The Rise of Jackson Chourio: A Star is Born in Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE — In the high-stakes world of postseason baseball, every moment is magnified. The lights shine brighter, the crowds roar louder, and each pitch carries the weight of a season’s hopes and dreams. On a pivotal Wednesday night, when the Milwaukee Brewers faced elimination, it was a 20-year-old rookie who stepped into the spotlight and delivered a performance for the ages.
A Special Talent
Brewers manager Pat Murphy, visibly emotional, couldn’t contain his admiration for outfielder Jackson Chourio after the team’s thrilling 5-3 victory over the New York Mets in Game 2 of their NL wild-card series. “He’s … he’s special,” Murphy said, encapsulating the excitement surrounding the young player who has quickly become a cornerstone of the franchise.
Chourio entered the season with immense expectations. Fresh off an unprecedented $82 million extension—an MLB record for a player with no major-league experience—he was poised to become the youngest player in the league. However, the pressure of such a monumental contract weighed heavily on him during spring training, as he sought to prove he was worthy of the investment.
Finding His Voice
Throughout the regular season, Chourio maintained a calm and collected demeanor, often appearing shy. But that all changed on Wednesday night. As he rounded the bases not once, but twice, after hitting two home runs, the exuberance that had been simmering beneath the surface erupted. The kid from Maracaibo, Venezuela, was no longer just a rookie; he had arrived.
“I’m ready to put on a show for the big leagues and all the fans who haven’t gotten to see me play,” Chourio had told Yahoo Sports back in March. Fast forward to now, and he was doing just that. Chourio had become the Brewers’ spark plug, making history as the youngest player in MLB history to record a 20-20 season. His growth throughout the year was remarkable, especially after the team’s star outfielder, Christian Yelich, underwent season-ending back surgery.
Rising to the Occasion
With the Brewers facing a 3-2 deficit and their season hanging in the balance, Chourio took it upon himself to change the narrative. The pressure was palpable, but he remained unfazed. “The pressure is always going to be there,” he said after the game. “So as a player, our job is to control it the best way possible.”
Chourio kicked off his memorable night with a leadoff homer that sailed into the Mets’ bullpen, igniting the crowd and setting the tone for the game. This moment made him the fifth-youngest player to hit a home run in MLB postseason history, a testament to his burgeoning talent.
A Historic Performance
As the game progressed, the tension mounted. With the Brewers trailing late in the game, the atmosphere was electric. In the eighth inning, Chourio stepped up to the plate with the weight of the game on his shoulders. On a 1-1 count, he connected with a hanging cutter from Mets reliever Phil Maton, sending the ball deep into right field to tie the game. The eruption from the Brewers’ dugout was deafening, and the crowd of over 40,000 at American Family Field was on its feet, celebrating a moment that would be etched in postseason lore.
Chourio’s second home run made him just the second player in MLB history to hit multiple home runs in a postseason game before turning 21, joining the legendary Andruw Jones. He also became only the second player to hit two game-tying home runs in a single postseason game, a feat last accomplished by Babe Ruth in 1928.
The Impact of a Young Star
After the game, Chourio reflected on the adrenaline that fueled his performance. “It was a very special moment for me and one I’m going to remember for the rest of my life,” he said, capturing the essence of what it means to shine on the biggest stage.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza acknowledged the challenge posed by Chourio, stating, “The whole time we were going through the situation, we wanted a Maton-Chourio matchup. It just didn’t work.” Two batters later, Garrett Mitchell sealed the victory for the Brewers with a two-run shot, further highlighting Chourio’s pivotal role in the game.
A Bright Future Ahead
As the season progressed, Chourio continued to evolve, showcasing his defensive prowess and offensive capabilities. Murphy noted the transformation he witnessed, saying, “He showed some aggression in the outfield, and it was like, ‘Wow.’ … There were some takes [in early June], and all of a sudden I’m like, ‘This kid is getting it.’”
This season, Chourio has proven to be more than just a promising rookie; he has emerged as a star. The youngest player in the postseason, he fittingly caught the final out of the game, symbolizing his journey from a shy newcomer to a confident player ready to embrace the spotlight.
“These are moments that we get to share together, both me personally and the city of Milwaukee,” Chourio said, expressing his gratitude for the support he has received. “So I’m just very happy we get to celebrate these together.”
As the Brewers continue their playoff journey, all eyes will be on Jackson Chourio, a young talent who has already begun to write his own legacy in the annals of baseball history.