Chris Okey

Christopher Campbell Okey (born December 29, 1994) is an American professional baseball catcher in the Cincinnati Reds organization. He played college baseball for the Clemson Tigers of Clemson University.

Chris Okey
Cincinnati Reds – No. 81
Catcher
Born: (1994-12-29) December 29, 1994
Altamonte Springs, Florida
Bats: Right Throws: Right

Career

Okey attended Eustis High School in Eustis, Florida. Playing for the school's baseball team, Okey was a four-year letterman. He also played for the United States national youth baseball team.[1] In his senior year, Okey had a .411 batting average with four home runs and 29 runs batted in (RBIs).[2] The San Diego Padres selected Okey in the 31st round of the 2013 Major League Baseball draft, but he did not sign.[3]

Okey enrolled at Clemson University in order to play college baseball for the Clemson Tigers. He split time during his freshman year between catcher and designated hitter.[1] As a freshman, Okey batted .248 with four home runs, and 41 RBIs in 61 games played.[4] In 2015, his sophomore year, Okey started at catcher in all of the Tigers' 61 games,[5][6] and had a .315 batting average and led the team with 12 home runs and 57 RBIs. He was named to the All-Atlantic Coast Conference team, an All-American, and a semifinalist for the Johnny Bench Award.[1][7] In 2016, Baseball America rated Okey as the 25th-best college prospect available in the 2016 Major League Baseball draft.[3] He was named a Preseason All-American before the 2016 season.[5]

The Cincinnati Reds selected Okey in the second round, with the 43rd overall selection, of the 2016 draft.[8] Okey signed with the Reds, receiving a reported $2 million signing bonus,[9] and made his professional debut with the Billings Mustangs of the Rookie-level Pioneer League.[10] After playing in nine games for Billings, he was promoted to the Dayton Dragons of the Class A Midwest League.[11] Okey finished the 2016 season with a .227 batting average, six home runs and 22 RBIs in 51 games.[12] Okey spent the 2017 season with the Daytona Tortugas of the Class A-Advanced Florida State League,[13] posting a .185 batting average with three home runs, 28 RBIs, and a .514 OPS in 93 games.[14] He began 2018 with Daytona before being promoted to the Pensacola Blue Wahoos of the Class AA Southern League. In 86 games between the two clubs, Okey slashed .199/.259/.315 with seven home runs and 29 RBIs.[15]

Personal life

Okey's father, Chuck, played college football at Presbyterian College. His mother, Kim, was a cheerleader for Clemson. He has two older brothers, Chase and Mitch.[1]

References
  1. Keepfer, Scott (February 18, 2016). "A Tiger all the way: Chris Okey always knew where he'd play baseball". The Greenville News. Retrieved April 7, 2016.
  2. Williams, Joe (June 5, 2013). "Eustis' Chris Okey waiting on draft to make decision Clemson or MLB". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved April 7, 2016.
  3. "Clemson catcher Chris Okey leads list of state's top college draft prospects". The Post and Courier. Retrieved April 7, 2016.
  4. Roy, Eleanor (June 25, 2014). "Eustis grad Chris Okey behind the plate again for USA Baseball". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved April 7, 2016.
  5. "Clemson catcher Chris Okey named 2nd team preseason All-American". Spartanburg Herald-Journal. December 22, 2015. Retrieved April 7, 2016.
  6. Senkiw, Brad (May 27, 2015). "Chris Okey is iron man behind the plate for Clemson". The State. Retrieved April 7, 2016.
  7. "It's winter and there is no baseball; Clemson's Chris Okey is here to help". CBSSports.com. Retrieved April 7, 2016.
  8. "Clemson catcher Chris Okey drafted 43rd by Cincinnati". The State. Retrieved June 23, 2016.
  9. "Clemson's Pat Krall to return; Chris Okey signs with Reds". The Post and Courier. June 13, 2016. Retrieved June 23, 2016.
  10. Keepfer, Scott (June 10, 2016). "Okey bound for Billings". Greenville News. Retrieved June 23, 2016.
  11. Buchanan, Zach (July 3, 2016). "Nick Senzel, Chris Okey big part of Reds' future in Dayton". Cincinnati Enquirer. Retrieved July 13, 2016.
  12. "Chris Okey Stats, Highlights, Bio | MiLB.com Stats | The Official Site of Minor League Baseball". Milb.com. Retrieved June 10, 2017.
  13. "Reds catcher inspired by stars | Sports". herald-dispatch.com. February 1, 2017. Retrieved June 10, 2017.
  14. "Chris Okey Stats, Highlights, Bio - MiLB.com Stats - The Official Site of Minor League Baseball". MiLB.com. Retrieved November 19, 2017.
  15. "Chris Okey Stats, Highlights, Bio - MiLB.com Stats - The Official Site of Minor League Baseball". MiLB.com. Retrieved October 26, 2018.
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