Catcher who played for several MLB teams, including the Angels and Rays, known for his strong defensive skills and occasional power hitting.
Hank Conger is renowned for being the first Korean-American player to be selected in the first round of the MLB draft, as well as for his illustrious career as a catcher and coach in both the MLB and KBO League.
Conger was born on January 29, 1988, in Federal Way, Washington, to a Korean immigrant mother and an adoptive father. Raised in Huntington Beach, California, he initially pursued basketball due to his tall stature, but eventually shifted his focus to baseball at the age of eight.
During his high school years at Huntington Beach High School, Conger excelled in baseball, earning him the titles of second-team All-American and Gatorade Player of the Year in 2006.
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim selected Conger in the first round (25th overall) of the 2006 MLB draft, marking a historic milestone as the first Korean-American player to achieve this feat.
Conger's illustrious career spanned six seasons in the MLB, where he played for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Houston Astros, and Tampa Bay Rays from 2010 to 2016. Notably, he represented the United States in the 2010 All-Star Futures Game, where he hit a three-run home run, earning him MVP honors.
In 2010, Conger made his major league debut as a pinch hitter for Hideki Matsui, with his first hit coming off Cleveland Indians pitcher Jeanmar Gómez. His first home run was against Jeff Niemann in 2011.
After retiring from playing, Conger transitioned to coaching, joining the Lotte Giants of the KBO League from 2020 to 2021. In 2022, he became the first base and catching coach for the Minnesota Twins of Major League Baseball.
Hank Conger's groundbreaking career has paved the way for future generations of Korean-American baseball players. His accomplishments serve as an inspiration to young athletes, demonstrating the power of perseverance and dedication.
Conger's coaching career has also had a profound impact on the Minnesota Twins, contributing to the team's growth and success.
35 Years Old
Center fielder and designated hitter widely regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of all time, known for his impressive power, speed, and defensive skills. He has won numerous awards, including three American League Most Valuable Player awards.
46 Years Old
A legendary slugger with 662 home runs, a three-time MVP, and two World Series championships, known for his incredible power and clutch hitting.
45 Years Old
A talented outfielder who played for several MLB teams, including the Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Angels, and is a five-time All-Star and former American League MVP.
42 Years Old
A skilled shortstop with a strong bat, known for his clutch hitting and defensive prowess, earning multiple Gold Glove and All-Star selections.
40 Years Old
Power-hitting outfielder known for crushing home runs and winning the MLB Home Run Derby in 2016. He's a consistent slugger with impressive raw power.
51 Years Old
A five-tool player and nine-time Gold Glove winner, known for his impressive defensive skills and consistent hitting throughout his 19-year MLB career.
44 Years Old
A talented right-handed pitcher with a dominant career in the MLB, known for his impressive strikeout numbers and All-Star appearances.
46 Years Old
A right-handed pitcher with a 13-year MLB career, known for his impressive control and ability to eat innings, earning him a reputation as a reliable starter.
