Orioles' top prospect Jackson Holliday to make home debut in Aberdeen
BALTIMORE - Orioles top prospect Jackson Holliday will make his home debut Tuesday evening at Advanced-A Aberdeen Ironbirds in Harford County.
First pitch is at 7:05 p.m.
Holliday, the top overall pick in 2022, was promoted from Delmarva Shorebirds on April 24. He batted .392 with two home runs and 15 RBIs in 51 at-bats this season in Low-A Delmarva.
Jackson Holliday is set to make his home debut tonight for the @IronBirds. @MarkWJZ talked to the 2022 #1 overall pick for the #Orioles about being a role model at 19 and beginning a pro career on the road, away from his family. @wjz #Birdland pic.twitter.com/5MNrtA0TZJ
— WJZ Sports (@WJZ13sports) May 9, 2023
He is the son of seven-time Major League Baseball All-Star Matt Holliday.
"I try to carry myself to high standards," Holliday told WJZ's Mark Viviano. "I hold myself accountable and try to play the game the right way. Hopefully, younger kids see that and try to imitate me because I tried to imitate my dad growing up, how he played the game. That's how I want people to watch me, as someone who plays the game hard and the right way."
The #1 overall pick in 2022, #Orioles prospect Jackson Holliday makes his home debut for the @IronBirds tonight. Coming up on @wjz at 5, @MarkWJZ is live in Aberdeen and will introduce you to the 3rd #1 overall pick in O’s history #Birdland pic.twitter.com/G6Jw3GqSPL
— WJZ Sports (@WJZ13sports) May 9, 2023
Holliday embraces being a role model at 19 years old.
He is still growing up himself, and he is close to his family.
Viviano asked Holliday how he is adjusting to the professional life on the road away from his family.
"Honestly, it hasn't been too bad," Holliday said. "Growing up with my dad, being gone a lot, it's made it a little easier. Spent a lot of time in hotel rooms growing up, so hasn't been too much of an adjustment. I got a roommate, makes it easier."
Holliday said his parents aren't scheduled yet to come see him play in Aberdeen because they're with his younger brother who's a high school star in the state playoffs in Oklahoma.
As far as his career path, Holliday hopes to be promoted to Double-A Bowie at some point this season.
As far as the big leagues, he plans to get there as soon as possible.
Holliday was the third No. 1 overall draft pick in Orioles history. One of those, Adley Rutschman, is already on the Orioles' major league squad.
"The IronBirds are thrilled to have Jackson joining us here in Aberdeen to play in Leidos Field at Ripken Stadium," said Ironbirds GM Jack Graham. "He's a special player and we are thrilled to have him joining the ranks of players who have stopped in Harford County on their journey through Birdland."