History of Michael Busch (baseball) in Timeline

Michael Busch is an American professional baseball infielder currently playing for the Chicago Cubs in MLB. He previously played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, making his MLB debut in 2023. Before his professional career, Busch played college baseball for the North Carolina Tar Heels. He is a rising talent in the league.

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Full Timeline

November 9, 1997: Michael Busch's Birth

On November 9, 1997, Michael James Busch was born. He is an American professional baseball infielder.

2016: Enrolls at the University of North Carolina

In 2016, after being undrafted out of high school, Michael Busch enrolled at the University of North Carolina to play college baseball for the North Carolina Tar Heels.

2017: Freshman Year at North Carolina

In 2017, as a freshman at North Carolina, Michael Busch appeared in 55 games, hitting .215 with three home runs and 22 RBIs. He later played in the Northwoods League for the St. Cloud Rox after the season.

2018: All-ACC Second Team and College World Series

In 2018, Michael Busch started all 64 of North Carolina's games, batting .317 with 13 home runs and 63 RBIs. He was named the Most Outstanding Player during the NCAA tournament's Chapel Hill Regional, helping lead North Carolina to the 2018 College World Series and was named to the All-ACC Second Team. He also played in the Cape Cod Baseball League for the Chatham Anglers, batting .322 with six home runs.

2019: Drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers

In 2019, Michael Busch was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers with the 31st overall pick in the Major League Baseball draft. He signed with the Dodgers on July 5 for a $2.31 million bonus and appeared in ten games in their farm system.

2019: Preseason All-American

Prior to the 2019 season, Michael Busch was named a preseason All-American by multiple media outlets, including Perfect Game and Baseball America. Over 65 games, he batted .284 with 16 home runs and 57 RBIs.

2020: Minor League Season Cancellation

In 2020, Michael Busch did not play a minor league game due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021: All-Star Futures Game Selection

In 2021, Michael Busch was assigned to the Tulsa Drillers and was selected to play in the All-Star Futures Game at Coors Field. He played 107 games for the Drillers, hitting .267 with twenty home runs and was selected as a post-season Double-A Central All-Star.

November 15, 2022: Added to Dodgers 40-Man Roster

On November 15, 2022, the Dodgers added Michael Busch to the 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.

2022: Promotion to Oklahoma City Dodgers

In 2022, Michael Busch began the season with the Tulsa Drillers and was later promoted to the Oklahoma City Dodgers after batting .306 with 11 home runs over 31 games. He hit .266 in 111 games with 21 homers in Oklahoma City.

2023: MLB Debut with the Dodgers

In 2023, Michael Busch made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

2023: Played in 27 games for the Dodgers

In 2023, Michael Busch played in 27 major league games for the Dodgers, hitting .167/.247/.292 with two home runs and seven RBIs. His first major league hit was a single off of Johan Oviedo of the Pirates, and his first MLB home run was off Gavin Williams of the Cleveland Guardians on August 24.

2023: Minor League Player of the Year

In 2023, Michael Busch was selected as the Dodgers' Minor League Player of the Year after hitting .323 with 27 home runs and 90 RBI in 98 games for Oklahoma City, helping them win the Pacific Coast League (PCL) championship. He was honored after the season as the MVP and Top Prospect of the PCL.