Sam Coonrod

{{Infobox baseball biography

|name = Sam Coonrod

|image = Sam Coonrod (49593461168) (cropped).jpg

|caption = Sam Coonrod pitching for the Giants

|team = Gateway Grizzlies

|number =

|position = Pitcher

|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1992|9|22}}

|birth_place = St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.

|bats = Right

|throws = Right

|debutleague = MLB

|debutdate = May 26

|debutyear = 2019

|debutteam = San Francisco Giants

|statleague = MLB

|statyear = 2023 season

|stat1label = Win–loss record

|stat1value = 7–5

|stat2label = Earned run average

|stat2value = 5.54

|stat3label = Strikeouts

|stat3value = 101

|teams =

San Francisco Giants ({{mlby|2019}}–{{mlby|2020}})
Philadelphia Phillies ({{mlby|2021}}–{{mlby|2022}})
New York Mets ({{mlby|2023}})

}}

Samuel Timothy Coonrod (born September 22, 1992) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Gateway Grizzlies of the Frontier League. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the San Francisco Giants, Philadelphia Phillies, and New York Mets.

Coonrod was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and raised in Carrollton, Illinois. He played high school baseball at Carrollton High School, where he helped his team win a state championship his senior season and became the first player in school history to have his jersey number retired. After high school, Coonrod spent three years playing college baseball with the Southern Illinois Salukis of the Missouri Valley Conference. He also played for two collegiate summer baseball teams: the Quincy Gems in 2012 and the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox in 2013.

The Giants selected Coonrod in the fifth round of the 2014 MLB Draft. He spent the 2014 season with the Arizona League Giants, and continued to rise through the Giants' farm system before making his major league debut in 2019. He struggled during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, allowing more than one run per inning pitched and recording a 9.82 earned run average in 18 games. Coonrod was traded during the offseason, and began 2021 in the Phillies' bullpen.

Early life

Coonrod was born on September 22, 1992, to Tim and Karen Coonrod in St. Louis, Missouri, and was raised in Carrollton, Illinois.{{cite web |title=Sam Coonrod Stats, Fantasy & News |url=https://www.mlb.com/player/sam-coonrod-656322 |website=MLB.com |publisher=Major League Baseball |access-date=April 19, 2021 |archive-date=January 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131152512/https://www.mlb.com/player/sam-coonrod-656322 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Farmer |first1=Jason |title=Coonrods experience son's MLB debut |url=https://www.myjournalcourier.com/sports/article/Coonrods-experience-son-8217-s-MLB-debut-13906651.php |access-date=April 19, 2021 |work=Journal-Courier |location=Jacksonville, IL |date=May 29, 2019 |archive-date=June 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190613151258/https://www.myjournalcourier.com/sports/article/Coonrods-experience-son-8217-s-MLB-debut-13906651.php |url-status=live }} Growing up, he was a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals of Major League Baseball (MLB), and attended many of the team's home games at Busch Stadium.{{cite news |last1=Crowley |first1=Kerry |title=Giants reliever thrust into spotlight, expecting 'outrageous' cheering section in St. Louis |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2019/09/02/sam-coonrod-sf-giants-reliever-carrollton-illinois-st-louis/ |access-date=April 19, 2021 |work=The Mercury News |location=San Jose, CA |date=September 2, 2019 |archive-date=March 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302051120/https://www.mercurynews.com/2019/09/02/sam-coonrod-sf-giants-reliever-carrollton-illinois-st-louis/ |url-status=live }} He was a shortstop and pitcher for the baseball team at Carrollton High School, posting a career 16–3 win–loss record and a 1.82 earned run average (ERA), with six saves and 212 strikeouts in 119 innings pitched.{{cite news |last1=Farmer |first1=Jason |title=Former high school rivals remember facing Coonrod |url=https://www.myjournalcourier.com/sports/article/Former-high-school-rivals-remember-facing-Coonrod-13916663.php |access-date=April 18, 2021 |work=Journal-Courier |date=June 1, 2019 |archive-date=April 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430180234/https://www.myjournalcourier.com/sports/article/Former-high-school-rivals-remember-facing-Coonrod-13916663.php |url-status=live }} During his senior season in 2011, Coonrod posted an 11–0 record, including five no-hitters, a 1.35 ERA, and 113 strikeouts in 62 innings pitched. He additionally helped lead the team to a state championship title.{{cite news |last1=Farmer |first1=Jason |title=Carrollton's Coonrod 'getting after it' while waiting to rejoin Giants |url=https://www.thetelegraph.com/sports/article/Carrollton-8217-s-Coonrod-8216-getting-after-15167025.php |access-date=April 19, 2021 |work=The Telegraph |location=Alton, IL |date=March 30, 2020 |archive-date=April 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420013118/https://www.thetelegraph.com/sports/article/Carrollton-8217-s-Coonrod-8216-getting-after-15167025.php |url-status=live }} In 2015, Coonrod became the first Carrollton baseball player to have his jersey number retired.{{cite news |last1=Hough |first1=John |title=Carrollton retires Major League draft pick Coonrod's jersey |url=https://www.riverbender.com/articles/details/carrollton-retires-major-league-draft-pick-coonrods-jersey-5959.cfm |access-date=April 19, 2021 |work=RiverBender.com |location=Alton, IL |date=February 15, 2015 |archive-date=April 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420013940/https://www.riverbender.com/articles/details/carrollton-retires-major-league-draft-pick-coonrods-jersey-5959.cfm |url-status=live }}

College career

Dan Callahan, the coach at the time for the Southern Illinois Salukis of the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC), recruited Coonrod after watching him play at the State Journal-Register Baseball Classic.{{cite news |last1=Kane |first1=Dave |title=Carrollton's Coonrod wants to live up to Callahan's hopes |url=https://www.sj-r.com/article/20101202/NEWS/312029932 |access-date=April 19, 2021 |work=The State Journal-Register |location=Springfield, IL |date=December 2, 2020 |archive-date=April 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420015051/https://www.sj-r.com/article/20101202/NEWS/312029932 |url-status=live }} Coonrod was credited with the win in his college baseball debut, pitching two innings in the Salukis' 4–2 victory over North Florida on February 18, 2012.{{cite news |last1=Gierman |first1=Scott |title=Baseball bounces back for a 4–2 win over North Florida |url=https://siusalukis.com/news/2012/2/18/Baseball_bounces_back_for_a_4_2_win_over_North_Florida.aspx |access-date=April 19, 2021 |work=SIUSalukis.com |publisher=Southern Illinois University Athletics |date=February 18, 2012 |archive-date=April 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420162600/https://siusalukis.com/news/2012/2/18/Baseball_bounces_back_for_a_4_2_win_over_North_Florida.aspx |url-status=live }} Coonrod pitched in 18 games and 64 innings in his freshman season at SIU, posting a 3–5 record, a 4.64 ERA, and 54 strikeouts.{{cite web |title=Sam Coonrod College, Amateur & Minor League Statistics & History |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=coonro000sam |website=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=April 19, 2021 |archive-date=February 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225051758/https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=coonro000sam |url-status=live }} That summer, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Quincy Gems of the Prospect League, going 2–1 with a 1.80 ERA in three games started and striking out 18 batters in 20 innings pitched.{{cite news |last1=Schuckman |first1=Matt |title=Coonrod's rise another sign Gems continue to fill roster with talent |url=https://www.whig.com/archive/article/coonrods-rise-another-sign-gems-continue-to-fill-roster-with-talent/article_426b6040-c4cc-50a7-90e3-150536094ab9.html |access-date=April 19, 2021 |work=Herald-Whig |location=Quincy, IL |date=July 26, 2019 |archive-date=April 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420162539/https://www.whig.com/archive/article/coonrods-rise-another-sign-gems-continue-to-fill-roster-with-talent/article_426b6040-c4cc-50a7-90e3-150536094ab9.html |url-status=live }}

The following season, Coonrod returned to the Salukis as a starting pitcher. He recorded at least one strikeout per start until February 23, 2013, when he walked a career-high six batters in four innings against Jacksonville State.{{cite news |title=Salukis roll to consecutive wins over Jacksonville State |url=https://siusalukis.com/news/2013/2/23/Salukis_roll_to_consecutive_wins_over_Jacksonville_State.aspx |access-date=April 19, 2021 |work=SIUSalukis.com |publisher=Southern Illinois University Athletics |date=February 23, 2013 |archive-date=April 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420023159/https://siusalukis.com/news/2013/2/23/Salukis_roll_to_consecutive_wins_over_Jacksonville_State.aspx |url-status=live }} The following month, on March 22, Coonrod struck out a career-high nine batters in seven innings against Indiana State, an outing that coach Ken Henderson said was "the best he's been all year".{{cite news |title=Salukis drop conference opener, 8–1, at Indiana State |url=https://siusalukis.com/news/2013/3/22/Salukis_drop_conference_opener_8_1_at_Indiana_State.aspx |access-date=April 30, 2021 |work=SIUSalukis.com |publisher=Southern Illinois University Athletics |date=March 22, 2013 |archive-date=April 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430180332/https://siusalukis.com/news/2013/3/22/Salukis_drop_conference_opener_8_1_at_Indiana_State.aspx |url-status=live }} He faced Indiana State again in the second game of the 2013 MVC Tournament, giving up three runs and taking the loss in a 5–0 shutout.{{cite news |title=Indiana State silences SIU offense in 5–0 loss |url=https://siusalukis.com/news/2013/5/22/Indiana_State_silences_SIU_offense_in_5_0_loss.aspx |access-date=April 19, 2021 |work=SIUSalukis.com |publisher=Southern Illinois University Athletics |date=May 22, 2013 |archive-date=April 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420162539/https://siusalukis.com/news/2013/5/22/Indiana_State_silences_SIU_offense_in_5_0_loss.aspx |url-status=live }} Coonrod finished his sophomore season with a 3–6 record, a 4.29 ERA, and 68 strikeouts in 15 starts and {{frac|79|2|3}} innings.{{cite news |last1=Hefferman |first1=Todd |title=Coonrod pitching at Cape Cod League this summer |url=https://thesouthern.com/sports/college/dawgblog/coonrod-pitching-at-cape-cod-league-this-summer/article_a32cc21e-d4af-11e2-9d86-0019bb2963f4.html |access-date=April 19, 2021 |work=The Southern Illinoisan |date=June 14, 2013 |archive-date=June 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130619201908/http://thesouthern.com/sports/college/dawgblog/coonrod-pitching-at-cape-cod-league-this-summer/article_a32cc21e-d4af-11e2-9d86-0019bb2963f4.html |url-status=live }} That summer, he played for the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox of the Cape Cod Baseball League.{{cite web|url=http://baseball.pointstreak.com/player.html?playerid=469838&seasonid=21954 |title=Samuel Coonrod |publisher=pointstreak.com |access-date=July 20, 2021}} His Red Sox coach, Scott Pickler, had previously coached Coonrod's future MLB teammates Joe Panik and Buster Posey during their respective times in the Cape Cod League. He pitched in 8 games and {{frac|16|2|3}} innings with the Red Sox, posting a 1–1 record and 4.86 ERA. Coonrod credited his time with the Red Sox for helping him "mature as a player and be able to handle failure".{{cite news |last1=Hayes |first1=Pete |title=Carrollton product Coonrod promoted to Double-A Richmond |url=https://www.thetelegraph.com/sports/article/BASEBALL-Carrollton-product-Coonrod-promoted-to-12597951.php |access-date=April 30, 2021 |work=The Telegraph |date=June 18, 2016 |archive-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124225919/https://www.thetelegraph.com/sports/article/BASEBALL-Carrollton-product-Coonrod-promoted-to-12597951.php |url-status=live }}

As a junior in 2014, Coonrod was one of four Salukis named to the MVC Scholar-Athlete first team. He posted a 2.87 ERA and 77 strikeouts in {{frac|84|2|3}} innings and 15 games started, in addition to maintaining a 3.48 grade-point average.{{cite news |title=Salukis lead the MVC with 4 Scholar-Athlete team honorees |url=https://siusalukis.com/news/2014/6/4/Salukis_lead_the_MVC_with_4_Scholar_Athlete_Team_honorees.aspx |access-date=April 19, 2021 |work=SIUSalukis.com |publisher=Southern Illinois University Athletics |date=June 4, 2014 |archive-date=April 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420162539/https://siusalukis.com/news/2014/6/4/Salukis_lead_the_MVC_with_4_Scholar_Athlete_Team_honorees.aspx |url-status=live }} In three seasons of college baseball, Coonrod posted an 8–17 record, a 3.86 ERA, and 199 strikeouts in {{frac|228|1|3}} innings pitched.{{cite news |last1=Farmer |first1=Jason |title=Carrollton grad Coonrod drafted by Giants |url=https://www.sj-r.com/article/20140607/SPORTS/140609452 |access-date=April 19, 2021 |work=The State Journal-Register |date=June 7, 2017 |archive-date=April 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430180328/https://www.sj-r.com/article/20140607/SPORTS/140609452 |url-status=live }}

Professional career

=San Francisco Giants=

==Minor leagues==

On June 6, 2014, the San Francisco Giants selected Coonrod in the fifth round, 148th overall, of the 2014 Major League Baseball draft.{{cite news |last1=Hefferman |first1=Todd |title=SIU's Coonrod taken by San Francisco in fifth round |url=https://thesouthern.com/news/local/sius-coonrod-taken-by-san-francisco-in-fifth-round/article_6766df32-edac-11e3-a987-0019bb2963f4.html |access-date=April 19, 2021 |work=The Southern Illinoisan |date=June 6, 2014 |archive-date=April 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430180235/https://thesouthern.com/news/local/sius-coonrod-taken-by-san-francisco-in-fifth-round/article_6766df32-edac-11e3-a987-0019bb2963f4.html |url-status=live }} He was assigned to the Rookie Arizona League Giants, pitching in 15 games and starting in five, and earning his first professional win against the Arizona League Rangers.{{cite news |last1=Farmer |first1=Jason |title='LESS ROOM FOR ERROR': Carrollton's Sam Coonrod reflects on life a year after being drafted by the Giants |url=https://www.thetelegraph.com/sports/article/LESS-ROOM-FOR-ERROR-Carrollton-s-Sam-12565406.php |access-date=April 19, 2021 |work=The Telegraph |date=August 11, 2015 |archive-date=May 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527011347/https://www.thetelegraph.com/sports/article/LESS-ROOM-FOR-ERROR-Carrollton-s-Sam-12565406.php |url-status=live }} He recorded 1–0 record in 2014, with a 3.90 ERA and 25 strikeouts in {{frac|27|2|3}} innings. In 2015, Coonrod was assigned to the Single-A Augusta GreenJackets of the South Atlantic League, earning his first win on May 21 in a 6–0 shutout of the Asheville Tourists. On July 27, Coonrod was named the South Atlantic League Pitcher of the Week, following a win against the Hickory Crawdads.{{cite news |title=Sam Coonrod Earns SAL Pitcher of the Week |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-139038238 |access-date=April 19, 2021 |work=MiLB.com |publisher=Minor League Baseball |date=July 27, 2015 |archive-date=April 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420162834/https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-139038238 |url-status=live }} In his final season start with the GreenJackets on September 6, 2015, Coonrod struck out nine batters in five innings, the second-highest that season, in a 4–2 victory over the Charleston RiverDogs.{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=David |title=Coonrod punches out 9 in GreenJackets win |url=https://www.augustachronicle.com/article/20150906/SPORTS/309069912 |access-date=April 19, 2021 |work=The Augusta Chronicle |date=September 6, 2015 |archive-date=April 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430180331/https://www.augustachronicle.com/article/20150906/SPORTS/309069912 |url-status=live }} He finished the season with a 7–5 record and 3.14 ERA in 23 games and {{frac|111|2|3}} innings.

Coonrod opened the 2016 season with the High–A San Jose Giants of the California League, pitching at the front of the starting rotation. After going 5–0 with a 0.57 ERA and holding his opponents to a .179 batting average in his first month with San Jose, Coonrod was named the California League Player of the Month for May 2016.{{cite news |title=Sam Coonrod Named California League Player of the Month |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-182668984 |access-date=April 20, 2021 |work=MiLB.com |publisher=Minor League Baseball |date=June 7, 2016 |archive-date=April 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430180333/https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-182668984 |url-status=live }} In June, Coonrod was one of four San Jose Giants named to the 2016 California League All-Star team.{{cite news |title=Four San Jose Giants Named to 2016 California League All-Star Team |url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/four-san-jose-giants-named-to-2016-california-league-all-star-team/n-5157743 |access-date=April 20, 2021 |work=Our Sports Central |date=June 8, 2016 |archive-date=April 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430180332/https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/four-san-jose-giants-named-to-2016-california-league-all-star-team/n-5157743 |url-status=live }} That same month, he was promoted to the Double-A Richmond Flying Squirrels of the Eastern League, with whom he went 3–2 with a 3.12 ERA in his first eight starts.{{cite news |last1=Pearrell |first1=Tim |title=Small-town roots – and rooters – spur Squirrels' Coonrod |url=https://richmond.com/sports/flying-squirrels/small-town-roots---and-rooters---spur-squirrels-coonrod/article_e5c7e841-19f6-54f4-af76-6ca3837f83b4.html |access-date=April 20, 2021 |work=Richmond Times-Dispatch |date=August 7, 2016 |archive-date=April 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420150451/https://richmond.com/sports/flying-squirrels/small-town-roots---and-rooters---spur-squirrels-coonrod/article_e5c7e841-19f6-54f4-af76-6ca3837f83b4.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited}} For the 2016 season, Coonrod posted a combined 9–6 record, 2.55 ERA, and 94 strikeouts in 24 games and 141 innings with San Jose and Richmond.

Entering the 2017 season, Keith Law of ESPN ranked Coonrod the eighth-best prospect within the Giants system.{{cite news |last1=Law |first1=Keith |title=San Francisco Giants: Top prospects report |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/keith-law/insider/post/_/id/6599 |access-date=April 20, 2021 |work=ESPN.com |date=February 1, 2017 |archive-date=April 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420161008/https://www.espn.com/blog/keith-law/insider/post/_/id/6599 |url-status=live }} He spent the season with the Flying Squirrels, going 4–11 with a 4.69 ERA and 94 strikeouts in 24 games and {{frac|103|2|3}} innings.{{cite news |last1=Kalibat |first1=Natalie |title=San Francisco Giants' preliminary roster has several former Richmond Flying Squirrels |url=https://www.wric.com/sports/san-francisco-giants-preliminary-roster-has-several-former-richmond-flying-squirrels/ |access-date=April 20, 2021 |publisher=WRIC-TV |date=June 30, 2020 |archive-date=December 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201215045027/https://www.wric.com/sports/san-francisco-giants-preliminary-roster-has-several-former-richmond-flying-squirrels/ |url-status=live}} Coonrod missed most of the 2018 season so that he could recover from Tommy John surgery. He returned from rehab at the end of the season to pitch in 10 games for San Jose, posting a 5.40 ERA.{{cite news |last1=Crowley |first1=Kerry |title=Farhan Zaidi makes first roster moves, adds three to Giants roster |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/11/20/sf-giants-roster-moves-mlb-trade-rumors-melvin-adon/ |access-date=April 20, 2021 |work=The Mercury News |date=November 20, 2018 |archive-date=August 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818000054/https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/11/20/sf-giants-roster-moves-mlb-trade-rumors-melvin-adon/ |url-status=live }}

Coonrod began the 2019 season with the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats, posting a 7.00 ERA in 18 innings.{{cite news |last1=Guardado |first1=Maria |title=Giants call up prospect Coonrod for 'pen relief |url=https://www.mlb.com/giants/news/sam-coonrod-called-up-to-giants |access-date=April 20, 2021 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=May 26, 2019 |archive-date=April 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420163148/https://www.mlb.com/giants/news/sam-coonrod-called-up-to-giants |url-status=live }} Despite being used as a starting pitcher for most of his career, the River Cats used Coonrod as a reliever.{{cite news |last1=Bruzzone |first1=Doug |title=Giants send down Suarez, call up Sam Coonrod |url=https://www.sfexaminer.com/sports/giants-send-down-suarez-call-up-sam-coonrod/ |access-date=April 30, 2021 |work=San Francisco Examiner |date=May 26, 2019 |archive-date=April 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430180332/https://www.sfexaminer.com/sports/giants-send-down-suarez-call-up-sam-coonrod/ |url-status=live }}

==Major leagues==

Coonrod was called up to the Giants on May 26, 2019, and made his MLB debut the same day, throwing a perfect eighth inning, including his first major league strikeout, in a 6–2 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks.{{cite news |title=SIU baseball alum Sam Coonrod makes MLB debut |url=https://siusalukis.com/news/2019/5/26/siu-baseball-alum-sam-coonrod-makes-mlb-debut.aspx?path=baseball |access-date=April 20, 2021 |work=SIUSalukis.com |publisher=Southern Illinois University Athletics |date=May 26, 2019 |archive-date=April 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420163125/https://siusalukis.com/news/2019/5/26/siu-baseball-alum-sam-coonrod-makes-mlb-debut.aspx?path=baseball |url-status=live }} He recorded his first MLB win on July 23, pitching in the 13th inning of the Giants' 5–4 win against the Chicago Cubs. He retired three of the Cubs' top hitters—Javier Báez, Kris Bryant, and Anthony Rizzo—in what ended up being the final inning.{{cite news |last1=Tan |first1=Andrew |title=Reliever Sam Coonrod considers things bigger than baseball |url=https://www.sfexaminer.com/sports/reliever-sam-coonrod-considers-things-bigger-than-baseball/ |access-date=April 20, 2021 |work=San Francisco Examiner |date=July 24, 2019 |archive-date=July 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190725132703/https://www.sfexaminer.com/sports/reliever-sam-coonrod-considers-things-bigger-than-baseball/ |url-status=live }} He finished the season with a 5–1 record, a 3.58 ERA, and 20 strikeouts in 33 games and {{frac|27|2|3}} innings with the Giants.{{cite web |title=Sam Coonrod Stats |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/coonrsa01.shtml |website=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=April 20, 2021 |archive-date=April 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418185305/https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/coonrsa01.shtml |url-status=live }} Coonrod traveled between the River Cats and Giants a total of five times in 2019. The third time that he was called up to the Giants, on July 22, he told The Telegraph, "I was thinking, man I don't want to go back down again. I want to stay up the rest of the year."{{cite news |last1=Farmer |first1=Jason |title=Carrollton's Coonrod 'getting after it' while waiting to rejoin Giants |url=https://www.thetelegraph.com/sports/article/Carrollton-8217-s-Coonrod-8216-getting-after-15167025.php |access-date=April 30, 2021 |work=The Telegraph |date=March 30, 2020 |archive-date=April 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420013118/https://www.thetelegraph.com/sports/article/Carrollton-8217-s-Coonrod-8216-getting-after-15167025.php |url-status=live }}

During the 2020 season, Coonrod became the subject of attention when he became the only player on either team not to kneel ahead of the playing of "The Star Spangled Banner" before the Giants' game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, a gesture done ahead of some games to indicate support for the Black Lives Matter movement. Coonrod justified his decision by saying that, as a Christian, he "can't kneel before anything besides God".

"I'm a Christian, like I said, and I just can't get on board with a couple of things that I have read about Black Lives Matter. How they lean towards Marxism and they've said some negative things about the nuclear family. I just can't get on board with that."{{cite news |last1=Bailey |first1=Analis |title=Giants reliever Sam Coonrod explains why he didn't kneel for Black Lives Matter moment before opener |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2020/07/24/sam-coonrod-giants-reliever-why-he-didnt-kneel-blm-moment/5500442002/ |access-date=April 20, 2021 |work=USA Today |date=July 24, 2020 |archive-date=April 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414232149/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2020/07/24/sam-coonrod-giants-reliever-why-he-didnt-kneel-blm-moment/5500442002/ |url-status=live }}

Giants manager Gabe Kapler said that he spoke with Coonrod after the incident, and that the pitcher would engage in conversations with others about issues of racial justice.{{cite news |title=Giants' Gabe Kapler, Sam Coonrod having ongoing conversation about BLM |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/giants/giants-gabe-kapler-sam-coonrod-having-ongoing-conversation-about-blm |access-date=April 20, 2021 |publisher=NBC Sports Bay Area |date=July 24, 2020 |archive-date=August 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815143500/https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/giants/giants-gabe-kapler-sam-coonrod-having-ongoing-conversation-about-blm |url-status=live }} Later that season, Coonrod recorded his first major league save, pitching a scoreless ninth inning in a 4–1 win over the Diamondbacks.{{cite news |last1=Schulman |first1=Henry |title=Giants' Sam Coonrod retires three tough Diamondbacks in order for first big-league save |url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/giants/article/Giants-Coonrod-retires-3-tough-Diamondbacks-in-15526284.php |access-date=April 20, 2021 |work=San Francisco Chronicle |date=August 30, 2020 |archive-date=January 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121204919/https://www.sfchronicle.com/giants/article/Giants-Coonrod-retires-3-tough-Diamondbacks-in-15526284.php |url-status=live |url-access=limited}} In his final appearance of the season, on September 25, 2020, Coonrod gave up a walk-off home run to Trent Grisham of the San Diego Padres, causing the Giants to lose 6–5.{{cite news |last1=Baggarly |first1=Andrew |title=How a monumentally odd loss impacts the Giants' playoff hopes |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2094762/2020/09/26/how-a-monumentally-odd-loss-impacts-the-giants-playoff-hopes/ |access-date=April 20, 2021 |work=The Athletic |date=September 26, 2020 |archive-date=April 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420163135/https://theathletic.com/2094762/2020/09/26/how-a-monumentally-odd-loss-impacts-the-giants-playoff-hopes/?article_source=search&search_query=coonrod |url-status=live |url-access=subscription}} The following day, Coonrod was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right shoulder strain, keeping him out for the remainder of the season.{{cite news |last1=Crowley |first1=Kerry |title=Giants place Sam Coonrod on injured list after reliever blows save opportunity |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/09/26/giants-place-sam-coonrod-on-injured-list-after-reliever-blows-save-opportunity/ |access-date=April 20, 2021 |work=The Mercury News |date=September 26, 2021 |archive-date=April 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210402231221/https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/09/26/giants-place-sam-coonrod-on-injured-list-after-reliever-blows-save-opportunity/ |url-status=live }} In 2020, Coonrod posted a 0–2 record and a 9.82 ERA in 18 games and {{frac|14|2|3}} innings.

=Philadelphia Phillies=

On January 9, 2021, the Philadelphia Phillies acquired Coonrod from the Giants in exchange for right-handed pitcher Carson Ragsdale.{{cite news |last1=Breen |first1=Matt |title=Phillies acquire reliever Sam Coonrod in trade with Giants |url=https://www.inquirer.com/phillies/phillies-trade-sam-coonrod-giants-carson-ragsdale-kneel-black-lives-matter-20210109.html |access-date=April 19, 2021 |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer |date=January 9, 2021 |archive-date=January 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131132309/https://www.inquirer.com/phillies/phillies-trade-sam-coonrod-giants-carson-ragsdale-kneel-black-lives-matter-20210109.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited}} Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi clarified shortly afterwards that the trade was made for "clear and obvious baseball reasons" and was unrelated to Coonrod's comments about the Black Lives Matter movement.{{cite news |last1=Pavlovic |first1=Alex |title=Zaidi explains why Giants traded Coonrod to Phillies |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/giants/farhan-zaidi-explains-why-giants-traded-sam-coonrod-phillies |access-date=April 19, 2021 |publisher=NBC Sports Bay Area |date=January 9, 2021 |archive-date=January 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109235738/https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/giants/farhan-zaidi-explains-why-giants-traded-sam-coonrod-phillies |url-status=live }} The Phillies, who were in the process of rebuilding their bullpen under new president Dave Dombrowski, made a point to acquire power pitchers like Coonrod and José Alvarado. While Coonrod's velocity made him a strong contender for a bullpen position, there were some concerns about his control.{{cite news |last1=Salisbury |first1=Jim |title=An early look at the 'fierce' battle in Phillies' bullpen |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/phillies/phillies-bullpen-2021-spring-training |access-date=April 30, 2021 |publisher=NBC Sports Philadelphia |date=March 1, 2021 |archive-date=February 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227160631/https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/phillies/phillies-bullpen-2021-spring-training |url-status=live }} Going into the regular season, Coonrod was placed in competition for a bullpen position with left-handed reliever JoJo Romero. Although their statistics were nearly identical throughout spring training, manager Joe Girardi chose Coonrod over Romero because the former threw more strikes. Romero was optioned to the minor leagues on March 28, giving Coonrod a place on the Phillies roster.{{cite news |last1=Lauber |first1=Scott |title=Phillies option reliever JoJo Romero to minor-league camp, leaving one lefty in bullpen |url=https://www.inquirer.com/phillies/phillies-jojo-romero-sam-coonrod-joe-girardi-20210328.html |access-date=April 30, 2021 |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer |date=March 28, 2021 |url-access=limited |archive-date=April 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430180332/https://www.inquirer.com/phillies/phillies-jojo-romero-sam-coonrod-joe-girardi-20210328.html |url-status=live }}

Coonrod pitched two scoreless innings in his Phillies debut, a 5–3 win against the New York Mets on April 6, 2021.{{cite news |last1=Brookover |first1=Bob |title=Jacob deGrom's early exit gave the Phillies a fighting chance for a comeback |url=https://www.inquirer.com/phillies/phillies-win-mets-jacob-degrom-20210406.html |access-date=April 19, 2021 |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer |date=April 6, 2021 |archive-date=April 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210406151058/https://www.inquirer.com/phillies/phillies-win-mets-jacob-degrom-20210406.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited}} On April 28, after Cardinals reliever Génesis Cabrera struck both Bryce Harper and Didi Gregorius with pitches, Coonrod began to scream at the Cardinals' dugout and had to be escorted off the field by catcher Andrew Knapp. He said later, "It's just like, once you hit somebody in the face, you kind of need to make sure you don't hit the next guy."{{cite news |last1=DeGeorge |first1=Matthew |title=Bryce Harper 'feels good' after fastball to face; angry Phillies rally to win |url=https://www.trentonian.com/sports/bryce-harper-feels-good-after-fastball-to-face-angry-phillies-rally-to-win/article_dfab9f8b-44c8-5488-bef8-9b51a9735703.amp.html |access-date=April 30, 2021 |work=The Trentonian |date=April 29, 2021 |archive-date=April 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430180332/https://www.trentonian.com/sports/bryce-harper-feels-good-after-fastball-to-face-angry-phillies-rally-to-win/article_dfab9f8b-44c8-5488-bef8-9b51a9735703.amp.html |url-status=live }} On April 30, Coonrod pitched a scoreless ninth inning to earn his first save with the Phillies in a 2–1 win over the Mets.{{cite news |last1=Lauber |first1=Scott |title=How Phillies' Sam Coonrod got his command under control by playing catch with fellow reliever Brandon Kitnzler |url=https://www.inquirer.com/phillies/phillies-sam-coonrod-brandon-kintzler-bullpen-20210501.html |access-date=May 3, 2021 |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer |date=May 1, 2021}} An elbow injury sent Coonrod to the injured list on June 25; a month later, he blamed the injury on a new slider that he had been trying out, inspired by Trevor Bauer.{{cite news |last1=Breen |first1=Matt |title=Phillies' Sam Coonrod said a new slider put him on the injured list; he thinks he'll be back soon |url=https://www.inquirer.com/phillies/phillies-sam-coonrod-injury-update-slider-trade-deadline-20210723.html |access-date=July 24, 2021 |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer |date=July 23, 2021}} Coonrod was activated off of the injured list on August 25.

On April 14, 2022, Coonrod was placed on the 60-day injured list with a shoulder strain.{{Cite web|title=Phillies' Sam Coonrod: Moves to 60-day IL|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/phillies-sam-coonrod-moves-to-60-day-il/amp/|access-date=2023-01-14|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} He was activated on August 15.{{Cite web|title=Phillies activate Sam Coonrod, Corey Knebel placed on IL|url=https://www.philliesnation.com/2022/08/phillies-activate-sam-coonrod-corey-knebel-placed-on-il/|access-date=2023-06-02|website=philliesnation.com|date=August 15, 2022 |language=en}} Coonrod made 12 appearances for Philadelphia in 2022, struggling to a 7.82 ERA with 12 strikeouts in 12.2 innings pitched.

On January 30, 2023, Coonrod was designated for assignment by the Phillies after the signing of Josh Harrison was made official.{{Cite web|title=Phillies' Sam Coonrod: Designated for Assignment|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/phillies-sam-coonrod-designated-for-assignment/|access-date=2023-01-30|website=cbssports.com|date=January 30, 2023 |language=en}}

=New York Mets=

On February 6, 2023, Coonrod was claimed off waivers by the New York Mets.{{Cite web|title=Mets' Sam Coonrod: Claimed by NYM off waivers|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/mets-sam-coonrod-claimed-by-nym-off-waivers/amp/|access-date=2023-02-06|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} On April 6, Coonrod was placed on the 60-day injured list with a high-grade lat strain.{{Cite web|title=Mets' Sam Coonrod: Transferred to 60-day IL|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/mets-sam-coonrod-transferred-to-60-day-il/amp/|access-date=2023-04-09|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} After pitching {{fraction|9|1|3}} rehab innings for the Single–A St. Lucie Mets and Triple–A Syracuse Mets, Coonrod was activated from the injured list on August 14.{{Cite web|title=Mets' Sam Coonrod: Activated from 60-day IL|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/mets-sam-coonrod-activated-from-60-day-il/amp/|access-date=August 15, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} He was non-tendered and became a free agent on November 17.

=Gateway Grizzlies=

On March 5, 2025, Coonrod signed with the Gateway Grizzlies of the Frontier League.{{Cite web|title=2024-25 Transactions|url=https://www.frontierleague.com/information/Transactions/index|access-date=March 6, 2025|website=frontierleague.com|language=en}}

Pitcher profile

Although he has been primarily used as a reliever in his major league career, Coonrod's experience as a starting pitcher gives him an expanded pitch repertoire.{{cite news |last1=Norris |first1=Josh |title=Phillies Address Bullpen Need, Acquire Sam Coonrod |url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/phillies-address-bullpen-need-acquire-sam-coonrod/ |access-date=April 30, 2021 |work=Baseball America |date=January 11, 2021 |archive-date=January 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125204041/https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/phillies-address-bullpen-need-acquire-sam-coonrod/ |url-status=live }} In 2020, he used five different pitches, with his primary two being a sinker that averaged {{convert|97.9|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} and a four-seam fastball that averaged {{convert|98.7|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.{{cite news |last1=Seidman |first1=Corey |title=Phillies trade for hard-throwing reliever from Giants |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/phillies/phillies-trade-for-sam-coonrod-giants |access-date=April 20, 2021 |publisher=NBC Sports Philadelphia |date=January 9, 2021 |archive-date=January 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116215016/https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/phillies/phillies-trade-for-sam-coonrod-giants |url-status=live }} He ranked fifth among all pitchers in four-seam fastball velocity for the season, and has been capable of pitching up to {{convert|101|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.{{cite news |last1=Sanchez |first1=Mark W. |title=Sam Coonrod's fastball is getting him close to his 'dream' job |url=https://www.knbr.com/2020/09/01/sam-coonrods-fastball-is-getting-him-close-to-his-dream-job/ |access-date=April 20, 2021 |publisher=KNBR |date=September 1, 2020 |archive-date=September 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907165639/https://www.knbr.com/2020/09/01/sam-coonrods-fastball-is-getting-him-close-to-his-dream-job/ |url-status=live }} Coonrod fills out the rest of his pitching repertoire with an {{convert|89|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} changeup, an {{convert|89|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} slider, and an {{convert|82|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} curveball.{{cite web |title=Sam Coonrod Statcast, Visuals & Advanced Metrics |url=https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/sam-coonrod-656322?stats=statcast-r-pitching-mlb |website=Baseball Savant |publisher=Major League Baseball |access-date=April 20, 2021 |archive-date=April 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419204753/https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/sam-coonrod-656322?stats=statcast-r-pitching-mlb |url-status=live }}

Despite praise for Coonrod's speed, his coaches have noted that difficulty maintaining control and focus on the mound have limited him. Kapler said that the key to turning Coonrod into an elite reliever is "getting in the zone and staying in the zone", rather than the quality of his pitches.{{cite news |last1=Sanchez |first1=Mark W. |title=Why the Giants stuck with Sam Coonrod |url=https://www.knbr.com/2020/09/25/why-the-giants-stuck-with-sam-coonrod/ |access-date=April 30, 2021 |publisher=KNBR |date=September 25, 2020 |archive-date=October 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023024041/https://www.knbr.com/2020/09/25/why-the-giants-stuck-with-sam-coonrod/ |url-status=live }} After being traded to the Phillies, Coonrod saw an increase in his pitch control, which he attributed to the relatively higher humidity in Philadelphia and in the new spring training location of Clearwater, Florida. He told reporters that the humid weather in those places "helps me with what I throw, the sink and the changeup".{{cite news |last1=Farmer |first1=Jason |title=Carrollton's Sam Coonrod looking forward to pitching for Phillies |url=https://www.myjournalcourier.com/sports/article/Carrollton-s-Sam-Coonrod-looking-forward-to-15858833.php |access-date=April 30, 2021 |work=Journal-Courier |date=January 9, 2021 |archive-date=January 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125170531/https://www.myjournalcourier.com/sports/article/Carrollton-s-Sam-Coonrod-looking-forward-to-15858833.php |url-status=live }} Coonrod also said that his Phillies teammate Brandon Kintzler helped him improve his pitching technique going into the 2021 season, particularly with regards to his sinker.{{cite news |last1=Farmer |first1=Jason |title=Sam Coonrod ready for fresh start with Phillies |url=https://www.thetelegraph.com/sports/article/Sam-Coonrod-ready-for-fresh-start-with-Phillies-16067508.php |access-date=April 20, 2021 |work=The Telegraph |date=March 30, 2021 |archive-date=April 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420163136/https://www.thetelegraph.com/sports/article/Sam-Coonrod-ready-for-fresh-start-with-Phillies-16067508.php |url-status=live }}

Personal life

Coonrod married his girlfriend Kara Kimball on November 24, 2017, in Fenton, Missouri.{{cite news |title=Best Bridal wedding and engagement announcements: 2017 |url=https://www.stltoday.com/lifestyles/bestbridal/announcements/weddings/best-bridal-wedding-and-engagement-announcements-2017/collection_52a55684-ba65-58a1-be30-16ae941897ac.html#35 |access-date=April 30, 2021 |work=St. Louis Best Bridal |date=April 28, 2017 |archive-date=April 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430180308/https://www.stltoday.com/lifestyles/bestbridal/announcements/weddings/best-bridal-wedding-and-engagement-announcements-2017/collection_52a55684-ba65-58a1-be30-16ae941897ac.html#35 |url-status=live }} He continues to lift weights and practice pitching during the offseason by using the gymnasium at St. John's Elementary School in Carrollton.{{cite news |last1=Brannan |first1=Dan |title=Carrollton native Sam Coonrod steps closer to play in the Majors |url=https://www.riverbender.com/articles/details/carrollton-native-sam-coonrod-steps-closer-to-play-in-the-majors-11021.cfm |access-date=April 30, 2021 |work=RiverBender.com |date=January 25, 2016 |archive-date=April 23, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423073411/http://www.riverbender.com/articles/details/carrollton-native-sam-coonrod-steps-closer-to-play-in-the-majors-11021.cfm |url-status=live }}