses excitement for Leiter’s call-up, acknowledging their shared journey from high school to the pros, Leiter’s path to the big leagues wasn’t without its challenges.
Despite being a top draft pick in 2021, Leiter faced setbacks, and he didn’t rank among the top prospects entering the season. However, injuries within the Rangers’ pitching staff provided him with an opportunity, and he capitalized on his Triple-A performance to earn his promotion.
As Leiter embarks on his MLB journey, he carries the weight of expectations alongside the pride of his family legacy, aiming to make his mark in the majors.