When the pitcher selected second overall in the 2021 Draft makes his Major League debut, there is a different level of enthusiasm. As a result, Rangers fans, players, and the media are eagerly anticipating Jack Leiter’s debut start Thursday afternoon at Comerica Park.
Leiter, Texas’ No. 8 prospect, discussed the reactions of others and the fulfillment of his own dream coming true before to Wednesday’s 5-4 victory over the Tigers. He appeared relaxed as he sat on the dugout bench with a few reporters, making eye contact and smiled when answering their questions.
Jack, the son of Al Leiter, who won 162 games in 19 Major League seasons and is now a studio analyst for MLB Network, the nephew of former big league pitcher Mark Leiter, and the cousin of Cubs pitcher Mark Leiter Jr., has a distinct perspective on making it here.
“So, for the five-year-old me, it was an expected thing. And then as I got older: a dream, then a goal, and then you start to visualize it. Then, it becomes a reality, and it’s special.”
He learned of the callup Tuesday morning at Round Rock Express manager Doug Davis’ office, and said the period since has “been a whirlwind with a lot of emotions, a lot of awesome conversations, and a lot of happy thoughts.”
The first call went to Dad.
What was his reaction to the huge news?
• The secrets behind Jack Leiter’s rise to The Show
“It was a long chat,” Jack Leiter explained, “and I kind of blacked out. He expressed his pride, reflecting on his childhood in the garden and all the unique memories of working hard from a young age. So that was a unique talk, for sure.”
