Jared Koenig was born on January 24, 1994 in Aptos, California. Growing up, he had a passion for baseball and dreamed of one day playing professionally. He was a standout athlete in high school, excelling on the baseball field as a left-handed pitcher.
After graduating from high school, Koenig had a difficult decision to make. Despite being drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 35th round of the 2014 MLB Draft, he chose to attend California State University, Monterey Bay to further his education and continue playing baseball at the collegiate level.
During his time at CSUMB, Koenig honed his skills on the mound and established himself as a top college pitcher. He quickly became a dominant force in the California Collegiate Athletic Association, earning accolades for his pitching prowess.
After going undrafted in 2016, Koenig did not let that setback deter him from pursuing his dream of playing professional baseball. He signed with the Monterey Amberjacks, a team in the independent baseball circuit, and continued to showcase his talent on the mound.
His hard work and dedication paid off when he caught the attention of the Oakland Athletics, who signed him in December 2019. Koenig was thrilled to be given the opportunity to play for a major league organization and was determined to make the most of it.
Koenig's dream became a reality when he made his major league debut on June 8, 2022, pitching against the Atlanta Braves as a member of the Oakland Athletics. Although he only pitched four innings in his debut game, Koenig showed flashes of the talent and potential that had impressed scouts and coaches alike.
Off the field, Koenig values his family above all else. He has a younger brother named Ian who has been a constant source of support and inspiration throughout his baseball career. Koenig credits his family for instilling in him the values of hard work, perseverance, and dedication.
As Jared Koenig continues to grow and develop as a professional baseball player, he remains focused on improving his craft and making a lasting impact in the major leagues. With his talent, work ethic, and determination, the future looks bright for this promising southpaw.