Jack Leiter, son of former Major League pitcher Al Leiter, made his debut for the Texas Rangers, becoming the fourth pitcher in their family and the first pair of pitching brothers to have sons pitch in the big leagues. Highly-touted as a prospect, Jack gave up eight hits and seven runs in 3 2/3 innings, but the Rangers remain hopeful for his future.
Al Leiter, a two-time All-Star left-hander with a 162-132 record over 19 seasons, pitched for four ballclubs, primarily the New York Mets. He pitched a no-hitter and won two World Series titles. His brother Mark, a right-hander, had a 65-73 record for eight teams, and his son Mark Jr. currently has a 6-17 record for three teams. Mark Jr. has started the 2024 season strong with no runs allowed over 10 innings for the Chicago Cubs.
Jack Leiter was one of the top high school prospects in 2019 and went on to play college baseball at Vanderbilt, where he had an impressive record with a streak of 20 hitless innings. Drafted second overall in 2021, he received a substantial signing bonus. In the minors, he has faced struggles but made promising improvements this year, with a focus on his delivery and control.
The Rangers believe that Jack Leiter, a 6-foot-1, 205-pound right-hander, has harnessed his fastball that tops out at 98 mph, along with a slider and curveball. Learning to change speeds effectively could greatly enhance his development as a pitcher. His uncle Mark Jr. is hopeful that Jack will continue to improve, as pitchers often peak in their late 30s, according to their father Al.
Throughout MLB history, there have been several instances of fathers and sons both pitching in the major leagues, with the Coleman family having three generations of right-handers pitch at that level. Other families, such as the Stottlemyres and Bagbys, have also seen multiple family members pitch professionally. The Leiters hope to contribute to this legacy and continue their success on the mound.
In addition to the Leiter family, the Pomeranz brothers followed in the footsteps of their great-grandfather Garland Buckeye, who played professional baseball and football in the early 20th century. Drew Pomeranz, a first-round pick in 2010, had a successful career in the majors, while his brother Stu pitched briefly for the Baltimore Orioles. The family’s athletic legacy spans multiple generations and sports, showcasing their strong sports genes.
