A first debut on May 15, followed by another first Monday, fulfilled a mark on the bucket list of infielder Sterlin Thompson.
Thompson, who spent the past several years in the minor leagues, recorded his first major league hit after his call-up to the Colorado Rockies on May 15. The former Florida Gators baseball outfielder secured the single off Texas Rangers pitcher Peyton Gray in the fourth inning Monday.
Thompson’s story began in Longmont, Colorado, making him the first Colorado-born player in 33 years to start for the Rockies. He later moved to Ocala, where his baseball journey truly began.
He started his high school career at Forest High School, where he spent three years learning and honing his craft under coach Jed Yancy. Those seasons garnered him national attention through his .357 batting average and overall production at the plate.
Perfect Game touted him as the No. 55-ranked player in the class of 2020.
A COVID-shortened season cut into his senior year, but by then Thompson had already signed his letter of intent to play at the University of Florida.
“I mean, it was my dream school,” Thompson said last March.
He began his time at Florida by earning Freshman All-SEC honors in 2021, posting a .955 fielding percentage with three outfield assists on 89 chances.
Thompson’s 2022 season saw another jump in production, as he started all 66 games while posting 11 home runs, 16 doubles and 59 RBIs. He also split time between right field and second base, showcasing his versatility.
“It was a pro-atmosphere program, and I developed a lot of great relationships with my teammates,” Thompson said.
Once the 2022 season concluded, the Rockies selected Thompson with the 31st overall pick in the first round of the MLB Draft, making him the highest-drafted outfielder in Florida history.
Since then, Thompson worked his way through the Rockies’ minor league system until May 15, when he received the call to play major league baseball.
“Keep working hard and trusting the process,” Thompson said about the advice he would give to his younger self. “You just have to be poised and in control at all times and just trust in your abilities.”
