Meet Craig Kimbrel, the man who makes baseballs disappear, but only if you’re standing at the plate. If you’re not familiar with him, you’re about to discover what all the buzz is about.
Craig Kimbrel isn’t just your average baseball player. Nope, he’s the guy you want on your team when it’s the bottom of the ninth, bases are loaded, and the tension is so thick you could cut it with a butter knife. Why, you ask? Well, that’s because Craig Kimbrel is a closer, and not just any closer, but one of the most dominant ones in the history of baseball.
In the world of baseball, closers are like the superheroes of the game. They swoop in to save the day, secure the win, and make sure the other team leaves the field with their heads hanging low. And Craig Kimbrel? Well, he’s a closer of the highest order.
But what makes him so special? How did he become this legendary figure in the world of baseball? You’re about to find out as we dive into the fascinating journey of Craig Kimbrel, the dominant force on the baseball field.
So, grab your baseball cap and get ready to learn about a player who can turn the tide of a game in the blink of an eye. Welcome to the world of Craig Kimbrel, the closer extraordinaire!
Also Read: Walk-off in Baseball
Early Life and Education
The Birth of a Baseball Prodigy
Imagine a sunny day, a baseball diamond, and a baby destined for greatness. That’s Craig Kimbrel, who made his grand entrance into the world on May 28, 1988, in Huntsville, Alabama. It was clear from day one that he was meant to do more than just crawl; he was meant to dominate the world of baseball.
School Days with a Twist
While most kids were perfecting their ABCs, Craig was already crafting his baseball dreams. He attended Lee High School in Huntsville, Alabama, where he played baseball and was a quarterback for the football team. It was clear that sports were in his DNA from an early age.
Following high school, he continued his education and baseball journey at Wallace State Community College in Hanceville, Alabama. There, he played baseball for two seasons, honing his skills and preparing for the major leagues.
In 2008, his talent didn’t go unnoticed, and he was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the third round of the MLB draft. This was a pivotal moment in his career, and he set out to make his mark in professional baseball. It’s safe to say that his education and early athletic experiences played a significant role in shaping the legendary closer we know today.
The next inning brings us to Craig Kimbrel’s family and personal life, and there are some intriguing details to explore. It’s like opening a treasure chest of baseball tales!
Family and Personal Life
The Kimbrel Family: More than a Team
Craig Kimbrel’s life isn’t just about fastballs and saves; it’s also about family. Let’s take a peek behind the baseball curtain and see what’s happening in the personal life of this legendary closer.
Meet Ashley Holt
Craig Kimbrel’s partner in crime, both on and off the field, is his spouse, Ashley Holt. They sealed the deal in 2012, making it a year to remember. Ashley is not just a bystander; she’s a cheerleader, a pillar of support, and a partner in this incredible journey.
Three’s Company
The Kimbrel family isn’t just a duo; it’s a trio (and then some). Craig and Ashley have three adorable children together. It’s like they’ve built their very own baseball team. You might say they’re practicing their own version of the game in the backyard.
Ashley: The Supportive Force
Now, Ashley isn’t just a silent spectator. She’s often seen at Craig’s games and events, cheering him on. But her support goes beyond the ballpark. She’s also an active supporter of the Kimbrel Family Foundation, the charitable endeavor that the couple champions. It’s like she’s hitting home runs in the game of making the world a better place.
In the next inning, we’ll dive into some intriguing facts and trivia about Craig Kimbrel. Get ready for some surprises!
Baseball Career
The Rookie Steps and Beyond
Every baseball star has their origin story, and Craig Kimbrel’s is a tale of rookie steps that would make any baseball enthusiast nod in appreciation.
In his early baseball career, Craig wasn’t out there closing games just yet. He had to earn his stripes. Think of it as the first day of school, only with a mitt instead of a backpack. His journey through the minor leagues was like a coming-of-age novel, where each page brought new experiences, new teammates, and a few strikeouts here and there.
A Trophy Shelf Packed with Records
Now, let’s talk records. Craig Kimbrel didn’t just make it to the big leagues; he set the big leagues on fire. He’s got a trophy shelf packed with records that would make any collector envious. From strikeouts to saves, his name is written all over the record books.
But it’s not just about numbers. It’s about the heart-pounding, nail-biting moments on the field when he singlehandedly shut down the opposing team, securing the win, and earning fans’ cheers.
The Kimbrel Highlights Reel
Speaking of memorable moments, Craig Kimbrel has a highlights reel that’s like a blockbuster movie. The kind of moments you replay over and over again. They’re like home runs of pure excitement.
Think of the ninth inning, bases loaded, and Kimbrel steps up, ready to shut the door on the other team. The tension in the stadium is palpable, and then… strike three! The game is over, and the crowd goes wild. That’s the magic of Kimbrel.
The game isn’t over yet. In the next inning, we’ll explore what it means to be a dominant closer and how Kimbrel became the powerhouse he is.
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Dominance as a Closer
Craig Kimbrel: The Closer Extraordinaire
Picture this: It’s the bottom of the ninth, and the game is on the line. The crowd is on the edge of their seats, and the pressure is enough to make anyone break a sweat. But not Craig Kimbrel. He’s in his element because he’s a closer extraordinaire.
The Closer’s Secret Sauce
What’s the secret sauce to Kimbrel’s dominance as a closer? Well, it’s a mix of fireballs and ice-cold nerves. You see, closers are the last line of defense, and Kimbrel is like a fortress. He’s got a killer fastball and a slider that can make even the best batters shake in their cleats.
But it’s not just about the pitches. It’s about the mindset. Kimbrel thrives under pressure, and he’s as cool as a cucumber when the game is on the line. The ninth inning isn’t just another inning for him; it’s showtime.
Stats that Speak Volumes
Let’s talk numbers. Kimbrel’s stats as a closer are as impressive as a grand slam. Strikeouts? He’s got ’em in spades. Saves? Well, let’s just say he’s the guy you want on the mound when you need that final out.
And records? Kimbrel has set more records than a DJ at a baseball party. His name is all over the record books, and it’s not going away anytime soon.
In the next inning, we’ll take a breather from the stats and explore Craig Kimbrel’s life off the field, including his hobbies and community involvement. It’s about to get even more interesting.
Off the Field
Beyond the Mound
When Craig Kimbrel isn’t striking out batters, he’s got a whole life beyond the mound. Let’s take a peek at what he does off the field.
Hobbies that Swing
So, what does Craig do when he’s not on the baseball diamond? He’s got a few hobbies up his sleeve. It turns out he’s not just a whiz with a baseball; he’s a pretty good angler too. Fishing is one of his favorite pastimes, and you might say he’s as skilled with a fishing rod as he is with a fastball.
But that’s not all. He’s also known to kick back with a round of golf. It’s almost like he’s got a secret rule that everything he does has to involve a ball. A golf ball in this case.
Community Champion
Craig Kimbrel isn’t just about strikeouts and saves; he’s also about giving back. He’s actively involved in his community, making sure to share some of the love he receives from his fans.
Whether it’s visiting children’s hospitals, organizing charity events, or simply using his platform to make a positive impact, Kimbrel is a community champion. It’s like he’s hitting home runs in the game of life too.
In the next inning, we’ll delve into some fascinating facts and trivia about Craig Kimbrel. Get ready for some surprises!
Facts and Trivia
Beyond the Fastball: The Fun Facts About Craig Kimbrel
We all know Craig Kimbrel is a dominant force on the mound, but did you know he’s got a few tricks up his sleeve that might surprise you? Let’s uncover some interesting and lesser-known facts about the man behind the fastball.
The Beard that Roared
Kimbrel is known for his iconic beard, and it’s not just a fashion statement. It’s his lucky charm. He once said, “The beard is good luck, but I’m not sure about that.” Well, it seems to be working just fine for him.
Strikeout Streaks
Craig Kimbrel is a strikeout machine. In fact, he holds the record for the most strikeouts in a single season by a reliever. It’s like he’s playing a game of “how many batters can I send back to the dugout?”
The Art of the Slide
While he’s known for his fastball, Kimbrel’s slider is just as devastating. Batters often find themselves frozen by his slider. It’s like trying to hit a moving target.
Music to His Ears
When Kimbrel is on the road, he’s got a playlist that keeps him pumped up. His taste in music? It’s like a mixtape of energy. Rock, hip-hop, and country, he’s got it all covered.
All-Star Swagger
Craig Kimbrel is no stranger to the All-Star game. He’s a seven-time All-Star. It’s like he’s on a first-name basis with the All-Star title.
Walk-Up Anthem
Kimbrel’s walk-up song is something special. Ever heard “Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns N’ Roses blasting in a stadium? That’s his anthem. It’s like a call to battle.
A Charitable Heart
While he’s striking out batters, Kimbrel is also striking at the hearts of the less fortunate. He’s actively involved in charity work and community events, making a real impact beyond the baseball diamond.
There you have it, some interesting and quirky facts about the man with the fastball of legends. In the next inning, we’ll conclude our journey through the world of Craig Kimbrel and his impact on baseball.
Also Read: What is a Putout in Baseball?
In Crux
We’ve traveled through the life of Craig Kimbrel, and it’s safe to say he’s more than just a name on a baseball jersey. He’s a legend, a closer, and a force to be reckoned with.
From his early days in the minor leagues to his record-breaking achievements in the majors, Kimbrel has shown us what it means to be a dominant closer. When the game is on the line, he’s the man you want on the mound, and he doesn’t disappoint.
But it’s not just about strikeouts and saves. Kimbrel’s impact goes beyond the field. He’s a family man, a community champion, and a guy who knows how to kick back with a fishing rod or a round of golf.
With an iconic beard, a powerful fastball, and a slider that baffles batters, Kimbrel’s journey in baseball is one for the books. He’s not just an All-Star; he’s a legend in the making.
In the end, Craig Kimbrel is more than a baseball player. He’s a game-changer, a role model, and a source of inspiration for the next generation of closers.
So, the next time you watch a game and the ninth inning rolls around, keep an eye out for the closer on the mound. It might just be Craig Kimbrel, ready to work his magic and leave you in awe.
And that, my friends, is the Kimbrel effect. It’s as legendary as a walk-off home run.
Thank you for joining us on this journey through the world of Craig Kimbrel, the closer to remember.
FAQs about Craig Kimbrel
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Meet Daniel Anderson, the heart and soul behind Baseball Pro Picks. At 49, Daniel’s life has revolved around baseball, a passion that’s as strong today as it was when he first fell in love with the game. Living in the USA, Daniel has dedicated countless hours to watching, analyzing, and understanding every pitch, hit, and home run, making almost no game missed. His deep-rooted love for the sport is matched only by his commitment to sharing insightful, expert analysis with fellow baseball enthusiasts. With decades of experience and a keen eye for the game’s nuances, Daniel brings a unique perspective that enriches Baseball Pro Picks. Trust Daniel to guide you through the intricacies of baseball with the authority and trustworthiness of a true aficionado.
