Josh Phegley was born on February 12th, 1988

Written by: Lisa Chang

Josh Phegley: The Unyielding Spirit of a Baseball Catcher

Josh Phegley is a former American professional baseball catcher and current director of player development for Michigan, known for his tireless enthusiasm and unpredictable swings on the field. Throughout his career, he played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics, and Chicago Cubs.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Born on February 12, 1988, in Terre Haute, Indiana, Josh Phegley attended Terre Haute North Vigo High School, where he earned the esteemed title of Indiana's Mr. Baseball in 2006. His impressive stats, including a .592 batting average, 13 home runs, and 50 RBIs, paved the way for his future success.

After high school, Phegley attended Indiana University, where he played college baseball for the Indiana Hoosiers baseball team. In 2007, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Wareham Gatemen of the Cape Cod Baseball League, earning a league all-star selection. His junior year at Indiana saw him slash .344/.467/.633 with 17 home runs and 66 RBIs in 59 games, further solidifying his reputation as a rising star.

Professional Career

The Chicago White Sox drafted Phegley in the first round (38th overall) of the 2009 MLB draft. He began his professional career in 2009 at Class A with the Kannapolis, hitting .224 with 9 home runs and 33 RBIs in 52 games.

In 2010, Phegley faced a series of setbacks due to injuries and an uncommon blood autoimmune disorder, Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP). He spent time at three different levels in the White Sox system, including rookie league Bristol, Class A-Advanced Winston-Salem, and Double-A Birmingham. Despite these challenges, he managed to post a .284 average, 5 home runs, and 26 RBIs in 48 games.

In November 2010, Phegley underwent surgery to remove his spleen, which was believed to be the primary site of platelet destruction. This life-altering event marked a turning point in his career, as he went on to start the 2011 season at Double-A Birmingham before being promoted to Triple-A Charlotte for the last month of the season.

Career Highlights and Major Works

• In 2011, Phegley hit a combined .242, 9 home runs, and 56 RBIs in 116 games.
• In 2013, he made his MLB debut with the Chicago White Sox, playing in 65 games and posting a .206 average, 4 home runs, and 22 RBIs.
• In 2014, Phegley was traded to the Oakland Athletics, where he played in 44 games and hit .267 with 2 home runs and 12 RBIs.
• In 2015, he signed as a free agent with the Chicago Cubs, playing in 19 games and posting a .077 average with 1 home run and 5 RBIs.

Personal Milestones and Key Life Events

Josh Phegley's journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication and resilience. Despite the challenges he faced, including a life-threatening medical condition, he persevered and continued to grow as a player and an individual.

Today, as the director of player development for Michigan, Phegley continues to inspire and motivate the next generation of baseball players, passing on his wealth of knowledge and experience to help them achieve their own dreams.

Legacy and Impact

Josh Phegley's remarkable story serves as a beacon of hope and determination for aspiring athletes and individuals facing adversity. His unyielding spirit and commitment to the game have left an indelible mark on the world of baseball, and his contributions will continue to inspire and shape the futures of those who follow in his footsteps.