Joe Kelly is a pitcher in the Major League Baseball (MLB) who currently plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He is known for his aggressive and fiery personality on the mound, as well as his impressive pitching skills. Kelly has been in the league for over a decade and has played for several different teams, including the Boston Red Sox and the St. Louis Cardinals.
Early Life and Career
Joseph William Kelly Jr. was born on June 9, 1988, in Anaheim, California. He grew up in nearby Corona and attended Corona High School, where he played baseball and football. Kelly was an outstanding athlete in high school and was eventually drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the third round of the 2009 MLB Draft.
After being drafted, Kelly began his professional career with the Cardinals' minor league affiliates. He worked his way up through the ranks and made his MLB debut on June 10, 2012, against the Cleveland Indians. Kelly spent four seasons with the Cardinals before being traded to the Boston Red Sox in 2014.
Success with the Red Sox
Kelly's time with the Red Sox was marked by both success and controversy. He was a key member of the team's bullpen and played a crucial role in their 2018 World Series victory. Kelly was named the Most Valuable Player of the American League Championship Series that year after pitching six scoreless innings against the Houston Astros.
However, Kelly also had several high-profile incidents during his tenure with the Red Sox. In 2018, he was suspended for six games after throwing at Tyler Austin of the New York Yankees. Kelly's pitch sparked a bench-clearing brawl between the two teams.
Move to the Dodgers
After the 2018 season, Kelly became a free agent and signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He has been with the team ever since and has continued to be a valuable member of their bullpen. Kelly played an important role in the Dodgers' 2020 World Series victory, pitching in several key games.
Despite his success with the Dodgers, Kelly has still found himself in the middle of controversy at times. In 2020, he received an eight-game suspension for throwing at Houston Astros players during a regular season game. Kelly's pitch was seen as retaliation for the Astros' sign-stealing scandal, which had been uncovered the previous year.
Personal Life
Off the field, Kelly is known for his love of family and his charitable work. He is married to Ashley Parks and has two children. Kelly and his wife have been involved in several charitable organizations over the years, including the Red Sox Foundation and the Dodgers Foundation.
Overall, Joe Kelly is a talented and passionate pitcher who has made a name for himself in the MLB. Whether he is striking out batters on the mound or standing up for his teammates, Kelly is always a force to be reckoned with.