in Biography

Kevin Kiermaier

American professional baseball center fielder

2k Views

Kevin Kiermaier
American Professional Baseball Player Source: Google

American center fielder Kevin James Kiermaier plays for the Tampa Bay Rays in Major League Baseball. At the high school and collegiate levels, Kiermaier played on amateur championship teams.

Early Life, Education, and Family

Kevin Kiermaier was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on April 22, 1990, to Jim and Chris Kiermaier. He grew up along with his two brothers Steve Kiermaier and Dan Kiermaier.

Furthermore, Kiermaier completed his high school education at Bishop Luers High School in his hometown. He began his baseball career there, playing for his school’s team.

Kevin then enrolled at Parkland College, where he played college football and won awards. He also received a scholarship offer from Purdue University, but he chose to stay at Parkland College.

Amateur Career

The American baseball player began his path to Major League Baseball in high school. During his senior year, he was a member of the school’s baseball team, which won the state championship.

Furthermore, Kiermaier received football scholarship offers from numerous colleges and was on the verge of attending Purdue University.

However, he changed his mind and enrolled at Parkland College, where he became a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).

Kiermaier also won the NJCAA Championship and was named an All-American by the NJCAA.

MLB Draft

Kevin Kiermaier was drafted in the 31st round of the 2010 Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft by the Tampa Bay Rays. Kevin turned down another offer from Purdue to stay with the Rays.

Furthermore, Kiermaier was named the Rays’ Best Defensive Player and the Class AA Southern League’s Most Valuable Player during the 2013 season in Class AA and Class AAA.

Tampa Bay Rays (2013 – Present)

Kiermaier was regarded as the Rays’ top defensive outfielder in both the major leagues and their minor league affiliates.

He made his MLB debut on September 30, 2013, in a wild-card tiebreaker game. He faced the Texas Rangers and the Cleveland Indians, prompting Baseball America to rank Kevin as the Rays’ Minor League system’s tenth best prospect.

2014-2015

On May 18, 2014, Kevin hit his first major league home run against Mike Morin. He was one of the finalists for the Gold Glove Award at the end of the 2014 season, having played in 108 games.

As a result, Kiermaier led all MLB outfielders in reaching 100 MPH nine times in 2015, while the others combined for 27 times.

Not to mention that Kiermaier finished the 2015 season with 42 defensive runs saved. His overall defensive Wins Above Replacement ranked third in the American League, according to Baseball-Reference.

Likely, Kiermaier also received numerous awards for his outstanding performances. He won the Fielding Bible Award as well as the Gold Glove Award for American League center fielders.

In addition, the American League Platinum Glove Award is given to the best overall defensive player in the league.

2016

Kiermaier started the 2016 season by more than doubling his walk rate and increasing his power. Unfortunately, he fractured two bones in his left hand during a game against the Detroit Tigers on May 21.

Kevin, on the other hand, resumed his limited workouts on May 27 following surgery.

Despite missing a significant amount of time, Kiermaier remained one of the best defenders in all of baseball.

Kiermaier also finished the 2016 season with 105 games played and won the Gold Glove Award for the second time.

2017-2018

Kiermaier signed a six-year extension with the Tampa Bay Rays after the 2016 season ended.

Kiermaier, on the other hand, suffered a hairline fracture in his right hip and was forced to sit out for at least two months. Kevin revealed the bad news on June 9.

Nonetheless, despite a second sit-out, he established himself as one of the best defensive center fielders. He finished second in Defensive Runs. With 22, he had the fewest saves in center field.

Kiermaier did not make the Gold Glove Award finals for the first time due to his injury-related time off, as he did not meet the innings requirement.

While recovering from his hip injury, Kiermaier tore a ligament in his right thumb while sliding.

Despite finishing the season with only 88 games, he was named Wilson Defensive Player of the Year despite his injuries.

Injuries

  • 2014 – Due to minor neck stiffness, Kiermaier missed two games.
  • 2016 – In a crazy catch attempt, he fractured two bones in his right hand. 
    His right hand was completely bent backward.
  • 2017 – Kiermaier took a slide that resulted in a hairline fracture in his right hip.
  • 2018 – Not even a month after his last injury, he injured his right thumb during a slide into the second in April.
  • 2018- Kiermaier was hit by a pitch in the same year and suffered a fracture in his right foot.

Net Worth and Salary

Kevin’s salary as of 2020, including the signing bonus, is $10,166,667 due to all of his extended contracts with Tampa Bay Ray. Similarly, his salary in 2019 was $8,166,667, which has risen in comparison.

Because Kevin’s salary has been increasing with each passing season, we can assume that his net worth was greater than $15,000,000 in 2020.

Marriage and Personal Life

The professional baseball player married his long-term girlfriend, Marisa Moralobo, on November 10, 2017, following Kevin’s proposal on February 11, 2017.

The beautiful wedding ceremony was held in St. Petersburg, Florida, with close friends and family in attendance. Kiermaier’s dream had come true.

Furthermore, the following year was a cherry on top for the lovely couple. In a sweet Instagram post, they announced the addition of a new member to their family of two.

Marisa gave birth to a beautiful baby boy in November 2018. Karter James was the name given to him by his new parents. They are also expecting another child in March 2021.

His wife, like Kevin, is a sportsperson. Marisa is a volleyball player at the collegiate level who was named Conference Player of the Week in 2013.

For three years at Warner University, the daughter of Eddie and Gale Moralobo had an outstanding athletic career.

Moralobo and Kiermaier appear to be completely content in their relationship, both on and off-screen.

Physical Appearance

The top-tier defensive center fielder has a stunning pair of crystal blue eyes. He has short brown hair and just enough facial hair.

Kevin Kiermaier has captivating blue eyes and a captivating smile.

Social Media Presence

Kevin is also an active social media user. He has 83.9k followers on Twitter.

Twitter (@KKiermaier39) – 81.1K Followers.

FAQ’s

How quick is Kevin Kiermaier on the field?

Kevin is one of the center outfielders who has thrown a 100-mph throw into the field.

Did Kevin Kiermaier play for other MLB teams apart from the Tampa Bay Rays?

No, Kevin began his MLB career with the Rays and stayed with them. He did, however, play for minor league affiliate teams and received offers from other MLB teams.

Which baseball team did Kevin Kiermaier play for in 2016?

Since 2013, Kiermaier has been with the Tampa Bay Rays. As a result, he played for the Rays in 2016.

Quick Facts

Full Name: Kevin James Kiermaier
Birth Date: April 22, 1990
Birth Place: Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States of American
Known As: Kevin Kiermaier
Religion: Unknown
Nationality: American
Ethnicity: White
School: Bishop Luers High School
University: Parkland College
Horoscope: Taurus
Father’s Name: Jim Kiermaier
Mother’s Name:  Chris Kiermaier
Siblings:  Two brothers, Steve Kiermaier and Dan Kiermaier
Age: 32 years old
Height: 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm)
Weight: 95 kg (210 lbs)
Eye color: Crystal Blue
Hair color: Brown
Profession: MLB Player
Team: Tampa Bay Rays
Position: Defensive Center Field
Jersey Number: 39
Marital Status: Married (to Marisa Moralobo)
Children: A Son, Karter James Kiermaier
Net Worth: Estimated $15 million
Social Media: Twitter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Written by Jami Thompson

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Amy Crawford

Amy Crawford
Nadia_Kassem

Nadia Kassem