Born in Chicago, raised in Oregon, to Chicago natives (his dad worked in global brand marketing for Nike), Carson Kelly, 29, grew up a fan of the Chicago Cubs (fave player: Derek Jeter). Following a standout high school baseball career in Oregon, Kelly was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the second round of the 2012 MLB Draft, receiving a 1.6 million signing bonus and foregoing his commitment to University of Oregon’s baseball team. Soon switching from third baseman to catcher, Kelly made his major-league debut in 2016 with the Cardinals. He was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks for the 2019 season, tying Miguel Montero’s Diamondback record for the most home runs hit in a season by a catcher, with 18.
With five broken bones in three years (in the end, he says, “it’s made me a better person and a better player”), Kelly was signed by the Detroit Tigers last August, moving to Metro Detroit practically overnight with his wife, Eloise, and toddler son, full of optimism and eager to get to know the community. Here, we catch up with Detroit Tigers catcher Carson Kelly.
When did you fall in love with baseball?
I fell in love with the game early. My parents put me through all different sports and I just loved baseball from the start. I even naturally brought baseball into other sports — if I played tennis, I’d swing the racquet like a baseball player. Golf, same thing. When i got into high school, that was when I kind of knew that this could be something
What are your goals?
Overall, in baseball, my goal is consistency. Baseball is a game of failure — it’s the only sport that you can fail pretty much 70 percent of the time and still be considered a success. Consistency of the process and mastery of the craft is the best I can do.
When you began your career, did you ever imagine that you would be where you are now?
As a kid, you have the dream of being a big leaguer. But when you actually accomplish the goal, it’s really special. To be where I am now is — it’s been a lot of hard work and I’ve had a lot of great people in my corner to help me. But it’s been a fun journey, for sure.
You are new to the Tigers. What do you love about it so far?
I absolutely love the city and the support they give us. It’s a great clubhouse to be a part of, there are a lot of really good people in this organization. And the community gives so much support to us. Even during the tough stretches, when we really need it. People really support the Tigers and it’s fun to see, and go out and play in front of all those fans.
As a catcher, I’ve got the best seat in the house, so I get to talk to some of the players when they come up to bat.
Why are you passionate about baseball? How does it benefit you?
I love the game. I love the challenge that it brings every day. I love the fact that we do fail and that we continue to get better. I’m a big believer that you have to fail in order to get better. I think that’s a valuable lesson in baseball and in life in general.
Conversely, what character traits do you have that make you a great athlete?
The consistency of trying to be better. Again, failing and learning from those mistakes, asking myself how I can get better — and being open to trying new things. We all can get stuck in our own way, but being vulnerable and open to trying different things will help us continue to get better. I think that’s helped me become a better athlete.
Have you faced any challenges in trying to play baseball?
Tons. Pretty much every day. I’ve had a lot of injuries; there have been a lot of things out of my control. That’s another lesson in life and the game, to remember not to focus on things you can’t control. The game can bring a lot of things you don’t expect and every day is a challenge. But that’s what I love about it.
Who are your role models, personally or professionally?
This game has brought me closer to so many different places and so many different people, and I kind of just try to take a little bit from everybody. There are lessons to be learned. Everybody has their own story. I’m open to listening to people’s stories and just to learn something about life and how I can apply that to the game.
What do you consider a major accomplishment in your life or career?
Making it to the big leagues is definitely one that I’ve had since I was a kid. But being a family — having my wife and my son has been my biggest accomplishment. I’ve relied on them a lot and they’ve really changed my life for the better.
How would your coaches/teammates describe you?
Great question. I think they’d say I try to be the same guy every day. Being a catcher, I’ve got to be on both sides of the ball — I’ve got to be in position as a player and also to help the pitchers. Being the guy that’s behind the plate, to help with game plan for the pitcher and also help the offense. Having my experience throughout the years and being able to help with some of the younger guys is an important piece for me.
Do you have a personal philosophy, in life or sports?
To continue to learn. To continue to be vulnerable and open to try new things. We get stuck in our own way sometimes. I’m a believer that when you stop learning, you stop growing and you age quicker.
What are some of your favorite spots in the community?
I like trying new places and I love coffee, so I enjoy trying different coffee shops, especially little ones that no one knows about. But I’m still exploring this area.
What do you like to do during your off-time?
I’m a big golfer. But mainly, I’m hanging with my family, hanging with my son. The game takes us away from our families so much that it’s important to get back and be with family.
Tell your fans something about you that nobody knows?
I’m a pretty open book. I don’t have any secrets.