John Thomas Hatch

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• John Thomas Hatch might not be the biggest name in baseball, but his story is one of determination, resilience, and a deep love for the game. Born in Jenks, Oklahoma in 1994, Hatch grew up like a lot of kids in America—dreaming of one day playing in the big leagues. At Jenks High School, he showed flashes of real talent on the mound, posting strong numbers and catching the attention of college scouts. Instead of turning pro right away, Hatch chose to attend Oklahoma State University, where he studied accounting while also making a name for himself as one of the top pitchers in college baseball.

  By 2016, Hatch was dominating hitters. He finished his junior year with a 9–3 record and a 2.14 ERA, leading Oklahoma State all the way to the College World Series. That same year, he earned the Big 12 Pitcher of the Year award and heard his name called in the MLB Draft when the Chicago Cubs selected him in the third round. For a young pitcher, it was a dream come true.

  Like many players, the road through the minors was tough. Hatch spent time with the Cubs’ affiliates, battling ups and downs on the mound but also showing flashes of promise. Then, in 2019, his career took a turn when he was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays. Just a year later, he got his big break—making his MLB debut during the unusual 2020 season. Despite all the challenges that year, Hatch impressed fans with a 2.73 ERA across 17 games. It looked like he was on his way.

  But baseball is rarely a straight line. Injuries hit Hatch hard, especially with elbow issues that sidelined him for long stretches. While he kept grinding in Triple-A, the consistency he had in college didn’t always follow him in the pros. Still, he kept showing up, kept working, and eventually earned more chances.

  After a short stint with the Blue Jays, Hatch was picked up by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2023. He gave them solid innings out of the bullpen, but by the end of the year, he chose a new adventure overseas in Japan with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp. Playing in Nippon Professional Baseball was a completely different experience—new culture, new fans, new pressure. It didn’t all go smoothly; Hatch struggled with command and results, but the fact that he was willing to take that leap said a lot about his determination.

  When his time in Japan ended, Hatch kept chasing opportunities. He signed briefly with the Kansas City Royals in 2025, bouncing between the majors and Triple-A. Even when things didn’t click perfectly, Hatch continued to fight for his place on a roster.

  What stands out about Hatch’s career isn’t just the stats—it’s the persistence. From Oklahoma to Toronto, Pittsburgh, Japan, and Kansas City, he has never stopped believing there’s still a chance to carve out his spot in baseball. His journey is a reminder that success isn’t always about being a superstar. Sometimes, it’s about resilience, adapting to challenges, and chasing the game you love, no matter where it takes you.