A kid’s dream playing baseball growing up is to one day play in the MLB World Series. For 2 former Oklahoma high school baseball players, that dream comes true on Friday.
For Jonathan Gray and Andrew Heaney of the Texas Rangers, it will be in their first World Series.
Andrew Heaney, LHP, Texas Rangers
Andrew Heaney is a 2009 grad of Putnam City High School in Oklahoma City (Warr Acres to be exact). He was drafted out in the 24th round of the 2009 MLB Draft, but opted to go to Oklahoma State instead.
While at OSU, Heaney pitched for 3 seasons. In what would be his last season at OSU, Heaney had an 8-2 record with a 1.60 ERA while leading the NCAA in strikeouts with 140. He was named the Big 12 Pitcher of the Year and a consensus All American before being drafted 9th overall by the Marlins.
Heaney made it to the big leagues on June 19, 2014. He was traded to the Angels before the 2015 season where he spent 7 season. He’s also played for the Yankees (’21) and Dodgers (’22). Heaney signed a 2 year contract with the Rangers before the ’23 season.
2023 Stats: G 34, GS 28, 147.1 IP, 10-6, 4.15 ERA, 151 Ks, 60 BB
Career Stats (parts of 11 seasons) 46-48, 4.49 ERA, 911 Ks, 258 BB
Jon Gray, RHP, Texas Rangers
Jon Gray is a 2010 graduate of Chandler High School. He was drafted in the 13th round of 2010 MLB Draft but opted to not sign.
Gray went to Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton so he could further get experience as a starter. Gray was drafted again in 2011 in the 10th round, but Gray transferred to OU instead.
While at OU, Gray excelled even further. He had an ERA of 3.16 with 104 Ks in 102.2 IP. As a junior, Gray was dominant with 10-3 record to go with his 1.67 ERA and 147 Ks in 126.1 IP. Considered to be a possible #1 overall pick in the 2013 MLB Draft, Gray was drafted #3 overall by the Rockies.
Gray made his MLB debut on August 4, 2015 for the Rockies. Gray pitched for the Rockies through the 2021 season where he was considered the Rockies “Ace” most of those seasons.
Rather than signing an extension with the Rockies, Gray entered free agency where he signed a 4 year contract with the Rangers before the 2022 season. Gray was the Opening Day starter for the Rangers before a few stints on the IL in 2022.
Gray finished the 2023 season on the IL wiht right lower forearm tightness and wasn’t on the postseason roster until the ALCS.
2023 stats: G 29, GS 29, 157.1 IP, 9-8, 4.12 ERA, 142 Ks, 54 BB
Career stats (parts of 9 seasons): 69-64, 4.45 ERA, 1125 Ks, 373 BB
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