History of Michael Kopech in Timeline

"Michael Talbert Kopech is an American professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers. His Major League Baseball debut was in 2018 while playing for the Chicago White Sox prior to joining the Dodgers. "

1923: Previous Immaculate Inning

The last White Sox pitcher to throw an immaculate inning before Kopech was Sloppy Thurston in 1923.

April 30, 1996: Birth

Michael Kopech was born on April 30, 1996.

2014: High School Standout and Perfect Game Honors

In 2014, Michael Kopech excelled at Mount Pleasant High School, achieving a 3-0 record with a 0.44 ERA and earning Perfect Game First-Team All-American honors.

2014: Drafted by the Boston Red Sox

Michael Kopech was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the first round of the 2014 MLB draft and began his professional career with the Gulf Coast League Red Sox.

2015: South Atlantic League All-Star and Suspension

In 2015, Kopech played in the South Atlantic League and was named an All-Star, but was also suspended for 50 games after testing positive for a banned substance.

July 13, 2016: Record-Breaking Pitch

On July 13, 2016, Michael Kopech threw one of the fastest pitches in professional baseball history, reaching 105 mph.

December 6, 2016: Traded to the Chicago White Sox

On December 6, 2016, Kopech was traded to the Chicago White Sox.

2016: Injury and Carolina League Dominance

Kopech suffered a broken hand in 2016, but returned to perform well in the minor leagues, earning Carolina League Player of the Month honors in August.

January 17, 2017: Unofficial 110 MPH Pitch

During an offseason workout on January 17, 2017, Kopech reportedly threw a pitch clocked at an unofficial 110 mph.

August 18, 2017: Promoted to Triple-A

Kopech was promoted to the Triple-A Charlotte Knights on August 18, 2017, after a strong showing in Double-A.

2018: Tommy John Surgery

Kopech underwent Tommy John surgery in 2018, sidelining him for the remainder of the year and the entire 2019 season.

2018: MLB Debut

Michael Kopech made his MLB debut with the Chicago White Sox in 2018.

2019: Engagement Announcement

Kopech and Vanessa Morgan announced their engagement in 2019.

2019: Recovery from Surgery

Kopech spent 2019 recovering from Tommy John surgery.

January 2020: Marriage to Vanessa Morgan

Kopech married Canadian actress Vanessa Morgan in January 2020.

June 2020: Divorce Filing

In June 2020, Kopech filed for divorce from Vanessa Morgan.

July 10, 2020: Opting Out of 2020 Season

Kopech chose to sit out the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

January 2021: Birth of First Child

Vanessa Morgan gave birth to Kopech's first child, a son, in January 2021.

2021: Return to the White Sox and Postseason Appearance

Kopech returned to the White Sox in 2021, pitching mostly out of the bullpen, and made his first postseason appearance, securing a win in Game 3 of the ALDS against the Houston Astros.

May 2022: Birth of Second Child

Kopech's second child, with girlfriend Morgan Eudy, was born in May 2022. He took paternity leave from the White Sox to attend the birth.

2022: High Walk Rate

Despite a solid ERA, Kopech led the major leagues in walk percentage in 2022.

2022: Transition to Starting Role and Injuries

Kopech transitioned to a starting role in 2022, but dealt with knee and shoulder injuries that landed him on the injured list multiple times.

January 13, 2023: Contract Agreement and Season-Ending Surgery

Kopech agreed to a one-year contract with the White Sox on January 13, 2023. However, he underwent season-ending surgery on his right knee in September.

August 2023: Engagement to Morgan Eudy

As of August 2023, Kopech and Morgan Eudy were engaged and expecting their second child together.

July 29, 2024: Trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers

On July 29, 2024, Kopech was traded by the White Sox to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a three-team trade involving the White Sox, Dodgers, and St. Louis Cardinals.

2024: Move to the Bullpen and Immaculate Inning

The White Sox announced that Kopech would pitch mainly out of the bullpen in 2024. In July, he threw an immaculate inning, the first for the White Sox since 1923.