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Son of former Texas Rangers pitcher selected to first MLB All-Star Game

lawrence dow
·2 min read

Bobby Witt Jr. planned to return to his hometown over the Major League All-Star break.

The Kansas City Royals shortstop and former Heritage baseball star figured he’d return to Colleyville and catch up with friends and family during the four-day break from the grueling 162-game MLB schedule.

Those plans have changed.

Oh, he’s still planning on coming home to Colleyville. But, he will still be busy with baseball.

Witt Jr. earned his first MLB All-Star selection on Sunday and spoke on what it meant to be selected as an all-star with teammates Salvador Perez and ex-Ranger Cole Ragans to the Kansas City Star.

“I was going home no matter what, but this makes it even more special,” Witt said. “It was unbelievable to see the other guys being announced and everything … It’s really special to have my first one with those guys.”

Witt Jr. was one of the highest-rated prospects after a dominant high school baseball career culminating in winning the 2019 Gatorade National Baseball Player of the Year.

Colleyville Heritage shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. The Panthers defeat Corsicana 2-1 in the 5A state semifinals at Dell Diamond, Thursday June 6, 2019.
Colleyville Heritage shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. The Panthers defeat Corsicana 2-1 in the 5A state semifinals at Dell Diamond, Thursday June 6, 2019.
Colleyville Heritage senior Bobby Witt Jr. The Panthers defeat Corsicana 2-1 in the 5A state semifinals at Dell Diamond, Thursday June 6, 2019.
Colleyville Heritage senior Bobby Witt Jr. The Panthers defeat Corsicana 2-1 in the 5A state semifinals at Dell Diamond, Thursday June 6, 2019.
Colleyville Heritage shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. The Panthers defeat Corsicana 2-1 in the 5A state semifinals at Dell Diamond, Thursday June 6, 2019.
Colleyville Heritage shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. The Panthers defeat Corsicana 2-1 in the 5A state semifinals at Dell Diamond, Thursday June 6, 2019.
Colleyville Heritage’s Bobby Witt Jr. (left) beat out IMG Academy’s Rece Hinds 8-7 during the final of the high school home run derby at Nationals Park, Monday July 16, 2018.
Colleyville Heritage’s Bobby Witt Jr. (left) beat out IMG Academy’s Rece Hinds 8-7 during the final of the high school home run derby at Nationals Park, Monday July 16, 2018.

When Witt Jr. was selected as Gatorade’s National Player of the Year in 2019 Texas Rangers legend Micahel Young surprised him.

Young spoke about his relationship with Witt in an all-star press conference on Wednesday and what it’s been like watching his matriculation from high school standout to big league all-star.

“I think the world of the kid super happy for him, happy for the contract he got, happy for all the success he’s having in the first half of the year,” said Young, “The biggest thing that I love with players nowadays, I really enjoy watching players where it’s very clear, they love to play, they love to compete and it’s very clear that Bobby loves to play.”

Witt Jr.’s father, Bobby Witt Sr., pitched in the majors for 16 seasons, 11 of which came with the Texas Rangers over two stints in the late 1980s and 1990s.

Bobby Witt Sr. and Bobby Witt Jr. talk shop shortly after learning that the Kansas City Royals had selected Junior second overall.
Bobby Witt Sr. and Bobby Witt Jr. talk shop shortly after learning that the Kansas City Royals had selected Junior second overall.

During a series against the Rangers last season Witt Jr. said it was always special when he plays against Texas because of his history with the franchise.

Witt was chosen with the No. 2 section in the 2019 MLB Draft by the Kansas City Royals and finished an impressive 2023 season that saw him place seventh in AL MVP voting.

Witt Jr. made the all-star team in his third season after batting .324 with 15 home runs, 61 RBIs and 22 stolen bases while also receiving an invitation to participate in the Home Run Derby.