History of Michael Lorenzen in Timeline

Michael Clifton Lorenzen is an American professional baseball player currently with the Texas Rangers. Known for his versatility as both a pitcher and outfielder, Lorenzen has also played for the Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Angels, Detroit Tigers, and Philadelphia Phillies during his career in Major League Baseball.

June 13, 1921: Babe Ruth's Similar Feat

Babe Ruth was the first player to accomplish the feat of hitting a home run, earning the win, and playing the field in the same game on June 13, 1921.

January 4, 1992: Birth of Michael Lorenzen

Michael Clifton Lorenzen was born on January 4, 1992.

2010: Drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays

Michael Lorenzen was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in the seventh round of the 2010 MLB draft, but he chose not to sign.

2012: College Baseball Success and National Team Experience

In 2012, Lorenzen excelled in college baseball, earning All-American honors and playing for the United States national collegiate baseball team.

2013: Signing with the Reds and Professional Debut

After being drafted by the Reds in 2013, Lorenzen signed and made his professional debut with the Arizona League Reds.

2013: Drafted by the Cincinnati Reds

In 2013, Michael Lorenzen was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the first round of the MLB draft.

2014: Spring Training Invite and Continued Development

The Reds invited Lorenzen to spring training as a non-roster invitee in 2014, and he continued to develop in the minor leagues.

April 29, 2015: MLB Debut Against the Brewers

Lorenzen made his Major League debut on April 29, 2015, pitching against the Milwaukee Brewers.

2015: Promotion to the Major Leagues

Lorenzen started the 2015 season in the minors but was promoted to the major leagues by the Reds on April 29th.

2015: MLB Debut with the Reds

Michael Lorenzen made his MLB debut with the Cincinnati Reds in 2015.

2015: Previous Phillies No-Hitter

The last no-hitter thrown by a Phillies pitcher before Lorenzen's was in 2015 by Cole Hamels.

August 2016: Passing of Lorenzen's Father

Michael Lorenzen's father passed away in August 2016.

August 19, 2016: Home Run Tribute to Father

Lorenzen hit his first career home run on August 19, 2016, dedicating it to his father who had recently passed away.

November 2016: Marriage to Cassi

Lorenzen married his wife, Cassi, in November 2016.

2016: Elbow Injury and Return as a Reliever

Lorenzen was diagnosed with a sprained UCL in 2016, causing him to miss time. Upon his return, he transitioned to a relief pitching role.

2017: Continued Success as a Reliever

In 2017, Lorenzen continued to pitch effectively out of the bullpen for the Reds.

June 30, 2018: Grand Slam Against the Brewers

Lorenzen hit a grand slam as a pinch hitter against the Milwaukee Brewers on June 30, 2018.

2018: Transitioning to a Two-Way Player

Lorenzen began working towards becoming a two-way player during the 2018-2019 offseason.

September 4, 2019: Historic Two-Way Performance

On September 4, 2019, Lorenzen achieved a rare feat, becoming the second player in history to hit a home run, earn the win as a pitcher, and play in the field in the same game.