Michael Harris II
{{short description|American baseball player (born 2001)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2025}}
{{Infobox baseball biography
|name = Michael Harris II
|image = Michael Harris II takes batting practice, Aug 05 2022 4 (cropped).jpg
|caption = Harris with the Braves in 2022
|team = Atlanta Braves
|number = 23
|position = Center fielder
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|2001|3|7}}
|birth_place = Decatur, Georgia, U.S.
|bats = Left
|throws = Left
|debutleague = MLB
|debutdate = May 28
|debutyear = 2022
|debutteam = Atlanta Braves
|statleague = MLB
|statyear = June 10, 2025
|stat1label = Batting average
|stat1value = .277
|stat2label = Home runs
|stat2value = 57
|stat3label = Runs batted in
|stat3value = 205
|stat4label = Stolen bases
|stat4value = 60
|teams =
- Atlanta Braves ({{mlby|2022}}–present)
|awards =
- NL Rookie of the Year (2022)
}}
Michael Machion Harris II (born March 7, 2001) is an American professional baseball center fielder for the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball (MLB). He was selected by the Braves in the third round of the 2019 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut with them in 2022, and won the National League Rookie of the Year Award.
Early life and amateur career
Michael Harris II was born to Michael Harris Sr. and LaTaucha Harris.{{cite news |last1=Bowman |first1=Mark |title=Michael Harris II documentary premieres |url=https://www.mlb.com/braves/news/michael-harris-ii-documentary-premiere |access-date=February 12, 2023 |work=MLB.com |date=February 9, 2023}} His mother worked for the Fulton County School System as a special education teacher{{cite news |last1=O'Brien |first1=David |title=Michael Harris II pleased to be part of Alex Anthopoulos' Braves sustainability plan |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3518383/2022/08/17/michael-harris-ii-pleased-to-be-part-of-alex-anthopoulos-braves-sustainability-plan/ |work=The Athletic |date=August 17, 2022 |quote=LaTaucha Harris, a special education teacher for Fulton County Schools}} and his father played college baseball at Alcorn State.{{cite news |last1=Cleveland |first1=Rick |title=Atlanta Braves' No. 1 prospect Michael Harris is a chip off the old Alcorn State block |url=https://mississippitoday.org/2022/04/22/atlanta-braves-michael-harris-alcorn-state-father/ |access-date=February 12, 2023 |work=Mississippi Today |date=April 22, 2022}} He has a sister, Mikaylah.{{cite news |last1=Yates |first1=Clinton |title=Michael Harris' baseball life has always been in Braves Country |url=https://andscape.com/features/michael-harris-baseball-life-has-always-been-in-braves-country/ |access-date=October 1, 2022 |work=Andscape |date=September 30, 2022}} Harris grew up near Turner Field and wanted to play for the Atlanta Braves since he was a young child.{{cite news |last1=O'Brien |first1=David |title=Michael Harris II shines in Braves' most anticipated debut since 2018 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3338866/2022/05/28/michael-harris-ii-braves-debut/ |access-date=June 5, 2022 |work=The Athletic |date=May 28, 2022}} Harris spent his childhood in DeKalb and Henry counties{{cite web |last1=Martinez |first1=Courtney |title="He's an A-town boy:" Michael Harris II's family overjoyed he's staying with hometown Braves |url=https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/hes-an-a-town-boy-michael-harris-iis-family-overjoyed-hes-staying-with-hometown-braves/ET25MSCBHZEXZG4ZV5WJB7JBHQ/ |website=WSB-TV 2 |date=August 17, 2022 |access-date=November 15, 2022}} before attending Stockbridge High School in Stockbridge, Georgia.{{Cite news|url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/stockbridge-harris-now-brave-ready-work-dream/TeWUd2qCtfvGu9hsqa3RHJ/|title=Stockbridge's Harris now a Brave, ready to go to work on a dream|first1=Steve|last1=Hummer|date=June 10, 2019|access-date=June 5, 2022|newspaper=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}} As a high schooler, he was coached by family friend Marquis Grissom in summer leagues and received further training from Grissom during the offseasons.
He was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the third round of the 2019 Major League Baseball draft.{{Cite news|date=June 4, 2019|access-date=June 5, 2022|url=https://www.henryherald.com/sports/stockbridge-highs-michael-harris-drafted-by-atlanta-in-the-third-round/article_7424e72a-8701-11e9-90a0-c71ffafd96d7.html|title=Stockbridge High's Michael Harris drafted by Atlanta in the third round|first=Darius |last=Goodman|work=Henry Herald}} He signed with the Braves for a bonus of $548,000,{{cite news |last1=Cleveland |first1=Rick |title=ATLANTA BRAVES' NO. 1 PROSPECT MICHAEL HARRIS IS A CHIP OFF THE OLD ALCORN STATE BLOCK |url=https://www.hubcityspokes.com/state-sports/atlanta-braves-no-1-prospect-michael-harris-chip-old-alcorn-state-block-626323844292c |access-date=June 5, 2022 |work=The Pine Belt News |date=April 22, 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Schlossberg |first1=Dan |title=Braves Promote Blue-Chip Rookie Michael Harris II Ahead Of Schedule |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/danschlossberg/2022/05/30/braves-promote-blue-chip-rookie-michael-harris-ii-ahead-of-schedule/?sh=4b0d22852b3f |access-date=June 5, 2022 |work=Forbes |date=May 30, 2022}} forgoing his commitment to play college baseball at Texas Tech University,{{Cite news|last1=Goodman|first1=Darius|work=Henry Herald|date=November 18, 2018|access-date=June 5, 2022|url=https://www.henryherald.com/sports/michael-harris-ii-commits-to-texas-tech-to-continue-baseball-career/article_b24a9c6f-c0f7-595d-8de4-0a10debde355.html|title=Michael Harris II commits to Texas Tech to continue baseball career}} as well as a desire to attend veterinary school.{{cite news |last1=Toscano |first1=Justin |title=Love for animals nearly took Braves outfielder Michael Harris to vet school |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/love-for-animals-nearly-took-braves-outfielder-michael-harris-to-vet-school/2DK5QW5SHFH5LGHIT4LIYPOMAY/ |access-date=June 5, 2022 |work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |date=June 4, 2022}} Prior to considering Texas Tech, Harris had been recruited by the Louisiana State Tigers baseball team solely as a pitcher.{{cite news |last1=Bowman |first1=Mark |title=Harris carries friend's memory with him into 1st postseason |url=https://www.mlb.com/braves/news/michael-harris-ii-prepares-for-first-playoff-game |access-date=October 8, 2022 |work=MLB.com |date=October 8, 2022}}
Professional career
=Minor leagues=
Harris started his professional career that year with the Gulf Coast Braves before being promoted to the Rome Braves.{{Cite news|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/michael-harris-is-poised-to-rise-quickly/|title=Michael Harris Is Poised To Rise Quickly|first=Gabe|last=Burns|work=Baseball America|access-date=June 5, 2022|date=November 4, 2020}} Over 53 games between the two teams, he batted .277/.344/.393 with two home runs and 27 runs batted in.
Due to the cancellation of the 2020 Minor League Baseball season due to COVID-19, he did not play for a team.{{cite news|last1=Adler|first1=David|date=June 30, 2020|access-date=June 5, 2022| url = https://www.mlb.com/news/2020-minor-league-baseball-season-canceled| title = 2020 Minor League Baseball season canceled| website = MLB.com}} In 2021, the Braves invited him to their spring training.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2439006/2021/03/10/michael-harris-atlanta-braves/ |title=How local product Michael Harris is turning heads with the Braves this spring |last1=O'Brien |first1=David |work=The Athletic |date=March 10, 2022 |access-date=March 24, 2022}} He spent the 2021 season with the Rome Braves, slashing .294/.362/.436 with seven home runs, 64 runs batted in, and 27 stolen bases.{{Cite news|work=Baseball America|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/michael-harris-braves-2021-minor-league-player-of-the-year/|title=Michael Harris: Braves 2021 Minor League Player of the Year}} In June, he was selected to play in the All-Star Futures Game.{{Cite news|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/michael-harris-ii-in-2021-futures-game|title=Braves prospect Harris gets high praise|work=MLB.com|last1=Bowman|first1=Mark|date=July 8, 2021|access-date=June 5, 2022}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/drew-waters-michael-harris-named-to-2021-futures-game-roster/GY7ZOMYHTZCAHIPQX5LSNX7AQ4/|title = Drew Waters, Michael Harris named to 2021 Futures game|newspaper = The Atlanta Journal-Constitution|last1 = Burns|first1 = Gabriel|date=June 30, 2021|access-date=June 5, 2022}}
Harris was again invited to spring training by the Braves in 2022.{{Cite news|first1=Mark|last1=Bowman|date=March 7, 2022|access-date=June 5, 2022|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/michael-harris-impressing-at-braves-camp|title = 'He's unreal': Top prospect Harris continues to turn heads at Braves camp|website = MLB.com}}{{Cite news|access-date=June 5, 2022|date=March 6, 2022|url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/an-absolute-freak-top-braves-prospect-harris-has-always-turned-heads/YX7LRNDIJRCRLJRMDQU2VHCWOA/|title='An absolute freak': Top Braves prospect Harris has always turned heads|newspaper=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution|last1=Toscano|first1=Justin}} He was assigned to the Mississippi Braves to begin the 2022 season, slashing .305/.372/.506 with five home runs, 33 runs batted in, and 11 stolen bases in 43 games before being called up to the major leagues.{{Cite web |title=Michael Harris 2022 Minor Leagues Game Logs & Splits |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=harris010mic |access-date=May 28, 2022 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}} During the 2022 season, Harris was ranked the 63rd-best prospect in all of Minor League Baseball, and the Braves' best prospect.{{cite news |last1=Trujillo |first1=Nick |title=Harris II extends on-base streak with first career multihomer game |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/michael-harris-ii-has-first-career-two-home-run-game |access-date=June 5, 2022 |work=MLB.com|date=May 2, 2022}}
= Atlanta Braves =
On May 28, 2022, Harris was selected to the major league roster, and he made his debut later that day against the Miami Marlins.{{cite news |last1=Toscano |first1=Justin |title=Braves call up top prospect Michael Harris for his MLB debut |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/braves-call-up-top-prospect-michael-harris-ii-for-his-mlb-debut/HJE6R2CADRHLRPXXMOFZHTXK2Q/ |access-date=May 28, 2022 |work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |date=May 28, 2022}}{{Cite web |last=Bowman |first=Mark |date=May 28, 2022 |title=Braves call up top prospect Harris to bolster OF |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/michael-harris-ii-called-up-by-braves |access-date=May 28, 2022 |website=MLB.com}} Harris struck out in his first major league at-bat, and later on in the same game, recorded his first hit, a single, and scored his first run.{{cite news |last1=Riker |first1=John |title=Braves' top prospect Michael Harris impresses in his debut |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/braves-top-prospect-michael-harris-impresses-in-his-debut/I7RYXFAURZC4PBZ2HNN4U6QLMA/ |access-date=June 5, 2022 |work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |date=May 28, 2022}} While facing the Arizona Diamondbacks on May 31, Harris drove in his first career run.{{cite news |last1=Toscano |first1=Justin |title=Braves waste 4-run lead, 4-hit night from Matt Olson |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/braves-waste-4-run-lead-4-hit-night-from-matt-olson/7G2L7NE7YVCUNKNABWXD5THRWU/ |access-date=June 5, 2022 |work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |date=June 1, 2022}} Harris hit his first career home run against the Washington Nationals on June 13.{{cite news |title=Albies breaks foot, but Braves beat Nats for 12th straight |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=401355144 |access-date=June 13, 2022 |agency=Associated Press |work=ESPN.com |date=June 13, 2022}} During the month of June, Harris had a .347/.371/.574 slash line. Of his 35 hits, 13 were extra base hits. He also drove in 16 runs, stole four bases, and won the Rookie of the Month Award.{{cite news |last1=Harrigan |first1=Thomas |title=J-Rod, Harris recognized as June's Rookies of the Month |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/julio-rodriguez-michael-harris-ii-june-rookies-of-the-month |access-date=August 17, 2022 |work=MLB.com |date=July 2, 2022}}{{cite news |title=Braves sign OF Michael Harris II |url=https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-braves-sign-of-michael-harris-ii |access-date=August 17, 2022 |work=MLB.com |date=August 16, 2022}} On August 17, the Braves and Harris agreed to an eight-year contract extension worth at least $72 million.{{cite news |last1=Toscano |first1=Justin |title=Braves keep young star Michael Harris home with eight-year contract extension |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/braves-keep-young-star-michael-harris-home-with-eight-year-contract-extension/DWY7QSWMSNE4JBNDEPSIB4F4MU/ |access-date=August 17, 2022 |work=Atlanta Journal Constitution |date=August 16, 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Bowman |first1=Mark |title=Braves sign rookie Harris to 8-year deal |url=https://www.mlb.com/braves/news/michael-harris-braves-contract |access-date=August 17, 2022 |date=August 16, 2022}}{{cite news |title=Atlanta Braves, Michael Harris II agree to 8-year, $72 million extension |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/34410443/atlanta-braves-michael-harris-ii-agree-8-year-72-million-extension |access-date=August 17, 2022 |work=ESPN.com |date=August 16, 2022}} As the season continued, Harris, teammate Spencer Strider, and the Braves' later call-up Vaughn Grissom were considered possible National League Rookie of the Year candidates.{{cite news |last1=O'Brien |first1=David |title=Braves rookies are thriving, and their colorful personalities are showing |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3526817/2022/08/21/braves-rookies-michael-harris-ii-spencer-strider-vaughn-grissom/ |access-date=August 28, 2022 |work=The Athletic |date=August 21, 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Toscano |first1=Justin |title='The kid can just hit': Vaughn Grissom's first two weeks with Braves a success |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/the-kid-can-just-hit-vaughn-grissoms-first-two-weeks-with-braves-a-success/625YKAC5PBDAXCP2HTI7EZ6GGA/ |access-date=August 28, 2022 |work=Atlanta Journal Constitution |date=August 24, 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Olney |first1=Buster |title=How Vaughn Grissom and Michael Harris II became the Atlanta Braves' latest homegrown stars |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/insider/story/_/id/34463708/how-vaughn-grissom-michael-harris-became-latest-atlanta-braves-homegrown-stars |access-date=August 28, 2022 |work=ESPN.com |date=August 27, 2022}} Harris was again named Rookie of the Month for August, posting a .337/.400/.590 slash line. Sixteen of his rookie-leading 32 hits during the month were for extra bases.{{cite news |last1=Murphy |first1=Brian |title=Kirby, Harris named August's top rookies |url=https://www.mlb.com/braves/news/george-kirby-michael-harris-ii-are-rookies-of-the-month |access-date=September 3, 2022 |date=September 3, 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Toscano |first1=Justin |title=Braves outfielder Michael Harris wins second NL Rookie of the Month award |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/braves-outfielder-michael-harris-wins-second-nl-rookie-of-the-month-award/U2IRKQYNYRBPFHICJFVJP7SNHQ/ |access-date=September 3, 2022 |work=Atlanta Journal Constitution |date=September 3, 2022}} In September, Harris was recognized as Rookie of the Month for the third time, having batted .324 with six home runs and 19 RBI.{{cite news |url=https://www.mlb.com/video/michael-harris-ii-wins-rotm |title=Michael Harris II wins ROTM |website=MLB.com |date=October 3, 2022 |accessdate=October 3, 2022}}
On November 14, Harris was named the 2022 National League Rookie of the Year, finishing ahead of teammate Spencer Strider.{{cite news |last1=Schoenfield |first1=David |title=Braves' Michael Harris II edges teammate Spencer Strider for NL ROY |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/35027692/braves-michael-harris-ii-beats-teammate-spencer-strider-nl-roy |access-date=November 15, 2022 |work=ESPN.com |date=November 14, 2022}} Harris and Strider were the second pair of Braves to finish first and second for the award, following Craig Kimbrel and Freddie Freeman in 2011.{{Cite news |last=Langs |first=Sarah |author-link=Sarah Langs |date=November 14, 2022 |title=Harris II, Strider join exclusive list of dynamic rookie teammates |url=https://www.mlb.com/braves/news/teammates-to-finish-first-and-second-in-rookie-of-the-year-voting |access-date=November 15, 2022 |work=MLB.com}} Harris dedicated the award to Marquis Grissom, his youth baseball tutor, with whom he had continued working during the offseasons.{{cite news |last1=Willis |first1=Kris |title=Michael Harris on being Rookie of the Year, 2023 goals |url=https://www.batterypower.com/2022/11/14/23459267/michael-harris-comments-rookie-of-the-year-marquis-grissom |access-date=November 16, 2022 |work=Battery Power |publisher=SB Nation |date=November 14, 2022 |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Bowman |first1=Mark |last2=Ladson |first2=Bill |title=Harris wins NL ROY Award as Braves go 1-2 in balloting |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/michael-harris-ii-2022-nl-rookie-of-year-spencer-strider-2nd |access-date=November 16, 2022 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=November 14, 2022 |language=en}}
Harris played in 138 games for the Braves during the 2023 campaign, slashing .293/.331/.477 with 18 home runs, 57 RBI, and 20 stolen bases.{{cite web | last=Remington | first=Alex | title=2023 Braves Player Review: Michael Harris II | website=Braves Journal | date=December 15, 2023 | url=https://bravesjournal.com/2023/12/15/2023-braves-player-review-michael-harris-ii/ | access-date=February 15, 2025}}
Harris began the 2024 campaign with Atlanta, playing in 67 games and hitting .250/.295/.358 with five home runs, 20 RBI, and eight stolen bases. He was placed on the injured list with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain on June 15.{{cite web | last=Weinrib | first=Ben | title=Michael Harris II goes on IL with hamstring injury | website=MLB.com | date=June 16, 2024 | url=https://www.mlb.com/news/michael-harris-ii-hamstring-injury | access-date=February 15, 2025}} Harris was transferred to the 60–day injured list on July 24.{{Cite web |date=July 24, 2024 |title=Braves' Zach Logue: Selected from Triple-A |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/braves-zach-logue-selected-from-triple-a/ |access-date=July 24, 2024 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}} He was activated on August 14, and hit his first career grand slam off of San Francisco Giants pitcher Robbie Ray later that evening.{{cite news |last1=Bowman |first1=Mark |title=Harris belts grand slam in return from IL; Braves blow out Giants |url=https://www.mlb.com/braves/news/michael-harris-ii-hits-grand-slam-in-return-from-il |access-date=August 14, 2024 |publisher=MLB.com |date=August 14, 2024}}{{cite news |title=Michael Harris hits grand slam in 1st at-bat in injury return, Braves rout Giants 13-2 |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/401570273 |access-date=August 14, 2024 |agency=Associated Press |publisher=ESPN.com}}
Personal life
Harris married Esther in 2024. The couple began dating in 2021.{{cite news |title=Braves centerfielder Michael Harris II ties the knot with his longtime girlfriend |url=https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/henry-county/braves-centerfielder-michael-harris-ii-ties-knot-with-his-longtime-girlfriend/X6ZVAWFPPNGGZPXCEMCWK6WQNY/ |access-date=April 9, 2025 |publisher=WSB-TV |date=November 18, 2024}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{baseballstats|mlb=671739|espn=42470|br=h/harrimi04|fangraphs=25931|brm=harris010mic|retro=H/Pharrm004}}
{{NL Rookie of the Year}}
{{Atlanta Braves roster navbox}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Harris, Michael II}}
Category:21st-century African-American sportsmen
Category:African-American baseball players
Category:Atlanta Braves players
Category:Baseball players from Georgia (U.S. state)
Category:Gulf Coast Braves players
Category:Gwinnett Stripers players
Category:Major League Baseball Rookie of the Year Award winners
Category:Major League Baseball center fielders
Category:Mississippi Braves players