*Story by Josh Podoris*
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The World Baseball Classic has become one of the most unique events in baseball. The tournament features more than twenty countries and brings together players from across the baseball world, from current Major League Baseball stars to veterans and rising talent. Played every three to four years, it captures the attention of fans because of the international competition and the star power that Team USA brings to the field.
One of the pitchers representing Team USA this year is Garrett Whitlock, a reliever who has steadily built a reputation as one of the most dependable arms in the bullpen for the Boston Red Sox. Since arriving in Boston in 2021, Whitlock has become known around the league for his ability to handle big situations and deliver when his team needs it most.
Whitlock also has strong ties to Alabama. Before reaching the major leagues, he pitched collegiately at UAB, where he helped develop the foundation for his professional career. Birmingham remains an important part of his story.
In 2020, the baseball world came to a sudden halt when the COVID-19 pandemic shut down minor league seasons across the sport. At that time, Whitlock was a minor league pitcher in the New York Yankees organization and was working his way back from Tommy John surgery. With the minor league season canceled, he remained in the Birmingham area where he continued his rehabilitation while also helping coach youth travel baseball alongside Sylacauga native Kennon McArthur.
That summer, Whitlock and I were both coaching in the same travel ball organization. I managed the 17U team while he worked with the 14U pitchers in the program. At the time, he was still chasing his dream of pitching in the major leagues, but you would never have known it by the way he carried himself around the field. He was humble, approachable, and completely invested in helping the younger players improve.
Despite everything he had already accomplished, Whitlock carried himself like any other coach in the organization, someone who genuinely loved the game and enjoyed investing in the next generation of players. During that time, we formed a friendship that has remained steady through the years.
What stood out most during that period was the way he handled uncertainty. With no minor league season that year, Whitlock continued working toward his goal, helping the travel ball organization and even taking landscaping jobs on the side to make ends meet. His circumstances were far from glamorous, but his determination never wavered.
Everything changed in December 2020 when the Boston Red Sox selected Whitlock in the Rule 5 Draft. The selection placed him directly on Boston’s 40-man roster and gave him an opportunity to pitch in the major leagues the following season.
Whitlock made his MLB debut in 2021 and quickly proved he belonged. He became a key piece of the Red Sox bullpen and has continued to be one of their most reliable pitchers since then. Even through injuries and challenges along the way, he has continued to show resilience each time he takes the mound. His character away from the field has also left an impression on those who know him. Conversations with friends often center on his strong faith and the perspective it brings to both baseball and life. That grounded approach has helped him navigate both the highs and setbacks that come with professional sports.
One moment that stands out to me came during the 2022 MLB lockout. On a morning in March, we met at a Waffle House in Pelham to catch up. We spent the time talking about life, baseball, and how his faith had continued to grow through the ups and downs of his career. During the meal, I joked with the waitress that it was probably best if I picked up the ticket since he had been out of work for a while because of the lockout.
Just a few hours later, Major League Baseball announced the lockout had ended. Not long after that, my phone buzzed with a message from Whitlock letting me know he had a job again and that the next meal would be on him.
Moments like that are part of what makes watching his career unfold so meaningful.
That journey reached another memorable moment on the international stage during Team USA’s game against Mexico in the World Baseball Classic last night. Whitlock was called upon to close out the ninth inning for the United States. He turned in a strong performance, allowing zero runs on one hit while recording two strikeouts to secure the victory for Team USA.
Watching that moment brought back memories of those days in Birmingham when he was rehabbing from surgery and coaching kids while holding on to his dream.
Now he is pitching the final inning for Team USA on the world stage.
Garrett Whitlock’s journey from UAB to the major leagues and now to the World Baseball Classic is a story of perseverance, humility, and faith. For many fans, it is an impressive baseball story. For those fortunate enough to know him personally, it is also the story of a friendship and the joy of watching a good person achieve the dream he never stopped chasing. His path also serves as a reminder to anyone facing uncertainty to keep pushing forward and trust the process. Keep going, Garrett. Alabama and fans across the country are cheering you on!
