Tennessee Titans defensive coach Tracy Rocker is having a hectic week preparing for the New York Jets.
However, he managed to find some time to watch his son Kumar make his MLB debut with the Texas Rangers. Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk thought it was important for Tracy to be there, so he flew out to Seattle right after practice.
Tracy and his wife were able to witness Kumar’s first game at T-Mobile Park. Ian Rapoport tweeted about this special moment:
#Titans DL coach Tracy Rocker and his wife were able to be in Seattle for their son Kumar’s electric first MLB start yesterday. Owner Amy Adams Strunk felt it was important for him to be there, so Rocker left just as practice was ending and will be back for practice today.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet)
Support from the Titans:
The Titans shared a video on social media where Jeffery Simmons and the rest of the defensive line wished Kumar good luck in his first game. Fans might find this heartwarming as it shows team spirit beyond football.
Welcome to the big leagues, Kumar Rocker!
Wishing good luck to former @VandyBoys pitcher and son of Titans Defensive Line coach Tracy Rocker in his MLB debut with the @Rangers tonight 👏
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans)
Kumar, who was picked third overall from Vanderbilt, did great in his MLB debut. He pitched four innings, gave up just one run on three hits, and struck out seven batters. The Rangers won against the Mariners 5-4, with Matt Festa getting the win.
After recovering from Tommy John surgery last year, Kumar climbed through Double-A and Triple-A levels before making it to the Rangers this season.
As Dayn Perry noted in his analysis of Rocker’s debut (https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/kumar-rocker-debut-rangers-prospect-strikes-out-7-in-first-mlb-start/), Kumar’s fastball reached 97.6 mph and his slider baffled Seattle hitters throughout his outing.
What do you think about Kumar’s impressive start?
