Jonah Heim: Difference between revisions

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Some dumbass thought that he grew up watching that Bisons play as the affiliate of the Jays… But they weren’t part of the Jays until 2013 and he was an adult then.
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{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{short description|American baseball player (born 1995)}}
{{short description|American baseball player (born 1995)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2023}}
{{Infobox baseball biography
{{Infobox baseball biography
|name = Jonah Heim
|name = Jonah Heim
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|debutteam = Oakland Athletics
|debutteam = Oakland Athletics
|statleague = MLB
|statleague = MLB
|statyear = 2023 season
|statyear = April 18, 2024
|stat1label = [[Batting average (baseball)|Batting average]]
|stat1label = [[Batting average (baseball)|Batting average]]
|stat1value = .232
|stat1value = .234
|stat2label = [[Home run]]s
|stat2label = [[Home run]]s
|stat2value = 44
|stat2value = 47
|stat3label = [[Run batted in|Runs batted in]]
|stat3label = [[Run batted in|Runs batted in]]
|stat3value = 180
|stat3value = 195
|teams =
|teams =
* [[Oakland Athletics]] ({{mlby|2020}})
* [[Oakland Athletics]] ({{mlby|2020}})
* [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]] ({{mlby|2021}}–present)
* [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]] ({{mlby|2021}}–present)
| awards =
| awards =
* [[World Series]] champion ([[2023 World Series|2023]])
* [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] ([[2023 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2023]])
* [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] ([[2023 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2023]])
* [[World Series]] champion ([[2023 World Series|2023]])
* [[All-MLB Team|All-MLB Second Team]] (2023)
* [[Gold Glove Award]] (2023)
}}
}}
'''Jonah Nathan Heim''' (born June 27, 1995) is an American [[professional baseball]] [[catcher]] for the [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]] of [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB). He previously played in MLB for the [[Oakland Athletics]].
'''Jonah Nathan Heim''' (born June 27, 1995) is an American [[professional baseball]] [[catcher]] for the [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]] of [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB). He previously played in MLB for the [[Oakland Athletics]].
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==Early life==
==Early life==
Jonah Nathan Heim was born June 27, 1995, in [[Buffalo, New York]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Jonah Heim Stats, Fantasy & News |url=https://www.mlb.com/player/jonah-heim-641680 |work=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]] |access-date=September 4, 2023}}</ref> A childhood fan of the [[New York Yankees]] of [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB), Heim's favorite players were [[catcher]]s like [[Jorge Posada]] and [[Russell Martin (baseball)|Russell Martin]],<ref>{{cite news |last=Gallegos |first=Martin |title=Heim, dad 'emotional' over callup, debut |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/jonah-heim-callup-father |work=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media |date=August 26, 2020 |access-date=September 4, 2023}}</ref> and he grew up watching the [[Buffalo Bisons]], the [[Toronto Blue Jays]]' [[Triple-A (baseball)|Triple-A]] affiliate, although they were part of the Cleveland Guardians organization at the time, play at [[Sahlen Field]].<ref name="harrington">{{cite news |last=Harrington |first=Mike |title=For Jonah Heim, the long road to games at Sahlen Field will be a family affair |url=https://buffalonews.com/sports/baseball/for-jonah-heim-the-long-road-to-games-at-sahlen-field-will-be-a-family/article_e5ec45a6-e5aa-11eb-ab92-3f63ee30c0a5.html |work=[[The Buffalo News]] |date=July 15, 2021 |access-date=November 10, 2022 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> Heim began playing baseball when he was two years old, and around the age of 12, he took up [[switch hit]]ting, telling his father, "hitting from the right side is boring".<ref>{{cite news |last=Rubin |first=Shayna |title=A's Jonah Heim to make MLB debut; his father recalls the moment he realized his son would be a big leaguer |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/08/25/as-jonah-heim-to-make-mlb-debut-his-father-recalls-the-moment-he-realized-his-son-would-be-a-big-leaguer/ |work=[[The Mercury News]] |date=August 25, 2020 |access-date=November 10, 2022 |url-access=limited}}</ref>
Jonah Nathan Heim was born June 27, 1995, in [[Buffalo, New York]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jonah Heim Stats, Fantasy & News |url=https://www.mlb.com/player/jonah-heim-641680 |access-date=September 4, 2023 |website=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]]}}</ref> A childhood fan of the [[New York Yankees]] of [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB), Heim's favorite players were [[catcher]]s like [[Jorge Posada]] and [[Russell Martin (baseball)|Russell Martin]],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gallegos |first=Martin |date=August 26, 2020 |title=Heim, dad 'emotional' over callup, debut |work=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/jonah-heim-callup-father |access-date=September 4, 2023}}</ref> and he grew up watching the [[Buffalo Bisons]], the [[Toronto Blue Jays]]' [[Triple-A (baseball)|Triple-A]] affiliate, although they were part of the [[Cleveland Guardians]] organization at the time, play at [[Sahlen Field]].<ref name="harrington">{{Cite news |last=Harrington |first=Mike |date=July 15, 2021 |title=For Jonah Heim, the long road to games at Sahlen Field will be a family affair |work=[[The Buffalo News]] |url=https://buffalonews.com/sports/baseball/for-jonah-heim-the-long-road-to-games-at-sahlen-field-will-be-a-family/article_e5ec45a6-e5aa-11eb-ab92-3f63ee30c0a5.html |url-access=subscription |access-date=November 10, 2022}}</ref> Heim began playing baseball when he was two years old, and around the age of 12, he took up [[switch hit]]ting, telling his father, "hitting from the right side is boring".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rubin |first=Shayna |date=August 25, 2020 |title=A's Jonah Heim to make MLB debut; his father recalls the moment he realized his son would be a big leaguer |work=[[The Mercury News]] |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/08/25/as-jonah-heim-to-make-mlb-debut-his-father-recalls-the-moment-he-realized-his-son-would-be-a-big-leaguer/ |url-access=limited |access-date=November 10, 2022}}</ref>


Heim attended [[Kenmore East High School]] for one year before his parents moved out of the school district, requiring him to transfer to [[Amherst Central High School]].<ref name="monnin">{{cite news |last=Monnin |first=Mary Jo |title=Amherst's Heim impresses big-league scouts |url=https://buffalonews.com/news/amherst-s-heim-impresses-big-league-scouts/article_9f3b52f2-8c97-5d60-95f4-2565805f23ce.html |work=[[The Buffalo News]] |date=April 23, 2013 |access-date=November 10, 2022 |url-access=limited}}</ref> The harsh climate in Buffalo meant that Heim could only play 20 outdoor baseball games in a season, and the team's stadium lacked an [[outfield]] wall, so [[home run]]s landed in nearby backyards or soccer fields.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hoyt |first=Joseph |title=Rangers' rare road trip to Buffalo gives catcher Jonah Heim the most unique of homecomings |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/rangers/2021/07/15/texas-rangers-head-to-buffalo-for-mlb-series-giving-catcher-jonah-heim-most-unique-of-homecomings/ |work=[[The Dallas Morning News]] |date=July 15, 2021 |access-date=November 10, 2022 |url-access=limited}}</ref> After [[Batting average (baseball)|batting]] .470 and [[Pickoff|picking off]] 12 baserunners during his [[Junior (education year)|junior]] year of high school, Heim was invited to play in several national [[exhibition game]]s, where he caught the attention of professional [[Scout (sports)|scouts]] and [[College recruiting|college recruiters]].<ref name="monnin" /> Amherst [[Retired number|retired]] Heim's No. 6 jersey shortly after his 2013 graduation.<ref>{{cite news |title=Amherst Retires Heim's Jersey |url=https://usatodayhss.com/2013/amherst-retires-heims-jersey |work=[[USA Today]] |date=June 18, 2013 |access-date=November 10, 2022}}</ref>
Heim attended [[Kenmore East High School]] for one year before his parents moved out of the school district, requiring him to transfer to [[Amherst Central High School]].<ref name="monnin">{{Cite news |last=Monnin |first=Mary Jo |date=April 23, 2013 |title=Amherst's Heim impresses big-league scouts |work=[[The Buffalo News]] |url=https://buffalonews.com/news/amherst-s-heim-impresses-big-league-scouts/article_9f3b52f2-8c97-5d60-95f4-2565805f23ce.html |url-access=limited |access-date=November 10, 2022}}</ref> The harsh climate in Buffalo meant that Heim could only play 20 outdoor baseball games in a season, and the team's stadium lacked an [[outfield]] wall, so [[home run]]s landed in nearby backyards or soccer fields.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hoyt |first=Joseph |date=July 15, 2021 |title=Rangers' rare road trip to Buffalo gives catcher Jonah Heim the most unique of homecomings |work=[[The Dallas Morning News]] |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/rangers/2021/07/15/texas-rangers-head-to-buffalo-for-mlb-series-giving-catcher-jonah-heim-most-unique-of-homecomings/ |url-access=limited |access-date=November 10, 2022}}</ref> After [[Batting average (baseball)|batting]] .470 and [[Pickoff|picking off]] 12 baserunners during his [[Junior (education year)|junior]] year of high school, Heim was invited to play in several national [[exhibition game]]s, where he caught the attention of professional [[Scout (sports)|scouts]] and [[College recruiting|college recruiters]].<ref name="monnin" /> Amherst [[Retired number|retired]] Heim's No. 6 jersey shortly after his 2013 graduation.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 18, 2013 |title=Amherst Retires Heim's Jersey |work=[[USA Today]] |url=https://usatodayhss.com/2013/amherst-retires-heims-jersey |access-date=November 10, 2022}}</ref>


==Career==
==Career==
===Baltimore Orioles organization (2013–2016)===
===Baltimore Orioles organization (2013–2016)===
The [[Baltimore Orioles]] selected Heim out of high school in the fourth round, 129th overall, of the [[2013 MLB Draft]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Orioles complete 2013 First-Year Player Draft |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/orioles-complete-2013-first-year-player-draft/c-50078616 |work=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media |date=June 8, 2013 |access-date=August 8, 2022}}</ref> At the time, Heim had committed to playing [[college baseball]] with the [[Michigan State Spartans baseball|Michigan State Spartans]], but he turned down the commitment and joined the Orioles on a $389,700 [[signing bonus]].<ref>{{cite book |title=Baseball America 2016 Prospect Handbook: Scouting Reports and Rankings of the Best Young Talent in Baseball |date=April 5, 2016 |publisher=[[Baseball America]] |location=Durham, NC |isbn=978-1-932-39167-1 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TICmCwAAQBAJ |access-date=August 8, 2022}}</ref> After signing, Heim was assigned to the [[Rookie-level]] [[Florida Complex League Orioles|GCL Orioles]] of the [[Gulf Coast League]]. He struggled in his rookie season, batting .185 with four [[runs batted in]] (RBI) in 27 games.<ref>{{cite news |last=Jones Jr. |first=Dean |title=Looking back at the Orioles' 2013 draft class |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bal-orioles-2013-draft-review-top-10-picks-20140606-story.html |work=[[The Baltimore Sun]] |date=June 6, 2014 |access-date=November 11, 2022 |url-access=limited}}</ref> Heim's poor hitting continued in the 2014 season, but Baltimore hitting coach [[Jeff Manto]] was unconcerned with the catcher's development, attributing it in part to his limited playing time in high school.<ref>{{cite news |last=Harrington |first=Mike |title=Manfred has many challenges on his plate |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-buffalo-news/131239690/ |work=The Buffalo News |page=B7 |date=August 17, 2014 |access-date=September 4, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Heim split the season between the GCL Orioles and the [[Aberdeen IronBirds]] of the [[Class A Short Season]] [[New York–Penn League]], batting .196 with one home run and seven RBI in 46 games.<ref name="minors">{{cite web |title=Jonah Heim Minor & Winter Leagues Statistics |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=heim--000jon |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |access-date=September 4, 2023}}</ref>
The [[Baltimore Orioles]] selected Heim out of high school in the fourth round, 129th overall, of the [[2013 MLB Draft]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 8, 2013 |title=Orioles complete 2013 First-Year Player Draft |work=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/orioles-complete-2013-first-year-player-draft/c-50078616 |access-date=August 8, 2022}}</ref> At the time, Heim had committed to playing [[college baseball]] with the [[Michigan State Spartans baseball|Michigan State Spartans]], but he turned down the commitment and joined the Orioles on a $389,700 [[signing bonus]].<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TICmCwAAQBAJ |title=Baseball America 2016 Prospect Handbook: Scouting Reports and Rankings of the Best Young Talent in Baseball |date=April 5, 2016 |publisher=[[Baseball America]] |isbn=978-1-932-39167-1 |location=Durham, NC |access-date=August 8, 2022}}</ref> After signing, Heim was assigned to the [[Rookie-level]] [[Florida Complex League Orioles|GCL Orioles]] of the [[Gulf Coast League]]. He struggled in his rookie season, batting .185 with four [[runs batted in]] (RBI) in 27 games.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jones Jr. |first=Dean |date=June 6, 2014 |title=Looking back at the Orioles' 2013 draft class |work=[[The Baltimore Sun]] |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bal-orioles-2013-draft-review-top-10-picks-20140606-story.html |url-access=limited |access-date=November 11, 2022}}</ref> Heim's poor hitting continued in the 2014 season, but Baltimore hitting coach [[Jeff Manto]] was unconcerned with the catcher's development, attributing it in part to his limited playing time in high school.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Harrington |first=Mike |date=August 17, 2014 |title=Manfred has many challenges on his plate |page=B7 |work=The Buffalo News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-buffalo-news/131239690/ |access-date=September 4, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Heim split the season between the GCL Orioles and the [[Aberdeen IronBirds]] of the [[Class A Short Season]] [[New York–Penn League]], batting .196 with one home run and seven RBI in 46 games.<ref name="minors">{{Cite web |title=Jonah Heim Minor & Winter Leagues Statistics |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=heim--000jon |access-date=September 4, 2023 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]]}}</ref>


Heim began the 2015 season with the [[Delmarva Shorebirds]] of the [[Class A (baseball)|Class A]] [[South Atlantic League]], where he split time at catcher with Alex Murphy.<ref>{{cite news |last=Marshall |first=Ryan |title=All eyes on home plate: Heim and Murphy have potential |url=https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/sports/baseball/2015/04/06/shorebirds-catchers-promising/25383647/ |work=[[The Daily Times (Salisbury, Maryland)|The Daily Times]] |date=April 6, 2015 |access-date=September 4, 2023}}</ref> He improved offensively to start the season, batting .258 with 10 [[extra-base hit]]s and 16 RBI in 36 games before going on the [[injured list]] with a foot injury in May.<ref>{{cite news |last=Encina |first=Eduardo |title=Orioles minor league roundup: Delmarva catcher Jonah Heim will likely need foot surgery |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bal-orioles-minorleague-roundup-delmarva-catcher-jonah-heim-likely-to-have-foot-surgery-20150529-story.html |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=May 29, 2015 |access-date=September 4, 2023}}</ref> He did not begin a rehab assignment until the end of August and returned to Delmarva on September 1.<ref>{{cite news |last=Encina |first=Eduardo |title=Instructional league set for two prospects |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-baltimore-sun/131240843/ |work=The Baltimore Sun |page=D5 |date=August 27, 2015 |access-date=September 4, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Jonah Heim 2015 Minor & Winter Leagues Game Logs & Splits |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=heim--000jon&type=bgl&year=2015 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=September 4, 2023}}</ref> Heim finished the season batting .252 with one home run and 18 RBI in 45 minor league games.<ref name="minors" /> The Orioles promoted Heim to the [[Frederick Keys]] for the 2016 season,<ref>{{cite news |last=Northam |first=Mitchell |title=Delmarva Shorebirds reveal 2016 roster |url=https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/sports/baseball/2016/04/04/delmarva-shorebirds-reveal-2016-roster/82601390/ |work=The Daily Times |date=April 4, 2016 |access-date=September 4, 2023}}</ref> where he was named a [[Carolina League]] All-Star.<ref>{{cite news |last=Melewski |first=Steve |title=A look at Frederick's three All-Stars |url=https://www.masnsports.com/blog/a-look-at-frederick-s-three-all-stars |publisher=[[MASN]] |date=June 8, 2016 |access-date=September 4, 2023}}</ref> Although he had a lifetime .216 batting average in 88 games for the Orioles organization,<ref>{{cite news |last=Northam |first=Mitchell |title=After Orioles trade, Shorebirds' Mercedes promoted |url=https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/sports/baseball/2016/08/02/yermin-mercedes-shorebirds-keys/87929094/ |work=The Daily Times |date=August 2, 2016 |access-date=September 4, 2023}}</ref> Heim cited his time in Frederick as a turning point for his offensive development.<ref>{{cite news |last=Shusterman |first=Jordan |title=The unique and unexpected breakout of Rangers catcher Jonah Heim |url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/the-unique-and-unexpected-breakout-of-rangers-catcher-jonah-heim |work=[[FOX Sports]] |date=May 9, 2023 |access-date=September 4, 2023}}</ref>
Heim began the 2015 season with the [[Delmarva Shorebirds]] of the [[Class A (baseball)|Class A]] [[South Atlantic League]], where he split time at catcher with Alex Murphy.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Marshall |first=Ryan |date=April 6, 2015 |title=All eyes on home plate: Heim and Murphy have potential |work=[[The Daily Times (Salisbury, Maryland)|The Daily Times]] |url=https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/sports/baseball/2015/04/06/shorebirds-catchers-promising/25383647/ |access-date=September 4, 2023}}</ref> He improved offensively to start the season, batting .258 with 10 [[extra-base hit]]s and 16 RBI in 36 games before going on the [[injured list]] with a foot injury in May.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Encina |first=Eduardo |date=May 29, 2015 |title=Orioles minor league roundup: Delmarva catcher Jonah Heim will likely need foot surgery |work=The Baltimore Sun |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bal-orioles-minorleague-roundup-delmarva-catcher-jonah-heim-likely-to-have-foot-surgery-20150529-story.html |access-date=September 4, 2023}}</ref> He did not begin a rehab assignment until the end of August and returned to Delmarva on September 1.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Encina |first=Eduardo |date=August 27, 2015 |title=Instructional league set for two prospects |page=D5 |work=The Baltimore Sun |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-baltimore-sun/131240843/ |access-date=September 4, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Jonah Heim 2015 Minor & Winter Leagues Game Logs & Splits |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=heim--000jon&type=bgl&year=2015 |access-date=September 4, 2023 |website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref> Heim finished the season batting .252 with one home run and 18 RBI in 45 minor league games.<ref name="minors" /> The Orioles promoted Heim to the [[Frederick Keys]] for the 2016 season,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Northam |first=Mitchell |date=April 4, 2016 |title=Delmarva Shorebirds reveal 2016 roster |work=The Daily Times |url=https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/sports/baseball/2016/04/04/delmarva-shorebirds-reveal-2016-roster/82601390/ |access-date=September 4, 2023}}</ref> where he was named a [[Carolina League]] All-Star.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Melewski |first=Steve |date=June 8, 2016 |title=A look at Frederick's three All-Stars |publisher=[[MASN]] |url=https://www.masnsports.com/blog/a-look-at-frederick-s-three-all-stars |access-date=September 4, 2023}}</ref> Although he had a lifetime .216 batting average in 88 games for the Orioles organization,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Northam |first=Mitchell |date=August 2, 2016 |title=After Orioles trade, Shorebirds' Mercedes promoted |work=The Daily Times |url=https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/sports/baseball/2016/08/02/yermin-mercedes-shorebirds-keys/87929094/ |access-date=September 4, 2023}}</ref> Heim cited his time in Frederick as a turning point for his offensive development.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shusterman |first=Jordan |date=May 9, 2023 |title=The unique and unexpected breakout of Rangers catcher Jonah Heim |work=[[FOX Sports]] |url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/the-unique-and-unexpected-breakout-of-rangers-catcher-jonah-heim |access-date=September 4, 2023}}</ref>


===Tampa Bay Rays===
===Tampa Bay Rays===
On August 1, 2016, the Orioles traded Heim to the [[Tampa Bay Rays]] in exchange for veteran utility player [[Steve Pearce (baseball)|Steve Pearce]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Rays send utilityman Steve Pearce back to O's for catcher Jonah Heim |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/17195295/tampa-bay-rays-trade-utilityman-steve-pearce-back-orioles-catcher-jonah-heim |work=[[ESPN]] |agency=Associated Press |date=August 1, 2016 |access-date=July 9, 2022}}</ref> From there, he was assigned to the [[Class A-Advanced]] [[Charlotte Stone Crabs]], where he recorded the game-winning RBI in his [[Florida State League]] debut.<ref>{{cite news |last=Topkin |first=Marc |title=Rays Tales: Notes on the players traded at the deadline |url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/baseball/rays/rays-tales-notes-on-the-players-traded-at-the-deadline/2288493/ |work=[[Tampa Bay Times]] |date=August 6, 2016 |access-date=July 9, 2022}}</ref> Between Frederick and Charlotte, Heim batted .217 in 2016, with eight home runs and 33 RBI in 102 games.<ref name="minors" /> Heim opened the 2017 season with the Low-A [[Bowling Green Hot Rods]], where he batted .268 with nine home runs and 53 RBI in 77 games before being promoted back to the Stone Crabs in August.<ref>{{cite news |last=Levine |first=Bryan |title=All-Stars Lowe, Sullivan promoted |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/port-charlotte-sun/131242010/ |work=Port Charlotte Sun |page=A12 |date=August 4, 2017 |access-date=September 4, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> There, he added an additional eight RBI on the season while batting .218 in 16 games.<ref name="minors" />
On August 1, 2016, the Orioles traded Heim to the [[Tampa Bay Rays]] in exchange for veteran utility player [[Steve Pearce (baseball)|Steve Pearce]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 1, 2016 |title=Rays send utilityman Steve Pearce back to O's for catcher Jonah Heim |work=[[ESPN]] |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/17195295/tampa-bay-rays-trade-utilityman-steve-pearce-back-orioles-catcher-jonah-heim |access-date=July 9, 2022}}</ref> From there, he was assigned to the [[Class A-Advanced]] [[Charlotte Stone Crabs]], where he recorded the game-winning RBI in his [[Florida State League]] debut.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Topkin |first=Marc |date=August 6, 2016 |title=Rays Tales: Notes on the players traded at the deadline |work=[[Tampa Bay Times]] |url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/baseball/rays/rays-tales-notes-on-the-players-traded-at-the-deadline/2288493/ |access-date=July 9, 2022}}</ref> Between Frederick and Charlotte, Heim batted .217 in 2016, with eight home runs and 33 RBI in 102 games.<ref name="minors" /> Heim opened the 2017 season with the Low-A [[Bowling Green Hot Rods]], where he batted .268 with nine home runs and 53 RBI in 77 games before being promoted back to the Stone Crabs in August.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Levine |first=Bryan |date=August 4, 2017 |title=All-Stars Lowe, Sullivan promoted |page=A12 |work=Port Charlotte Sun |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/port-charlotte-sun/131242010/ |access-date=September 4, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> There, he added an additional eight RBI on the season while batting .218 in 16 games.<ref name="minors" />


===Oakland Athletics===
===Oakland Athletics===
Heim was traded to the [[Oakland Athletics]] on December 19, 2017, as the [[player to be named later]] to complete a trade for [[Joey Wendle]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/press-release/a-s-acquire-c-jonah-heim-from-tampa-bay-as-ptbnl-in-wendle-trade-263785258|title=A's Acquire C Jonah Heim from Tampa Bay as PTBNL in Wendle Trade|website=[[MLB.com]]|date=December 19, 2017|access-date=December 19, 2017}}</ref> He spent 2018 with both the [[Stockton Ports]] and the [[Midland RockHounds]], batting .258 with eight home runs and sixty RBIs in 119 total games between both teams.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?player_id=641680#/career/R/hitting/2018/ALL|title=Jonah Heim Stats, Highlights, Bio|website=MiLB.com|access-date=October 20, 2018}}</ref> He split the 2019 season between Midland and the [[Las Vegas Aviators]], hitting a combined .310/.385/.477/.862 with nine home runs and 53 RBIs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://theathletic.com/1350110/2019/11/04/with-jonah-heim-on-the-40-man-roster-the-as-have-their-longterm-catching-tandem-in-place/|title=With Jonah Heim on the 40-man roster, the A's have their long-term catching tandem in place|author=Melissa Lockard|date=November 4, 2019|website=[[The Athletic]]|access-date=November 11, 2019}}</ref> On November 1, 2019, Heim was added to the Athletics 40-man roster.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/athletics/press-release/press-release-a-s-select-c-jonah-heim-from-triple-a?t=athletics-press-releases|title=A's select C Jonah Heim from Triple-A Las Vegas|website=[[MLB.com]]|date=November 1, 2019|access-date=November 1, 2019}}</ref>
Heim was traded to the [[Oakland Athletics]] on December 19, 2017, as the [[player to be named later]] to complete a trade for [[Joey Wendle]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 19, 2017 |title=A's Acquire C Jonah Heim from Tampa Bay as PTBNL in Wendle Trade |url=https://www.mlb.com/press-release/a-s-acquire-c-jonah-heim-from-tampa-bay-as-ptbnl-in-wendle-trade-263785258 |access-date=December 19, 2017 |website=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> He spent 2018 with both the [[Stockton Ports]] and the [[Midland RockHounds]], batting .258 with eight home runs and sixty RBIs in 119 total games between both teams.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jonah Heim Stats, Highlights, Bio |url=http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?player_id=641680#/career/R/hitting/2018/ALL |access-date=October 20, 2018 |website=MiLB.com}}</ref> He split the 2019 season between Midland and the [[Las Vegas Aviators]], hitting a combined .310/.385/.477/.862 with nine home runs and 53 RBIs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lockard |first=Melissa |date=November 4, 2019 |title=With Jonah Heim on the 40-man roster, the A's have their long-term catching tandem in place |url=https://theathletic.com/1350110/2019/11/04/with-jonah-heim-on-the-40-man-roster-the-as-have-their-longterm-catching-tandem-in-place/ |access-date=November 11, 2019 |website=[[The Athletic]]}}</ref> On November 1, 2019, Heim was added to the Athletics 40-man roster.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 1, 2019 |title=A's select C Jonah Heim from Triple-A Las Vegas |url=https://www.mlb.com/athletics/press-release/press-release-a-s-select-c-jonah-heim-from-triple-a?t=athletics-press-releases |access-date=November 1, 2019 |website=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref>


On June 30, 2020, [[Minor League Baseball]] canceled the 2020 season due to the [[Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sports|effects of the COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=West |first1=Jenna |title=Minor League Baseball's 2020 Season Canceled |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/2020/06/30/minor-league-baseball-season-canceled-2020-coronavirus |access-date=June 17, 2021 |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] |date=June 30, 2020 |archive-date=November 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118093911/https://www.si.com/mlb/2020/06/30/minor-league-baseball-season-canceled-2020-coronavirus |url-status=live }}</ref> As a result, Heim was one of several Athletics prospects who began the pandemic-shortened season at an alternate training site as a member of the Oakland [[taxi squad]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Harrington |first=Mike |title=Amherst's Jonah Heim to start season on Oakland Athletics' taxi squad |url=https://buffalonews.com/sports/article_6461018e-cc1a-11ea-94de-f350bc2e4bbd.html |work=[[The Buffalo News]] |date=July 22, 2020 |access-date=July 5, 2022 |url-access=limited}}</ref> While not participating in games, he spent the first part of the season working with MLB pitchers during [[bullpen]] sessions and [[batting practice]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Slusser |first=Susan |title=A's catcher Jonah Heim goes 1-for-3 in MLB debut at Texas |url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/athletics/article/Jonah-Heim-set-to-make-big-league-debut-with-15514097.php |work=[[San Francisco Chronicle]] |date=August 25, 2020 |access-date=July 8, 2022}}</ref> On August 24, the Athletics [[Option (baseball)|optioned]] backup catcher [[Austin Allen (baseball)|Austin Allen]] and promoted Heim to the active roster in his place.<ref>{{cite news |last=Rubin |first=Shayna |title=A's Jonah Heim to make MLB debut; his father reflects |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/08/25/as-jonah-heim-to-make-mlb-debut-his-father-recalls-the-moment-he-realized-his-son-would-be-a-big-leaguer/ |work=[[The Mercury News]] |date=August 25, 2020 |access-date=July 5, 2022 |url-access=limited}}</ref> Heim made his major league debut the next day, starting behind the plate in Oakland's 10–3 win over the [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]]. In the seventh inning, Heim recorded his first MLB hit with a single off of Texas pitcher [[Kyle Gibson]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Amherst's Jonah Heim singles in big league debut as family cheers from home |url=https://buffalonews.com/sports/baseball/amhersts-jonah-heim-singles-in-big-league-debut-as-family-cheers-from-home/article_75f6d52c-e731-11ea-8e56-0799b62235fd.html |work=The Buffalo News |date=August 25, 2020 |access-date=July 8, 2022 |url-access=limited}}</ref> Heim spent the remainder of the season as a backup for [[Sean Murphy (baseball)|Sean Murphy]]. He appeared in 13 regular season games, all but one of which he started at catcher.<ref name="hickey">{{cite magazine |last=Hickey |first=John |title=Athletics' Catcher Jonah Heim Will Give Winter Ball Another Shot |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/athletics/news/athletics-catcher-jonah-heim-will-give-winter-ball-another-shot |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] |date=October 15, 2020 |access-date=July 8, 2022}}</ref> In that time, he batted .211 with no extra-base hits and five RBI.<ref name="majors">{{cite web |title=Jonah Heim Stats |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/heimjo01.shtml |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |access-date=July 8, 2022}}</ref> Heim was named to the Athletics' postseason roster,<ref>{{cite news |last=Adler |first=David |title=Every rookie on a 2020 postseason roster |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/rookies-in-2020-mlb-postseason |work=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]] |date=September 30, 2020 |access-date=July 8, 2022}}</ref> but he did not appear in any playoff games for Oakland.<ref name="hickey" /> After defeating the [[Chicago White Sox]] in the [[2020 American League Wild Card Series]],<ref>{{cite news |last=Gallegos |first=Martin |title=A's advance, win 1st playoff series since '06 |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/athletics-win-al-wild-card-series-2020 |work=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]] |date=October 2, 2020 |access-date=July 8, 2022}}</ref> Oakland was eliminated by the [[Houston Astros]] in the [[2020 American League Division Series]] (ALDS).<ref>{{cite news |last=Gallegos |first=Martin |title=Slugging A's run ended by Astros in ALDS |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/a-s-2020-season-ends-with-alds-loss-to-astros |work=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]] |date=October 8, 2020 |access-date=July 8, 2022}}</ref> After the MLB season, Heim planned to rejoin the Toros del Este for the 2020–21 Dominican Winter League season, but he recanted due to concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Hickey |first=John |title=On Second Thought: Athletics' Heim Will Skip Winter Ball This Time Around |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/athletics/news/on-second-thought-athletics-heim-will-skip-winter-ball-this-time-around |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] |date=October 18, 2020 |access-date=July 8, 2022}}</ref>
On June 30, 2020, [[Minor League Baseball]] canceled the 2020 season due to the [[Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sports|effects of the COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=West |first=Jenna |date=June 30, 2020 |title=Minor League Baseball's 2020 Season Canceled |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/2020/06/30/minor-league-baseball-season-canceled-2020-coronavirus |url-status=live |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118093911/https://www.si.com/mlb/2020/06/30/minor-league-baseball-season-canceled-2020-coronavirus |archive-date=November 18, 2020 |access-date=June 17, 2021}}</ref> As a result, Heim was one of several Athletics prospects who began the pandemic-shortened season at an alternate training site as a member of the Oakland [[taxi squad]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Harrington |first=Mike |date=July 22, 2020 |title=Amherst's Jonah Heim to start season on Oakland Athletics' taxi squad |work=[[The Buffalo News]] |url=https://buffalonews.com/sports/article_6461018e-cc1a-11ea-94de-f350bc2e4bbd.html |url-access=limited |access-date=July 5, 2022}}</ref> While not participating in games, he spent the first part of the season working with MLB pitchers during [[bullpen]] sessions and [[batting practice]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Slusser |first=Susan |date=August 25, 2020 |title=A's catcher Jonah Heim goes 1-for-3 in MLB debut at Texas |work=[[San Francisco Chronicle]] |url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/athletics/article/Jonah-Heim-set-to-make-big-league-debut-with-15514097.php |access-date=July 8, 2022}}</ref> On August 24, the Athletics [[Option (baseball)|optioned]] backup catcher [[Austin Allen (baseball)|Austin Allen]] and promoted Heim to the active roster in his place.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rubin |first=Shayna |date=August 25, 2020 |title=A's Jonah Heim to make MLB debut; his father reflects |work=[[The Mercury News]] |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/08/25/as-jonah-heim-to-make-mlb-debut-his-father-recalls-the-moment-he-realized-his-son-would-be-a-big-leaguer/ |url-access=limited |access-date=July 5, 2022}}</ref> Heim made his major league debut the next day, starting behind the plate in Oakland's 10–3 win over the [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]]. In the seventh inning, Heim recorded his first MLB hit with a single off of Texas pitcher [[Kyle Gibson]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 25, 2020 |title=Amherst's Jonah Heim singles in big league debut as family cheers from home |work=The Buffalo News |url=https://buffalonews.com/sports/baseball/amhersts-jonah-heim-singles-in-big-league-debut-as-family-cheers-from-home/article_75f6d52c-e731-11ea-8e56-0799b62235fd.html |url-access=limited |access-date=July 8, 2022}}</ref> Heim spent the remainder of the season as a backup for [[Sean Murphy (baseball)|Sean Murphy]]. He appeared in 13 regular season games, all but one of which he started at catcher.<ref name="hickey">{{Cite magazine |last=Hickey |first=John |date=October 15, 2020 |title=Athletics' Catcher Jonah Heim Will Give Winter Ball Another Shot |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/athletics/news/athletics-catcher-jonah-heim-will-give-winter-ball-another-shot |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] |access-date=July 8, 2022}}</ref> In that time, he batted .211 with no extra-base hits and five RBI.<ref name="majors">{{Cite web |title=Jonah Heim Stats |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/heimjo01.shtml |access-date=July 8, 2022 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]]}}</ref> Heim was named to the Athletics' postseason roster,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Adler |first=David |date=September 30, 2020 |title=Every rookie on a 2020 postseason roster |work=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]] |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/rookies-in-2020-mlb-postseason |access-date=July 8, 2022}}</ref> but he did not appear in any playoff games for Oakland.<ref name="hickey" /> After defeating the [[Chicago White Sox]] in the [[2020 American League Wild Card Series]],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gallegos |first=Martin |date=October 2, 2020 |title=A's advance, win 1st playoff series since '06 |work=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]] |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/athletics-win-al-wild-card-series-2020 |access-date=July 8, 2022}}</ref> Oakland was eliminated by the [[Houston Astros]] in the [[2020 American League Division Series]] (ALDS).<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gallegos |first=Martin |date=October 8, 2020 |title=Slugging A's run ended by Astros in ALDS |work=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]] |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/a-s-2020-season-ends-with-alds-loss-to-astros |access-date=July 8, 2022}}</ref> After the MLB season, Heim planned to rejoin the Toros del Este for the 2020–21 Dominican Winter League season, but he recanted due to concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Hickey |first=John |date=October 18, 2020 |title=On Second Thought: Athletics' Heim Will Skip Winter Ball This Time Around |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/athletics/news/on-second-thought-athletics-heim-will-skip-winter-ball-this-time-around |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] |access-date=July 8, 2022}}</ref>


===Texas Rangers===
===Texas Rangers===
On February 6, 2021, Heim, [[Khris Davis]], and [[Dane Acker]] were traded to the [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]] in exchange for [[Elvis Andrus]] and [[Aramis Garcia]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-02-06|title=Oakland A's Trade Khris Davis, Jonah Heim, Dane Acker to Rangers for Andrus, Garcia, Cash|url=https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2021/02/06/oakland-athletics-trade-khris-davis-jonah-heim-dane-acker-rangers-elvis-andrus-aramis-garcia-cash/|access-date=2021-08-01}}</ref> Heim hit his first major league home run on April 6, 2021, off [[Toronto Blue Jays]] pitcher [[Tommy Milone]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Harrington|first=Mike|date=April 6, 2021|title=Watch Now: Amherst's Jonah Heim belts first MLB home run|url=https://buffalonews.com/sports/baseball/watch-now-amhersts-jonah-heim-belts-first-mlb-home-run/article_c64976fc-974d-11eb-910c-af7366f88b70.html|access-date=2021-08-01|website=[[The Buffalo News]]}}</ref> On July 31, Heim hit home runs from each side of the plate, including his first career walk-off home run, off [[Seattle Mariners]] pitcher [[Diego Castillo (pitcher)|Diego Castillo]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Landry|first=Kennedi|date=July 31, 2021|title=Heim stays hot with a walk-off 2-run blast|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/jonah-heim-hits-a-walk-off-home-run-vs-mariners|access-date=2021-08-01|website=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> On August 1, he hit another walk-off home run versus Seattle to become the first player in Texas Rangers history, and the first rookie in MLB history, to record walk-off home runs in two straight games.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Landry|first=Kennedi|date=August 1, 2021|title=Heim blasts walk-off HR in 2nd straight game|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/jonah-heim-hits-walk-off-home-run-again-vs-mariners|access-date=2021-08-01|website=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> Uniquely, in July 2021, the Rangers played the [[Toronto Blue Jays]] in Heim's hometown of [[Buffalo, New York]] due to the Blue Jays' temporary relocation to [[Sahlen Field]] as a result of not being able to play at the [[Rogers Centre]] during the pandemic, resulting in Heim getting the opportunity to play a major-league series in front of a hometown crowd. Heim went 2-for-7 in the two games he played, while the Rangers were swept by the Blue Jays.<ref>{{cite web | title=Heim back home: Rangers catcher Jonah Heim reflects on series in Buffalo | website=WGRZ | date=July 18, 2021 | url=https://www.wgrz.com/article/sports/catcher-jonah-heim-back-home-texas-rangers-catcher-jonah-heim-reflects-on-weekend-back-in-buffalo-toronto-blue-jays-mlb/71-910b7f5c-e116-4d43-8df6-498085935f55 | access-date=March 15, 2023}}</ref> Over 82 games in 2021, Heim hit .196/.239/.358/.598 with 10 home runs and 32 RBIs.<ref>{{Cite web|first=Levi |last=Weaver|date=October 6, 2021|title=Grading the 2021 Texas Rangers: Position players edition|url=https://theathletic.com/2862425/2021/10/06/grading-the-2021-texas-rangers-position-players-edition/|access-date=2021-10-08|website=[[The Athletic]]}}</ref>
On February 6, 2021, Heim, [[Khris Davis]], and [[Dane Acker]] were traded to the [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]] in exchange for [[Elvis Andrus]] and [[Aramis Garcia]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 6, 2021 |title=Oakland A's Trade Khris Davis, Jonah Heim, Dane Acker to Rangers for Andrus, Garcia, Cash |url=https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2021/02/06/oakland-athletics-trade-khris-davis-jonah-heim-dane-acker-rangers-elvis-andrus-aramis-garcia-cash/ |access-date=August 1, 2021 |website=CBS - San Francisco}}</ref> Heim hit his first major league home run on April 6, 2021, off [[Toronto Blue Jays]] pitcher [[Tommy Milone]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harrington |first=Mike |date=April 6, 2021 |title=Watch Now: Amherst's Jonah Heim belts first MLB home run |url=https://buffalonews.com/sports/baseball/watch-now-amhersts-jonah-heim-belts-first-mlb-home-run/article_c64976fc-974d-11eb-910c-af7366f88b70.html |access-date=August 1, 2021 |website=[[The Buffalo News]]}}</ref> On July 31, Heim hit home runs from each side of the plate, including his first career walk-off home run, off [[Seattle Mariners]] pitcher [[Diego Castillo (pitcher)|Diego Castillo]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Landry |first=Kennedi |date=July 31, 2021 |title=Heim stays hot with a walk-off 2-run blast |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/jonah-heim-hits-a-walk-off-home-run-vs-mariners |access-date=August 1, 2021 |website=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> On August 1, he hit another walk-off home run versus Seattle to become the first player in Texas Rangers history, and the first rookie in MLB history, to record walk-off home runs in two straight games.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Landry |first=Kennedi |date=August 1, 2021 |title=Heim blasts walk-off HR in 2nd straight game |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/jonah-heim-hits-walk-off-home-run-again-vs-mariners |access-date=August 1, 2021 |website=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> Uniquely, in July 2021, the Rangers played the [[Toronto Blue Jays]] in Heim's hometown of [[Buffalo, New York]] due to the Blue Jays' temporary relocation to [[Sahlen Field]] as a result of not being able to play at the [[Rogers Centre]] during the pandemic, resulting in Heim getting the opportunity to play a major-league series in front of a hometown crowd. Heim went 2-for-7 in the two games he played, while the Rangers were swept by the Blue Jays.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pelusi |first=Julianne |date=July 18, 2021 |title=Heim back home: Rangers catcher Jonah Heim reflects on series in Buffalo |url=https://www.wgrz.com/article/sports/catcher-jonah-heim-back-home-texas-rangers-catcher-jonah-heim-reflects-on-weekend-back-in-buffalo-toronto-blue-jays-mlb/71-910b7f5c-e116-4d43-8df6-498085935f55 |access-date=March 15, 2023 |website=WGRZ}}</ref> Over 82 games in 2021, Heim hit .196/.239/.358/.598 with 10 home runs and 32 RBIs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Weaver |first=Levi |date=October 6, 2021 |title=Grading the 2021 Texas Rangers: Position players edition |url=https://theathletic.com/2862425/2021/10/06/grading-the-2021-texas-rangers-position-players-edition/ |access-date=October 8, 2021 |website=[[The Athletic]]}}</ref>


Heim hit his first major league grand slam on April 14, 2022, off [[Los Angeles Angels]] pitcher [[Shohei Ohtani]] in a 10–5 Rangers win; it was the first and to date, only grand slam Ohtani has given up in his major league career.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Halicke |first=Chris |date=April 14, 2021 |title=Rangers' Jonah Heim Hits First Grand Slam Against Shohei Ohtani in 10–5 Win Over Angels |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/rangers/news/texas-jonah-heim-first-grand-slam-shohei-ohtani-angels |access-date=2022-04-15 |website=[[SI.com]]}}</ref> Heim appeared in 127 games for Texas in 2022, in which he hit .227/.298/.399/.697 with 16 home runs and 48 RBIs.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Postins |first=Matthew |date=November 8, 2022 |title=Rangers 40-Man Roster Wraps: Jonah Heim |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/rangers/news/texas-rangers-40-man-roster-jonah-heim-profile-review-offseason |access-date=2023-01-08 |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]]}}</ref>
Heim hit his first major league grand slam on April 14, 2022, against [[Los Angeles Angels]] pitcher [[Shohei Ohtani]] in a 10–5 Rangers win; it was the first and to date, only grand slam Ohtani has given up in his major league career.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Halicke |first=Chris |date=April 14, 2021 |title=Rangers' Jonah Heim Hits First Grand Slam Against Shohei Ohtani in 10–5 Win Over Angels |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/rangers/news/texas-jonah-heim-first-grand-slam-shohei-ohtani-angels |access-date=April 15, 2022 |website=[[SI.com]]}}</ref> Heim appeared in 127 games for Texas in 2022, in which he hit .227/.298/.399/.697 with 16 home runs and 48 RBIs.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Postins |first=Matthew |date=November 8, 2022 |title=Rangers 40-Man Roster Wraps: Jonah Heim |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/rangers/news/texas-rangers-40-man-roster-jonah-heim-profile-review-offseason |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] |access-date=January 8, 2023}}</ref>


Heim was voted in as the [[American League]] starting catcher for the [[2023 Major League Baseball All-Star Game]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Landry |first=Kennedi |date=June 29, 2023 |title=Semien, Seager, Jung, Heim named to 2023 All-Star Game as starters |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/four-rangers-will-start-at-the-2023-mlb-all-star-game |access-date=2023-06-30 |website=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> He went on the [[injured list]] with a sprained tendon in his wrist on July 28.<ref>https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/rangers/2023/07/28/jonah-heim-out-with-sprained-wrist-tendon-as-rangers-place-another-all-star-on-il/</ref>
Heim was voted in as the [[American League]] starting catcher for the [[2023 Major League Baseball All-Star Game]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Landry |first=Kennedi |date=June 29, 2023 |title=Semien, Seager, Jung, Heim named to 2023 All-Star Game as starters |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/four-rangers-will-start-at-the-2023-mlb-all-star-game |access-date=June 30, 2023 |website=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> He went on the [[injured list]] with a sprained tendon in his wrist on July 28.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Grant |first=Evan |date=July 29, 2023 |title=Rangers prepare catcher contingency plan after losing All-Star Jonah Heim to wrist sprain |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/rangers/2023/07/28/jonah-heim-out-with-sprained-wrist-tendon-as-rangers-place-another-all-star-on-il/ |access-date=November 2, 2023 |website=Dallas News |language=en}}</ref> Over 131 games for Texas in 2023, Heim hit
.258/.317/.438/.755 with 18 home runs and 95 RBI. Heim and Texas won the [[2023 World Series]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Passan |first=Jeff |author-link=Jeff Passan |date=2023-11-02 |title=A night 63 years in the making: Inside the celebration as the Texas Rangers -- finally -- became World Series champions |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/38802027/world-series-mlb-2023-rangers-texas-philosophy-title-championship |access-date=2023-11-06 |website=[[ESPN.com]]}}</ref> Heim won the [[American League]] [[Rawlings Gold Glove Award|Gold Glove Award]] for catcher in 2023, the first of his career.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Landry |first=Kennedi |date=November 5, 2023 |title=Heim, Lowe, García add Gold Gloves to Rangers’ trophy case |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/jonah-heim-nathaniel-lowe-adolis-garcia-2023-gold-glove-awards |access-date=2023-11-06 |website=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Heim has two children with his wife Mackenzie. Their son Nash was born in January 2021,<ref name="harrington" /> and their daughter Luxx was born in April 2022.<ref>{{cite news |last=Casella |first=Paul |title='It's just a lot of joy': Heim homers in first game after daughter's birth |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/jonah-heim-homers-in-first-game-after-daughter-s-birth |work=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media |date=May 3, 2022 |access-date=November 22, 2022}}</ref> He has a tattoo of the Buffalo skyline on his arm.<ref>{{cite news |last=Pelusi |first=Julianne |title=Heim back home: Rangers catcher Jonah Heim reflects on series in Buffalo |url=https://www.wgrz.com/article/sports/catcher-jonah-heim-back-home-texas-rangers-catcher-jonah-heim-reflects-on-weekend-back-in-buffalo-toronto-blue-jays-mlb/71-910b7f5c-e116-4d43-8df6-498085935f55 |publisher=[[WGRZ]] |date=July 18, 2021 |access-date=September 4, 2023}}</ref>
Heim now has two children with his wife Mackenzie. Their son Nash was born in January 2021,<ref name="harrington" /> and their daughter Luxx was born in April 2022.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Casella |first=Paul |date=May 3, 2022 |title='It's just a lot of joy': Heim homers in first game after daughter's birth |work=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/jonah-heim-homers-in-first-game-after-daughter-s-birth |access-date=November 22, 2022}}</ref> He has a tattoo of the Buffalo skyline on his arm.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pelusi |first=Julianne |date=July 18, 2021 |title=Heim back home: Rangers catcher Jonah Heim reflects on series in Buffalo |publisher=[[WGRZ]] |url=https://www.wgrz.com/article/sports/catcher-jonah-heim-back-home-texas-rangers-catcher-jonah-heim-reflects-on-weekend-back-in-buffalo-toronto-blue-jays-mlb/71-910b7f5c-e116-4d43-8df6-498085935f55 |access-date=September 4, 2023}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
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{{Texas Rangers roster navbox}}
{{Texas Rangers roster navbox}}
{{2023 Texas Rangers}}

{{AL C Gold Glove Award}}
{{2023 All MLB Team}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Heim, Jonah}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Heim, Jonah}}
[[Category:1995 births]]
[[Category:1995 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Baseball players from Buffalo, New York]]
[[Category:Baseball players from Buffalo, New York]]
[[Category:Baseball players from New York (state)]]
[[Category:American League All-Stars]]
[[Category:American League All-Stars]]
[[Category:Gold Glove Award winners]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball catchers]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball catchers]]
[[Category:Oakland Athletics players]]
[[Category:Oakland Athletics players]]

Revision as of 04:57, 19 April 2024

Jonah Heim
Heim with the Texas Rangers in 2021
Texas Rangers – No. 28
Catcher
Born: (1995-06-27) June 27, 1995 (age 28)
Buffalo, New York, U.S.
Bats: Switch
Throws: Right
MLB debut
August 25, 2020, for the Oakland Athletics
MLB statistics
(through April 18, 2024)
Batting average.234
Home runs47
Runs batted in195
Teams
Career highlights and awards

Jonah Nathan Heim (born June 27, 1995) is an American professional baseball catcher for the Texas Rangers of Major League Baseball (MLB). He previously played in MLB for the Oakland Athletics.

Born in Buffalo, New York, Heim attended Amherst Central High School, where the cold weather limited how often he played outdoors. The Baltimore Orioles selected him in the fourth round of the 2013 MLB Draft, and he took several years to develop his offensive abilities in the Orioles' farm system. Heim was traded twice in the minor leagues, first to the Tampa Bay Rays and then to Oakland, where he made his MLB debut in 2020. The following year, the Athletics traded Heim to Texas, where he became the Rangers' starting catcher and went on to represent the team at the 2023 MLB All-Star Game.

Early life

Jonah Nathan Heim was born June 27, 1995, in Buffalo, New York.[1] A childhood fan of the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball (MLB), Heim's favorite players were catchers like Jorge Posada and Russell Martin,[2] and he grew up watching the Buffalo Bisons, the Toronto Blue Jays' Triple-A affiliate, although they were part of the Cleveland Guardians organization at the time, play at Sahlen Field.[3] Heim began playing baseball when he was two years old, and around the age of 12, he took up switch hitting, telling his father, "hitting from the right side is boring".[4]

Heim attended Kenmore East High School for one year before his parents moved out of the school district, requiring him to transfer to Amherst Central High School.[5] The harsh climate in Buffalo meant that Heim could only play 20 outdoor baseball games in a season, and the team's stadium lacked an outfield wall, so home runs landed in nearby backyards or soccer fields.[6] After batting .470 and picking off 12 baserunners during his junior year of high school, Heim was invited to play in several national exhibition games, where he caught the attention of professional scouts and college recruiters.[5] Amherst retired Heim's No. 6 jersey shortly after his 2013 graduation.[7]

Career

Baltimore Orioles organization (2013–2016)

The Baltimore Orioles selected Heim out of high school in the fourth round, 129th overall, of the 2013 MLB Draft.[8] At the time, Heim had committed to playing college baseball with the Michigan State Spartans, but he turned down the commitment and joined the Orioles on a $389,700 signing bonus.[9] After signing, Heim was assigned to the Rookie-level GCL Orioles of the Gulf Coast League. He struggled in his rookie season, batting .185 with four runs batted in (RBI) in 27 games.[10] Heim's poor hitting continued in the 2014 season, but Baltimore hitting coach Jeff Manto was unconcerned with the catcher's development, attributing it in part to his limited playing time in high school.[11] Heim split the season between the GCL Orioles and the Aberdeen IronBirds of the Class A Short Season New York–Penn League, batting .196 with one home run and seven RBI in 46 games.[12]

Heim began the 2015 season with the Delmarva Shorebirds of the Class A South Atlantic League, where he split time at catcher with Alex Murphy.[13] He improved offensively to start the season, batting .258 with 10 extra-base hits and 16 RBI in 36 games before going on the injured list with a foot injury in May.[14] He did not begin a rehab assignment until the end of August and returned to Delmarva on September 1.[15][16] Heim finished the season batting .252 with one home run and 18 RBI in 45 minor league games.[12] The Orioles promoted Heim to the Frederick Keys for the 2016 season,[17] where he was named a Carolina League All-Star.[18] Although he had a lifetime .216 batting average in 88 games for the Orioles organization,[19] Heim cited his time in Frederick as a turning point for his offensive development.[20]

Tampa Bay Rays

On August 1, 2016, the Orioles traded Heim to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for veteran utility player Steve Pearce.[21] From there, he was assigned to the Class A-Advanced Charlotte Stone Crabs, where he recorded the game-winning RBI in his Florida State League debut.[22] Between Frederick and Charlotte, Heim batted .217 in 2016, with eight home runs and 33 RBI in 102 games.[12] Heim opened the 2017 season with the Low-A Bowling Green Hot Rods, where he batted .268 with nine home runs and 53 RBI in 77 games before being promoted back to the Stone Crabs in August.[23] There, he added an additional eight RBI on the season while batting .218 in 16 games.[12]

Oakland Athletics

Heim was traded to the Oakland Athletics on December 19, 2017, as the player to be named later to complete a trade for Joey Wendle.[24] He spent 2018 with both the Stockton Ports and the Midland RockHounds, batting .258 with eight home runs and sixty RBIs in 119 total games between both teams.[25] He split the 2019 season between Midland and the Las Vegas Aviators, hitting a combined .310/.385/.477/.862 with nine home runs and 53 RBIs.[26] On November 1, 2019, Heim was added to the Athletics 40-man roster.[27]

On June 30, 2020, Minor League Baseball canceled the 2020 season due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.[28] As a result, Heim was one of several Athletics prospects who began the pandemic-shortened season at an alternate training site as a member of the Oakland taxi squad.[29] While not participating in games, he spent the first part of the season working with MLB pitchers during bullpen sessions and batting practice.[30] On August 24, the Athletics optioned backup catcher Austin Allen and promoted Heim to the active roster in his place.[31] Heim made his major league debut the next day, starting behind the plate in Oakland's 10–3 win over the Texas Rangers. In the seventh inning, Heim recorded his first MLB hit with a single off of Texas pitcher Kyle Gibson.[32] Heim spent the remainder of the season as a backup for Sean Murphy. He appeared in 13 regular season games, all but one of which he started at catcher.[33] In that time, he batted .211 with no extra-base hits and five RBI.[34] Heim was named to the Athletics' postseason roster,[35] but he did not appear in any playoff games for Oakland.[33] After defeating the Chicago White Sox in the 2020 American League Wild Card Series,[36] Oakland was eliminated by the Houston Astros in the 2020 American League Division Series (ALDS).[37] After the MLB season, Heim planned to rejoin the Toros del Este for the 2020–21 Dominican Winter League season, but he recanted due to concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.[38]

Texas Rangers

On February 6, 2021, Heim, Khris Davis, and Dane Acker were traded to the Texas Rangers in exchange for Elvis Andrus and Aramis Garcia.[39] Heim hit his first major league home run on April 6, 2021, off Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Tommy Milone.[40] On July 31, Heim hit home runs from each side of the plate, including his first career walk-off home run, off Seattle Mariners pitcher Diego Castillo.[41] On August 1, he hit another walk-off home run versus Seattle to become the first player in Texas Rangers history, and the first rookie in MLB history, to record walk-off home runs in two straight games.[42] Uniquely, in July 2021, the Rangers played the Toronto Blue Jays in Heim's hometown of Buffalo, New York due to the Blue Jays' temporary relocation to Sahlen Field as a result of not being able to play at the Rogers Centre during the pandemic, resulting in Heim getting the opportunity to play a major-league series in front of a hometown crowd. Heim went 2-for-7 in the two games he played, while the Rangers were swept by the Blue Jays.[43] Over 82 games in 2021, Heim hit .196/.239/.358/.598 with 10 home runs and 32 RBIs.[44]

Heim hit his first major league grand slam on April 14, 2022, against Los Angeles Angels pitcher Shohei Ohtani in a 10–5 Rangers win; it was the first and to date, only grand slam Ohtani has given up in his major league career.[45] Heim appeared in 127 games for Texas in 2022, in which he hit .227/.298/.399/.697 with 16 home runs and 48 RBIs.[46]

Heim was voted in as the American League starting catcher for the 2023 Major League Baseball All-Star Game.[47] He went on the injured list with a sprained tendon in his wrist on July 28.[48] Over 131 games for Texas in 2023, Heim hit .258/.317/.438/.755 with 18 home runs and 95 RBI. Heim and Texas won the 2023 World Series.[49] Heim won the American League Gold Glove Award for catcher in 2023, the first of his career.[50]

Personal life

Heim now has two children with his wife Mackenzie. Their son Nash was born in January 2021,[3] and their daughter Luxx was born in April 2022.[51] He has a tattoo of the Buffalo skyline on his arm.[52]

References

  1. ^ "Jonah Heim Stats, Fantasy & News". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Retrieved September 4, 2023.
  2. ^ Gallegos, Martin (August 26, 2020). "Heim, dad 'emotional' over callup, debut". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Retrieved September 4, 2023.
  3. ^ a b Harrington, Mike (July 15, 2021). "For Jonah Heim, the long road to games at Sahlen Field will be a family affair". The Buffalo News. Retrieved November 10, 2022.
  4. ^ Rubin, Shayna (August 25, 2020). "A's Jonah Heim to make MLB debut; his father recalls the moment he realized his son would be a big leaguer". The Mercury News. Retrieved November 10, 2022.
  5. ^ a b Monnin, Mary Jo (April 23, 2013). "Amherst's Heim impresses big-league scouts". The Buffalo News. Retrieved November 10, 2022.
  6. ^ Hoyt, Joseph (July 15, 2021). "Rangers' rare road trip to Buffalo gives catcher Jonah Heim the most unique of homecomings". The Dallas Morning News. Retrieved November 10, 2022.
  7. ^ "Amherst Retires Heim's Jersey". USA Today. June 18, 2013. Retrieved November 10, 2022.
  8. ^ "Orioles complete 2013 First-Year Player Draft". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. June 8, 2013. Retrieved August 8, 2022.
  9. ^ Baseball America 2016 Prospect Handbook: Scouting Reports and Rankings of the Best Young Talent in Baseball. Durham, NC: Baseball America. April 5, 2016. ISBN 978-1-932-39167-1. Retrieved August 8, 2022.
  10. ^ Jones Jr., Dean (June 6, 2014). "Looking back at the Orioles' 2013 draft class". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved November 11, 2022.
  11. ^ Harrington, Mike (August 17, 2014). "Manfred has many challenges on his plate". The Buffalo News. p. B7. Retrieved September 4, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  12. ^ a b c d "Jonah Heim Minor & Winter Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved September 4, 2023.
  13. ^ Marshall, Ryan (April 6, 2015). "All eyes on home plate: Heim and Murphy have potential". The Daily Times. Retrieved September 4, 2023.
  14. ^ Encina, Eduardo (May 29, 2015). "Orioles minor league roundup: Delmarva catcher Jonah Heim will likely need foot surgery". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved September 4, 2023.
  15. ^ Encina, Eduardo (August 27, 2015). "Instructional league set for two prospects". The Baltimore Sun. p. D5. Retrieved September 4, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  16. ^ "Jonah Heim 2015 Minor & Winter Leagues Game Logs & Splits". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved September 4, 2023.
  17. ^ Northam, Mitchell (April 4, 2016). "Delmarva Shorebirds reveal 2016 roster". The Daily Times. Retrieved September 4, 2023.
  18. ^ Melewski, Steve (June 8, 2016). "A look at Frederick's three All-Stars". MASN. Retrieved September 4, 2023.
  19. ^ Northam, Mitchell (August 2, 2016). "After Orioles trade, Shorebirds' Mercedes promoted". The Daily Times. Retrieved September 4, 2023.
  20. ^ Shusterman, Jordan (May 9, 2023). "The unique and unexpected breakout of Rangers catcher Jonah Heim". FOX Sports. Retrieved September 4, 2023.
  21. ^ "Rays send utilityman Steve Pearce back to O's for catcher Jonah Heim". ESPN. Associated Press. August 1, 2016. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  22. ^ Topkin, Marc (August 6, 2016). "Rays Tales: Notes on the players traded at the deadline". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  23. ^ Levine, Bryan (August 4, 2017). "All-Stars Lowe, Sullivan promoted". Port Charlotte Sun. p. A12. Retrieved September 4, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  24. ^ "A's Acquire C Jonah Heim from Tampa Bay as PTBNL in Wendle Trade". MLB.com. December 19, 2017. Retrieved December 19, 2017.
  25. ^ "Jonah Heim Stats, Highlights, Bio". MiLB.com. Retrieved October 20, 2018.
  26. ^ Lockard, Melissa (November 4, 2019). "With Jonah Heim on the 40-man roster, the A's have their long-term catching tandem in place". The Athletic. Retrieved November 11, 2019.
  27. ^ "A's select C Jonah Heim from Triple-A Las Vegas". MLB.com. November 1, 2019. Retrieved November 1, 2019.
  28. ^ West, Jenna (June 30, 2020). "Minor League Baseball's 2020 Season Canceled". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on November 18, 2020. Retrieved June 17, 2021.
  29. ^ Harrington, Mike (July 22, 2020). "Amherst's Jonah Heim to start season on Oakland Athletics' taxi squad". The Buffalo News. Retrieved July 5, 2022.
  30. ^ Slusser, Susan (August 25, 2020). "A's catcher Jonah Heim goes 1-for-3 in MLB debut at Texas". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved July 8, 2022.
  31. ^ Rubin, Shayna (August 25, 2020). "A's Jonah Heim to make MLB debut; his father reflects". The Mercury News. Retrieved July 5, 2022.
  32. ^ "Amherst's Jonah Heim singles in big league debut as family cheers from home". The Buffalo News. August 25, 2020. Retrieved July 8, 2022.
  33. ^ a b Hickey, John (October 15, 2020). "Athletics' Catcher Jonah Heim Will Give Winter Ball Another Shot". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved July 8, 2022.
  34. ^ "Jonah Heim Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved July 8, 2022.
  35. ^ Adler, David (September 30, 2020). "Every rookie on a 2020 postseason roster". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Retrieved July 8, 2022.
  36. ^ Gallegos, Martin (October 2, 2020). "A's advance, win 1st playoff series since '06". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Retrieved July 8, 2022.
  37. ^ Gallegos, Martin (October 8, 2020). "Slugging A's run ended by Astros in ALDS". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Retrieved July 8, 2022.
  38. ^ Hickey, John (October 18, 2020). "On Second Thought: Athletics' Heim Will Skip Winter Ball This Time Around". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved July 8, 2022.
  39. ^ "Oakland A's Trade Khris Davis, Jonah Heim, Dane Acker to Rangers for Andrus, Garcia, Cash". CBS - San Francisco. February 6, 2021. Retrieved August 1, 2021.
  40. ^ Harrington, Mike (April 6, 2021). "Watch Now: Amherst's Jonah Heim belts first MLB home run". The Buffalo News. Retrieved August 1, 2021.
  41. ^ Landry, Kennedi (July 31, 2021). "Heim stays hot with a walk-off 2-run blast". MLB.com. Retrieved August 1, 2021.
  42. ^ Landry, Kennedi (August 1, 2021). "Heim blasts walk-off HR in 2nd straight game". MLB.com. Retrieved August 1, 2021.
  43. ^ Pelusi, Julianne (July 18, 2021). "Heim back home: Rangers catcher Jonah Heim reflects on series in Buffalo". WGRZ. Retrieved March 15, 2023.
  44. ^ Weaver, Levi (October 6, 2021). "Grading the 2021 Texas Rangers: Position players edition". The Athletic. Retrieved October 8, 2021.
  45. ^ Halicke, Chris (April 14, 2021). "Rangers' Jonah Heim Hits First Grand Slam Against Shohei Ohtani in 10–5 Win Over Angels". SI.com. Retrieved April 15, 2022.
  46. ^ Postins, Matthew (November 8, 2022). "Rangers 40-Man Roster Wraps: Jonah Heim". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved January 8, 2023.
  47. ^ Landry, Kennedi (June 29, 2023). "Semien, Seager, Jung, Heim named to 2023 All-Star Game as starters". MLB.com. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
  48. ^ Grant, Evan (July 29, 2023). "Rangers prepare catcher contingency plan after losing All-Star Jonah Heim to wrist sprain". Dallas News. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
  49. ^ Passan, Jeff (November 2, 2023). "A night 63 years in the making: Inside the celebration as the Texas Rangers -- finally -- became World Series champions". ESPN.com. Retrieved November 6, 2023.
  50. ^ Landry, Kennedi (November 5, 2023). "Heim, Lowe, García add Gold Gloves to Rangers' trophy case". MLB.com. Retrieved November 6, 2023.
  51. ^ Casella, Paul (May 3, 2022). "'It's just a lot of joy': Heim homers in first game after daughter's birth". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Retrieved November 22, 2022.
  52. ^ Pelusi, Julianne (July 18, 2021). "Heim back home: Rangers catcher Jonah Heim reflects on series in Buffalo". WGRZ. Retrieved September 4, 2023.

External links