Former Mississippi State outfielder Brent Rooker has been named to a Major League Baseball All-Star roster for the first time in his career.
Rooker was selected as a reserve designated hitter for the American League behind starter Shohei Ohtani, the reigning Edgar Martinez DH of the Year Award winner.
Though Rooker has spent the bulk of his professional baseball days in the minor leagues, the slugger found his place with the Oakland Athletics after being claimed off waivers from the Kansas City Royals in November.
This season, Rooker has compiled a .241 batting average with 60 hits, 42 RBIs, and 14 home runs to earn him a roster spot among the best players in the big league.
“I’ve grinded for a lot of years for an opportunity to play consistently in the big leagues,” Rooker said to his teammates upon being named an All-Star. “A lot of times in my career, during my small spurts in the big leagues, I’ve kind of struggled to wonder if I belong or not, and you guys have helped me know that I do.”
A moment Brent Rooker will never forget 🥹 pic.twitter.com/r6dNcDftkK
— Oakland A’s (@Athletics) July 2, 2023
During his time in Starkville, Rooker earned National Player of the Year, SEC Triple Crown, and First-Team All-SEC honors.
While a Bulldog, the outfielder amassed a career .350 batting average with 186 hits, 154 RBIs, and 37 home runs. He also posted a collective .998 fielding percentage with 441 putouts, 25 assists, and only one error.
The 2023 MLB All-Star rosters can be found here.
