“Sibling Rivals: The Inspiring Journey of Jackson and Ethan Holliday in Baseball’s Spotlight”

PHOENIX — In⁤ a remarkable feat,⁣ Baltimore Orioles rookie Jackson ‍Holliday ⁤achieved ⁤a four-hit game on Friday, making him ⁤one of the youngest​ players in the franchise’s history. Meanwhile, his cell phone ​buzzed continuously on the shelf of his ⁣locker.

The ‌messages were from his​ younger brother, Ethan, expressing his pride.

“I didn’t even wait for the game to end,” 17-year-old Ethan Holliday shared‌ with USA‌ TODAY Sports. “It ⁢was just so ‌awesome to see that. My⁢ brother and I were inseparable growing‌ up; we’re best friends. I chat with⁤ him four to five times a week. I don’t see that ever changing.”

While Jackson Holliday, the No. 1 overall draft pick‌ in 2022,⁢ became the youngest player since⁢ the Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson in 1957 to record four hits for the Orioles,⁢ Ethan was​ about 2,200 miles away in Phoenix ⁢participating in the Perfect Game All-American ‌Classic.

This event was just the latest in a whirlwind summer for ‌Ethan, who has traveled everywhere from Panama to North Carolina, ‌Virginia, Florida, Texas, San Diego, Atlanta, Kansas‍ City, and Boston.

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The⁣ Holliday family, led by‍ former seven-time All-Star and World Series champion Matt Holliday and⁤ his wife ‌Leslee, has spent much of the summer traveling to ⁢watch their sons ​Jackson and Ethan play baseball, along with their 14-year-old daughter Gracyn and 11-year-old son Reed.

“It’s ‌been quite a hectic travel schedule,” Matt Holliday remarked. “But it’s ‍all good. We love watching baseball.”

The Holliday family is undeniably ⁤rooted in baseball. Matt’s father, Tom Holliday, spent 25 years coaching at⁤ Oklahoma‍ State, where Matt’s older brother, Josh, currently serves ‍as the head coach. Additionally, his uncle,‍ Dave, scouts ⁤for the Philadelphia Phillies,⁢ and their cousin, Heath, also played for OSU.

Who knows, this might be the contemporary equivalent of the Alou​ family, with​ brothers Felipe,​ Matty, and Jesus all playing in the ‍major leagues together.

“Now,” Ethan remarked, “that would indeed be amazing.‍ My younger brother is a standout.’’

Standing at 6-foot-4 and ⁢weighing 195 pounds, Ethan has the potential to surpass⁣ them ⁣all, according to scouts and talent evaluators. He possesses the ideal size, strength, competitiveness, heart, and drive to become a‍ consistent All-Star.

He‍ is widely regarded as the top ‍eligible player in the 2025 amateur draft, and if ‌he’s picked ⁣first, the Hollidays would join⁤ Peyton and Eli⁤ Manning⁣ as the​ only brothers to have each been‌ drafted​ No. 1 overall in ​the history of American professional sports.

“People often notice ‍the​ size and some of those raw talents,” Matt Holliday ‍states. ‌“He has an exit velocity of 111⁢ mph with the bat, an incredibly strong arm, and demonstrates some ⁢tangible⁣ skills ⁣at a young age⁣ that puts ​him ahead of where Jackson was at that age.”

“They ‌differ in many ways, but making‍ comparisons isn’t fair to Ethan or Jackson. They’re simply both talented baseball players who support each other immensely.”

If you ask Jackson, who stands 4 inches shorter than Ethan, he will ‌assert​ that Ethan ​will ‌be the best player in the family. Conversely,‍ if you ask Ethan, he believes no one can surpass their dad, ‍and he appreciates being recognized alongside his brother.

“However, we won’t be able to replicate our dad’s level of competitiveness,” Ethan explains. “My dad is the most competitive person I’ve ever encountered. Whatever it⁤ is, he​ wants to win. ​It’s pretty⁤ wild. Right now, he’s‌ really into pickleball; we all ⁢play, and he’s super invested in it.”

Jered Goodwin, vice ⁤president of ⁢scouting for Perfect Game, also dislikes making comparisons. ⁢He has been following Ethan’s development ‍since he was 13, admiring his maturity and‍ composure while recognizing his limitless​ potential.

“He exhibits⁢ a‌ lot of⁤ skills similar⁣ to what Jackson showed,” Goodwin mentions, “but with ‌enhanced ⁢physicality. He’s a⁣ big guy like‌ Matt. He has ‌fluidity, ⁢grace, ⁢a beautiful swing—everything. You can envision him becoming one of ‍those⁤ modern, powerful shortstops. His abilities will‌ translate at the highest‍ level.”

For‍ Ethan, who primarily⁢ takes online⁣ courses ⁣while enrolled at Stillwater (Okla.) High School, ‍the constantly⁢ looming comparisons and expectations are particularly challenging. As a Holliday, great things are‍ expected of him.⁤ As Jackson’s ⁢younger brother, he is anticipated to excel.⁢ With a father⁣ who was a seven-time All-Star,‍ an MVP⁢ status is expected of him.

“They certainly ⁤have ⁣a⁤ target on their backs,” Goodwin ⁢observes.⁤ “The expectations can be ⁣unearthly at⁤ times.⁤ We can become ⁤ensnared in those unfair anticipations.”

Ethan is acutely ‌aware of ⁣the ‌hype‍ and ‌expectations surrounding him. He ⁢recognizes that he has had ​opportunities that many of his peers may never experience. Who else could revel‌ in the St. Louis⁢ Cardinals’ ⁣clubhouse ⁢during the World Series and erupt in excitement when David Freese hits the game-winning home run in the 2011 World Series? Who else gets ⁣to spend ‌time ⁣with Aaron Judge?

Still, observing how Jackson dealt with similar pressures while growing up ​has taught him to welcome the scrutiny. He ‍attempts ⁢to disregard social media chatter and ignore the taunts from rival players or their parents. Ultimately, he is just a ​17-year-old kid‌ who‍ loves playing baseball.

and is eager to ⁣savor his final ​year in high school before either ⁣pursuing ⁤a professional ⁣career or heading to Oklahoma State.

“There are moments ⁢when the pressure feels overwhelming,” Ethan states. “There’s certainly pressure‌ and expectations. At ⁢these events, you can overhear people trying to get into your head. But you must learn how to handle it.

“It’s something you adapt to. Even as a child with my dad, ⁣when things weren’t going smoothly,⁢ managing the pressure was ‌challenging. It can feel ‌isolating. However,​ I choose to focus on playing the game, enjoying the experience, and appreciating​ the people around me. It won’t last forever; eventually, it​ will​ come⁣ to an end.”

Indeed, ⁢this ⁤experience is far more challenging than what ⁣his father faced as a​ seventh-round pick by the ​Colorado Rockies in⁣ 1998 out of Stillwater.

“Not even in the⁣ same ballpark,” Matt Holliday remarks. ‍“Everything is so different now. We didn’t have ‌social media, mobile phones, or summer tournaments. Presently, ⁣high school players and prospects receive extensive ​coverage through social media, attracting a ​lot‌ more⁤ attention. Everyone ​knows who he is, especially with the‌ success‍ Jackson has achieved, which amplifies it⁣ even more.

“Ethan ‌faces much more pressure, not only due to‍ my career but also because he is‌ compared‌ to Jackson.”

Matt Holliday, who exited the game after ⁢the‌ 2018‍ season, was set⁢ to serve as St. Louis Cardinals manager Oli Marmol’s bench coach in November ⁤2022. However, ⁣he soon recognized that his‍ family ‍needed his presence more.‌ Two months later, he ‍decided to resign from that position. His sons required⁢ him more than the Cardinals did.

“It sounded like a great idea​ at the moment, but I realized the level of commitment as the start date approached,” Matt Holliday reflects. “As much as I desired it ‍to‌ succeed,​ I⁤ didn’t ⁣want⁤ to ​miss out on⁢ the significant moments in⁤ my boys’ lives. I was trying to find a good balance between remaining⁢ in the game, working, and having the ‌freedom to watch, travel, and​ assist them with baseball‍ in whatever way ⁤they needed.”

“Ultimately, ​family was my top priority.‍ I’m not sure what the ideal balance is, but I doubt there will ever be a⁣ day when I‍ won’t be watching them play baseball.”

While Jackson ⁣was making headlines‌ in ‌Baltimore,⁣ the rest of the family gathered in‌ Phoenix that weekend. Ethan‌ was ⁢lodged downtown ⁢with fellow Perfect⁤ Game players, while the rest ‌of his family resided 20 minutes⁤ away at a resort featuring luxurious swimming ‍pools to escape‌ the​ heat of 106 degrees.

“Having my family with⁢ me throughout this journey has been incredibly special,” Ethan expressed. “I get to play ⁤baseball and form ​lifelong friendships, all while my family ‌is ‍right there cheering me on. Simultaneously, we’re on our phones and iPads, keeping track ‍of what Jackson is⁢ up to.”

“Believe me, this has all been a ⁢blessing, for all of us.”

Around the basepaths

– The Toronto⁢ Blue ⁤Jays are anticipated to receive ⁢trade proposals this winter for shortstop Bo Bichette, who has expressed a⁢ desire to leave Toronto when ⁣he becomes a free agent after the 2025 season.

First baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is also set‍ to be a free agent following ⁤the​ 2025 season, but the Blue Jays are⁣ eager to negotiate a contract extension with him before ⁢he⁣ reaches ⁣free agency.

– Garrett⁢ Crochet, ​the ⁤ace of the Chicago White Sox, has⁤ drawn considerable attention⁢ from teams looking into ‌a ⁤trade this ‌winter, ⁤especially ​after a striking performance ⁣on Friday. Following a difficult period post-All-Star⁢ break (0-3, 8.78 ⁢ERA), Crochet impressed ‍by striking out nine batters in just four‌ innings while throwing 43 ‍out of ​55 ⁢pitches‍ for strikes.

The White Sox remain committed to trading⁣ Crochet during the offseason and are also considering moving center⁤ fielder Luis Robert Jr., who experienced a resurgence with two home runs on Friday after a slump of 5-for-46.

– Roki Sasaki, the Japanese sensation who ​was anticipated to be posted⁢ this winter, may be reconsidering and could opt to‌ remain in Japan for another season, ⁣according to several club ‌executives.

This shift in plans seems to stem⁤ from‍ his lack of previous ⁤dominance this year. Although he⁣ holds a record of 6-3 with a‌ 2.20 ERA, he has faced ⁤challenges with​ control, recording ⁣a career-low 4.10 strikeouts to walks ‌ratio.⁤ In 69⁤ innings,⁣ he has struck out 82 batters and issued 20 walks, allowing 52 hits.

– ⁢The Pittsburgh Pirates’ decline ⁢in⁢ the ⁣NL wild-card race could jeopardize⁤ manager Derek Shelton’s position or may lead to ⁤changes ‌within his coaching staff.

– While‌ the White Sox‌ have publicly indicated ‌plans⁤ to seek an outside candidate for manager following‍ the season—with Skip Schumaker of the ‍Marlins as the frontrunner—they privately acknowledge ⁤that interim manager ⁢Grady Sizemore will be considered depending on the team’s performance ⁣over the final six weeks of the season.

– Giants ace Blake Snell is expected to exercise his opt-out clause after a remarkable⁣ turnaround, posting a⁢ 2.08 ERA with 63 strikeouts and a no-hitter in his⁤ last eight starts.

One certainty is that Snell will not wait until spring training to sign with a new team this time.

– ⁢Reliever Michael Kopech has turned out ‍to be a remarkable acquisition for the Los Angeles Dodgers, thanks to the White Sox.

Originally​ regarded as a ‌mere ‌addition in a‌ three-way⁤ deal ‍to acquire utility infielder Tommy Edman from St. Louis, Kopech had a 2-8 record ‌with a 4.74 ERA in ⁣43 games.

Kopech has ‌

has been ‌nothing short of phenomenal for the Dodgers. He ‍has faced 27 batters and managed to retire ‍25 of them, allowing only⁤ one hit, one walk, and accumulating 13 strikeouts.

In a mere two weeks, he has already established‌ himself as one of their closers.

– The Miami ​Marlins have let go of 12 amateur scouts, in addition​ to‌ four field coordinators‌ and ‍two assistant GMs. ⁣They are⁢ now anticipated to begin reducing their pro scout staff.

While some teams have already pulled their pro scouts ‌from ‍the road, several veteran scouts⁤ fear that these positions may ​become obsolete within five years.

– It is ⁤concerning for scouts to see that only 10⁢ Dominican players are included among the top 100 in MLB Pipeline’s most recent rankings, ⁢with many ⁢believing that the ‍removal of the short-season leagues has ​negatively ⁢impacted player development.

– Injury of the week: Yankees outfielder Alex Verdugo mentioned⁤ to NJ.com that doctors⁢ have indicated ⁢one reason for ‍his underwhelming season ⁤is an allergy ‌to his batting⁣ gloves.

– Giants third baseman ⁣Matt Chapman is expected⁣ to opt out of⁤ his contract​ at the end ‌of the season, recognizing​ that he can secure a better deal on the open market than the $17 million in 2025, $18 million⁣ in ‍2026, along with a‍ mutual $20‍ million ​option in 2027.

Chapman is enjoying his‍ best full season since ‌2019 and wishes to remain in San Francisco, where the Giants are anticipated to discuss an extension with⁣ him.

– The Orioles, ⁢who invested a remarkable $13 million in veteran Craig Kimbrel​ to serve as their closer, now have six weeks to⁣ determine how best to utilize him during the postseason.

Kimbrel’s last save for‌ the Orioles⁣ occurred on July 7, at which point he had a‌ 2.10 ERA.

Since⁢ then, in his 10 appearances, he has registered a 10.24 ERA and a 2.38 WHIP:

9 innings, 11⁤ hits, 13 runs (11 earned), 12 walks, 11 strikeouts, 4‌ HRs.

– Looking for parity?

This marks the first time in 33 years that no team holds a .600 ​winning percentage at this stage of the season, and it might also become the ​first instance since⁤ 1959 where no team⁣ reaches 95 or more wins.

– Shohei Ohtani is on ⁤track to become‌ the member of the 40-40 club ‍in the fewest games ever played⁤ by ‌a player.

He has recorded 37 ⁢homers and ⁢35 stolen bases through 120 games played by‌ the Dodgers as of Saturday.

The quickest to reach the 40-40 club⁤ was Alfonso ⁤Soriano, who accomplished this feat during the Washington Nationals’ 148th game in 2006.

–‌ Congratulations‍ to​ former pitcher ⁢Miguel ‍Batista, who graduated this week with a Master’s degree in criminal procedure ⁣law.

– No team has ​experienced a season ⁢turnaround quite like‌ the ⁣Houston Astros this year. Following a 10-game deficit‌ in first place on June‍ 17, other ​teams speculated whether the Astros would start trading ⁤away their stars. Instead, they have made a remarkable ⁣comeback to lead ‍the ‍AL West and are poised for ⁤their eighth consecutive ALCS. They’ve accomplished this despite the absence of All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker,⁢ who⁣ has been sidelined for ⁤three months ‌due to a bruised shin, ‍with no clear timeline for his⁢ return.

Their pitching, in ‍spite of numerous injuries, has been a ⁣key ‌factor in⁤ their​ resurgence,

with the⁢ second-lowest ERA in baseball since June 1, and​ they’re about to welcome back three-time Cy Young ​winner Justin Verlander.

Their revival ‌brings to mind ‌the ⁤year 2005 when‌ they began the season 19-32, prompting the Houston⁤ Chronicle to feature a​ front-page tombstone that stated, “RIP Astros season: April 5, 2005-June 1, 2005.”

During June and July, the Astros then surged with a remarkable 41-16 ⁣record, eventually reaching the World Series.

– Hats off ⁤to 44-year-old Rich Hill, who secured a minor-league contract to join the Boston Red Sox for the fourth time ‌after spending the summer coaching his son’s Little ‌League team.

–⁤ It’s quite surprising that the ​Milwaukee Brewers boast the largest division lead in​ baseball at 10 games entering Saturday, especially considering the significant‌ injury challenges they faced this season following the trade of Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes in the offseason.

– The highlight ⁤celebration of the week: Gabby Sanchez, the⁢ wife of⁣ Minnesota Twins ⁤catcher⁢ Christian⁢ Vazquez, ⁢organized a seven-piece ​Puerto ⁤Rican band to ⁣perform in the clubhouse to⁢ commemorate his decade of ⁢major-league service. She also arranged for his⁣ parents to⁣ fly in⁤ from Puerto Rico.

“Very, very ‌special day,’’ Vazquez ​remarked to reporters. “It’s been a long ‌ride, a long road. A lot of bumps in the ride, but⁢ we made it.”

– ⁣As ⁤of Saturday,‍ David Hamilton and Jarren Duran were just ⁢one stolen base shy of becoming the first Red ⁣Sox teammates‍ since 1910‍ to each steal 30 or more‍ bases in a single⁤ season, ‍following in the footsteps of Harry Hooper (40) and‍ Tris Speaker (35).

– Remember when the​ Cleveland Guardians were considering trading closer Emmanuel Clase last winter?

Well, he has since become the⁤ MVP of their team, leading ⁣all of⁣ baseball with 37⁣ saves and ‌posting an impressive 0.64 ERA. He ⁢has successfully converted his⁤ last‌ 24 ‍save‍ opportunities and is ⁣the first Guardians‌ pitcher⁤ to save ‍games on ⁣four ⁢consecutive days since Jose Mesa⁢ in 1995.

– ⁢While Ohtani appears to be‍ recovering well‍ from his Tommy John​ surgery, the idea of the‌ Dodgers utilizing him‌ on the pitcher’s mound this season is off the table.

Simply put, Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes stated,‍ it’s not ‌going to‌ happen.

– ​It was 20 months ago when the ​Oakland⁢ A’s traded their ‍star catcher,​ Sean Murphy, to Atlanta in exchange for⁤ five highly regarded prospects.

That trade, however, has turned out to be a monumental failure.

The A’s recently designated reliever Kyle Muller ​for ‌assignment, one of the‌ key players ‍from that deal. The remaining prospects: Outfielder Esteury Ruiz is currently sidelined at Triple-A, right-hander Freddy​ Tarnok was also designated ‍for assignment, catcher Manny Pina was⁤ released after just four games, and minor-league reliever ‍Royber Salinas is out for ‌the season ‍due to a 9.95 ​ERA at Triple-A.

Additionally, to complicate matters, the A’s⁣ acquired All-Star catcher‌ William Contreras from Atlanta, only to trade ⁢him to ⁤Milwaukee for Ruiz as part of the three-way deal.

– The Yankees reportedly ‍considered including prized outfield prospect Spencer ⁢Jones in a deal for pitching help at the deadline, ⁣but several ‍teams hesitated due to Jones’ performance struggles this year.

– Texas Rangers GM Chris‍ Young, who is still ⁢waiting for ownership to finalize a new contract for him after⁣ last year’s World Series victory, has indicated they plan to avoid ​designating players with expiring contracts for assignment solely for financial relief, unlike the Angels did a year⁤ ago to get below the⁣ luxury tax threshold.

It’s clear contenders would eagerly⁢ seize the opportunity to acquire ⁢such‌ players.

chance to claim ⁤Nate Eovaldi and relievers such as Kirby Yates, David Robertson, and Jose Leclerc.

–⁤ The⁤ Dodgers, who have controlled the NL West for the ⁣past 11 years—finishing​ 16‌ games ahead​ last season ‍and 22 games ahead‍ in 2022—now find themselves battling for their survival as the⁤ Padres and ‌Diamondbacks are increasing pressure from just three games back.

“I’d be lying if I said that no one is monitoring the scoreboard⁢ and recognizing how well the other teams⁣ in our division are performing,” ​Dodgers manager Dave Roberts informed reporters, “which means we ‌must play good baseball.”

The last occasion the‌ NL West had three teams ending the season within seven games of one another was in 2009.

– Elly De La Cruz, the shortstop for⁤ the Cincinnati ​Reds, needs one more stolen ⁣base⁢ to become ‌just the ⁣seventh shortstop in history to reach ‌60 stolen bases.⁣ He ‌is on track for 81 stolen bases, a number ⁢achieved only ​by ‌Maury ​Wills among shortstops.

– It’s difficult to ‌believe ⁤that the Mariners have lost five games this season despite their pitching staff⁤ allowing five or ‌fewer hits.

– To add to the White‌ Sox’s ⁣troubles, they will⁣ select‍ no higher than the 10th pick⁢ in the ⁤2025 amateur draft, as ⁣they receive a lottery pick for back-to-back years being a club that ‍does not benefit from revenue sharing.

– No‍ team has endured more pitching injuries this year than the Dodgers, with ⁤11 starting ⁢pitchers being⁤ placed ‌on⁤ the IL this season, and​ Tyler ⁣Glasnow is making his second return ‌to the⁣ IL this weekend.

– Criticism ⁣regarding the Astros giving up too much for ​Yusei Kikuchi at the‍ trade deadline has quieted significantly.

Since⁤ joining ⁤from Toronto, he has been exactly what the ‌Astros required, going 2-0 with a 2.70 ERA and striking out 24 batters over 16 innings in three starts.

– Is there a⁣ quicker turnaround than that ​of Mariners outfielder Victor Robles, who was⁢ released by the Washington Nationals on June 1 while hitting .120 with a .401 OPS, and just ‍73 days later signed a two-year, $9.75 million contract extension?

– The San Diego Padres are optimistic that Yu Darvish will make​ a⁣ return⁤ this season from the restricted list, which would greatly enhance their chances of‍ clinching the​ first ⁣World ‍Series title​ in franchise history.

– The lowest batting average for⁤ a player⁤ winning ​the National‌ League ⁢batting championship‌ is Tony Gwynn’s .313 ⁤in 1988. Currently, Padres infielder Luis Arraez, a two-time batting champion, ‍leads the NL with a batting average of⁣ .308.

Atlanta DH Marcell Ozuna is⁣ the only other ⁢qualifying hitter ​in the NL batting over⁢ .300 at .302.

– No starter traded⁣ at⁢ the deadline has proven to be more valuable than Zach Eflin of the Orioles. Since ⁤acquiring him from Tampa ⁣Bay, he has gone ⁣4-0 ‍with a 2.13 ⁢ERA, making history as the first pitcher in ⁣Orioles history to achieve at least 25 strikeouts and two or‍ fewer walks in his first ‌four starts​ with the team.

– The Padres have certainly captured the ​attention of ⁤owners across the league.‍ After slashing their payroll by $90 million over⁢ the winter, they now find themselves as World Series contenders, performing‌ better⁤ than any other team.

They traded Juan Soto, allowed Cy Young winner ⁣Blake Snell and All-Star closer Josh Hader to depart, alongside veteran starters Seth Lugo,​ Michael Wacha, and⁤ Nick Martinez—and currently trail the Dodgers by just three ⁢games.

– If the ‍Toronto Blue ⁣Jays are

It is possible that first baseman Joey Votto may ‍be ⁤called back to the major leagues as early as Monday when ‌the ‍Blue Jays‍ face‍ his former ‍team, the ‌Cincinnati⁣ Reds, in a three-game series.

Votto is currently batting‌ only .180 with two home runs in 29 games in the ⁣minor leagues ‍this​ season.

– ​The Oldtime Baseball Game, a charitable ‌event in Cambridge,⁣ Mass., will pay tribute to the‍ late Jim Caple on August ⁢22 in ‌Cambridge, Mass.

Caple was ⁤a renowned baseball columnist for ​ESPN, the St. Paul Pioneer ⁤Press, and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, passing away at the age of​ 61 ⁣after ‍battling ⁤ALS and ⁤dementia.

– Congratulations to Atlanta veteran pitcher Charlie Morton, who achieved his 2,000th strikeout ‍in what⁢ is anticipated to be his final season.

– Former manager Clint Hurdle will host​ the 4th annual Pathfinder‌ Village Baseball Clinic ​at Doubleday Field in Cooperstown, N.Y., on August 27, specifically ‌for adults with special needs.

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