Andrew McKirahan’s journey from Georgetown, Texas, to the Major Leagues is a story of determination and talent. At Georgetown High School, he led his team with outstanding performances before moving to the University of Texas, where he honed his pitching skills.
Drafted by the Chicago Cubs, McKirahan overcame setbacks, including an arm injury and suspension, and later played for teams like the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds. There’s much more to uncover about his remarkable baseball career.
Image: Keith Allison on Flickr (Original version) UCinternational (Crop), Andrew McKirahan on July 28, 2015, CC BY-SA 2.0
Early Life and High School Achievements
Andrew McKirahan’s path to the majors began in Georgetown, where he became a standout at Georgetown High School. As a two-year letterwinner, he excelled in high school baseball and served as team captain during his senior year.
Over his junior and senior seasons, McKirahan compiled a 16–4 record on the mound. His junior-year performance included an 8–1 record with a 1.97 ERA, while his senior year earned him second-team All-District 14-5A honors with a 7–3 record. These consistent achievements laid a strong foundation for his baseball future.
Image: Larry D. Moore, Georgetown High School Georgetown Texas 2021, CC BY 4.0
College Baseball Success at the University of Texas
Building on his high school success, McKirahan played for the University of Texas at Austin from 2009 to 2011, where he developed into a reliable relief pitcher. In 2010, he appeared in 23 games, posting a 2–1 record and a 2.78 ERA across 22.2 innings.
In 2011, McKirahan continued to deliver strong relief performances, including 1.2 scoreless innings against Maryland. His college career caught the attention of scouts and led to his selection in the 21st round of the 2011 MLB Draft by the Chicago Cubs.
Summer League Experience and Development
In the summer of 2010, McKirahan played for the Wareham Gatemen in the Cape Cod Baseball League, one of the top amateur leagues in the country. Facing elite collegiate talent, he recorded a 3.09 ERA over 11.2 innings, helping refine his mechanics and mound presence.
This competitive environment allowed McKirahan to improve his command and gain confidence, contributing to his successful junior season and bolstering his draft stock for 2011.
View this post on Instagram
Journey With the Chicago Cubs
Drafted in the 21st round by the Chicago Cubs in 2011, McKirahan began his professional career in the minors. Unfortunately, an arm injury in 2012 led to Tommy John surgery, forcing him to miss an entire season.
Despite this major setback, he returned to action and steadily worked his way back up the system. However, he never made an MLB appearance for the Cubs, and in December 2014, he was selected in the Rule 5 Draft by the Miami Marlins. That move would open the door to his eventual MLB debut.
Transition to the Miami Marlins
Being selected by the Miami Marlins in the 2014 Rule 5 Draft offered McKirahan a second chance to make a major league roster. His recovery from Tommy John surgery had restored his velocity, and the Marlins saw potential value in his left-handed arm.
However, shortly after spring training in 2015, the Atlanta Braves claimed him off waivers, giving him his first real shot at the big leagues. While he never appeared in a regular-season game for the Marlins, the move served as a pivotal point in his career.
Time With the Atlanta Braves
McKirahan made his MLB debut on April 12, 2015, for the Atlanta Braves in a game against the New York Mets. The milestone was short-lived, however, as just eight days later, he received an 80-game suspension for violating MLB’s performance-enhancing drug policy.
Despite this major setback, he returned to the Braves’ bullpen later that season and made 27.1 innings pitched across 27 games, striking out 22 batters. Though he finished with a 5.93 ERA, the experience of playing at the highest level marked a peak in his professional journey.
Challenges and Setbacks in Professional Career
McKirahan’s professional career was defined by both promise and adversity. The Tommy John surgery in 2012 was his first major challenge, requiring months of rehabilitation and determination to return to form.
The 2015 PED suspension further derailed his momentum during what could have been a breakout season. Even after returning to the mound, his high ERA and inconsistency limited his ability to secure a long-term role. In 2016, he missed the season due to another injury and was eventually designated for assignment by the Braves, closing a difficult chapter in his career.
Stint With Cincinnati Reds and Sugar Land Skeeters
In February 2017, McKirahan was traded to the Cincinnati Reds along with Carlos Portuondo in exchange for Brandon Phillips. The Reds offered a fresh opportunity, but after a short time in their minor league system, he was released on March 17, 2018.
Hoping to keep his baseball dream alive, McKirahan signed with the Sugar Land Skeeters of the Atlantic League on March 26, 2018. However, his stint was short, as he was released on April 24, 2018, before the season began. This marked the end of his professional baseball career.
Legacy and Impact on Baseball Career
Though Andrew McKirahan’s MLB career was brief, it left a lasting impression on those who witnessed his perseverance. From small-town Georgetown to the mound at Turner Field, his rise was marked by hard work, resilience, and moments of triumph amid adversity.
He remains one of the few Georgetown High School athletes to reach the major leagues. Inspired by his father, David McKirahan, Andrew’s story reflects the emotional highs and lows of professional sports:
- Perseverance: Recovering from injury and setbacks to reach MLB.
- Inspiration: Motivated by family support and personal grit.
- Resilience: Battling through challenges and never giving up.
- Legacy: A testament to the drive it takes to chase a dream.