I’m born in Houston, TX to Pat and Sondra Appel, my wonderful parents. I also have one brother, John. He’s married to Shelley.

1991

Our family moves to the East Bay Area of California. I finish middle school and start attending Monte Vista High School in Danville, CA in 2006.

2003

I accept a scholarship to play baseball at Stanford University in the summer before my senior year of high school.

After my junior year at Stanford, I am drafted in the first round as the 8th overall pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

I make the decision to return to Stanford for my senior season.

The Houston Astros draft me with the 1st overall pick in the MLB draft and I sign a contract to play for the Astros organization.

After 3 minor league seasons with the Astros, I am traded to the Philadelphia Phillies.

I go on the Injured List with an injured elbow and shoulder after 2 months of the 2016 season.

In July, I have elbow surgery to remove bone spurs.

In February, I inform the Phillies I am taking an “indefinite break” from baseball. I have no plans to return to play.

I stop all baseball activities and join the workforce. In October, I have another surgery, on my shoulder this time.

In November of 2020, after 3 years since I last played, I call the Phillies to play again.

I am invited to minor league spring training for the 2021 season.

I throw my first pitch on May 8, 2021, marking the beginning of my attempted comeback to play in the MLB.

I finish the season healthy, my first healthy season since 2015.

On June 24, 2022, my AAA manager tells me I am going to play in the big leagues for the first time.

On June 29, I make my MLB debut for the Philadelphia Phillies against the Atlanta Braves.

In August, I get injured again after 6 appearances with the Phillies.

The Phillies sign me a to contract for the 2023 season, but after some symptoms from my prolonged injury, I am released in March.

I have another elbow surgery in April and begin the rehab process once more.