Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Josh Harrison

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Josh Harrison made an impact.

Joshua Isaiah Harrison is a former professional baseball utility player who played in MLB for several teams, including the Pittsburgh Pirates and Washington Nationals. A two-time MLB All-Star, Harrison also represented the United States internationally. He was a key member of Team USA's gold medal-winning team in the 2017 World Baseball Classic.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2001: Kevin Youkilis drafted

In 2001, Kevin Youkilis was drafted in the eighth round by the Boston Red Sox.

2006: Played for Cincinnati Steam

In 2006, Harrison played as a middle infielder for the Cincinnati Steam of the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League.

2007: Played for Cotuit Kettleers

In 2007, Harrison played collegiate summer baseball with the Cotuit Kettleers of the Cape Cod Baseball League.

2008: Played in Cubs' farm system

In 2008, Harrison played in the Cubs’ farm system for Low–A Boise Hawks.

2008: Named Big East Conference's Co-Player of the Year

In 2008, Harrison was named the Big East Conference's Co-Player of the Year, while batting .378 for the Cincinnati Bearcats.

2008: Drafted by the Chicago Cubs

In 2008, Harrison was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the sixth round (191st overall) of the MLB draft, marking him as the first Bearcat drafted in the first ten rounds since 2001.

July 30, 2009: Traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates

On July 30, 2009, Harrison, along with Kevin Hart and José Ascanio, was traded by the Cubs to the Pittsburgh Pirates for pitchers John Grabow and Tom Gorzelanny.

2009: Continued playing in Cubs' farm system

In 2009, Harrison played in the Cubs’ farm system for Single–A Peoria Chiefs and High–A Daytona Cubs.

May 30, 2011: Contract Purchased by the Pirates

On May 30, 2011, Harrison's contract was purchased by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

May 31, 2011: MLB Debut and First Hit

On May 31, 2011, Harrison made his MLB debut and recorded his first MLB hit off of New York Mets pitcher R. A. Dickey.

May 18, 2012: Broke Up Justin Verlander's No-Hitter

On May 18, 2012, Harrison broke up Justin Verlander's no-hitter in the ninth inning. It would have been Verlander's third no-hitter.

April 14, 2013: Optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis Indians

On April 14, 2013, Harrison was optioned to the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians.

July 6, 2014: Selected to First All-Star Game

On July 6, 2014, Harrison was selected to his first career All-Star Game, along with teammates Andrew McCutchen and Tony Watson. At the time of his selection, Harrison was hitting .298 through 72 games.

2014: Started Youth Baseball Camp

Beginning in 2014, Harrison started a youth baseball camp for kids and teens in Cincinnati, with his brother Vince also sponsoring and helping with the event.

2014: Finished Season with Best Statistics of Career

In 2014, Harrison finished with the best statistics of his career including a .315 batting average and 13 home runs, and finished ninth in voting for NL MVP.

2014: Qualified for NL Batting Title

In 2014, Harrison played in 143 games and qualified for the National League (NL) batting title, finishing with a .315 batting average.

2015: Walker Traded

Following the 2015 season, the Pirates' regular starting Second baseman, Neil Walker, was traded to the New York Mets.

2015: Started as Third Baseman and Agreed to Contract Extension

In 2015, Harrison began the season as the starting third baseman for the Pirates, and agreed to a four-year contract extension through 2018, with club options for 2019 and 2020.

2016: Starting Second Baseman

In the 2016 season, Harrison became the starting second baseman for the Pirates.

August 23, 2017: Walk-Off Home Run Breaks Up No-Hitter

On August 23, 2017, Harrison became the first player in MLB history to break up a no-hitter in extra innings with a walk-off home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The home run was hit in the tenth inning off of pitcher Rich Hill, giving the Pirates a 1–0 win.

2017: Harrison wins gold medal at World Baseball Classic

In 2017, Harrison represented the United States in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) and helped Team USA win their first gold medal in the tournament.

2017: Selected to United States National Baseball Team

In 2017, Harrison was selected to the United States national baseball team at the World Baseball Classic.

October 31, 2018: Became a free agent

On October 31, 2018, The Pirates declined Harrison's 2019 contract option, making him a free agent.

2018: Contract extension through 2018

In 2015, Harrison agreed to a four-year contract extension with the Pirates that extended through 2018.

February 23, 2019: Signed with Detroit Tigers

On February 23, 2019, Harrison signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Tigers and switched his number to 1 to honor former second baseman Lou Whitaker.