Carter fulfilling lifelong dream of playing in the Major Leagues
Published 10:27 am Wednesday, September 27, 2023
Photo contributed by Kaylen Carter Evan Carter and his wife Kaylen, along with Evan and Kaylen's parents and her sister.
Photo contributed by Kaylen Carter Evan and Kaylen Carter have had a whirlwind of life as a pro baseball player and spouse as Evan reached the parent club Texas Rangers in only two years as a professional.
Photo contributed by Kaylen Carter Evan Carter holding down right field for the Texas Rangers.
Photo contributed by Kaylen Carter Evan Carter looks back after an at-bat during a recent game.
Photo contributed by Kaylen Carter Evan and Kaylen Carter with Evan's father, Jason, and mother Susan.
Photo contributed by Kaylen Carter Evan Carter has been red hot, having reached base 16 straight games since being called up to the Texas Rangers.
Photo contributed by Kaylen Shell Evan Carter's shirt proclaiming 'Jesus Won' created a lot of buzz on social media.
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STAR CORRESPONDENT
“The feelings around the fanbase were very dark. There was not a lot of hope or optimism surrounding the team. The team needed a hero. They needed someone with youthful energy. They needed someone who could provide hope. In stepped top prospect Evan Carter”… By Michael Sanders – Nolan Writin
When Evan Carter was just a little tyke playing baseball, he probably had several opportunities to immolate several of his baseball heroes just like every other little boy who started to play the game of baseball at the T-ball level and on up.
Now, Carter is one of those players who young boys are hoping one day to walk in the footsteps of.
“It is definitely a dream come true,” Carter said recently. “You work so hard to be able to have that opportunity and when it comes to fruition, it’s just really awesome.”
According to Sanders with Nolan Writin, as of Monday, Carter has started and received at-bats in 16 games. He has reached base in all 16 games. Texas is averaging 6.3 runs per game in which he has started. They have reached seven or more runs in seven of the 15 games he has played. His individual numbers are just as impressive as the team numbers. Carter in 16 games has a .326 batting average, four home runs, 10 RBIs, nine walks, three stolen bases, and 13 runs scored. He has performed well above anyone’s expectations.
Making Carter’s debut with the Rangers more special was having his wife, Kaylen, and his parents and Kaylen’s family at the game was a special memory that he will never forget.
” It’s a blessing to have a support system like I have and to have them there at the game to watch was amazing,” Carter said.
When Carter was drafted with the 50th pick two years ago, many Ranger fans and baseball fans, in general, were wondering what in the world Texas had seen in the pitcher and outfielder who played his high school baseball at Elizabethton High School for Coach Ryan Presnell and had committed to play collegiately for Duke.
However, as Carter has done all along his journey, he has continued to show that his selection was no fluke, having worked his way completely through the Ranger farm system all the way to the big club in just two years as a professional.
He was asked how the older guys responded to having him in the clubhouse after his call up after an injury left the Ranger team short an outfielder.
“They have been really good to me!” said Carter. “There are definitely a lot of veterans who have made their mark and played for a long time, so to share a locker room with them and learn from them is so valuable. There is no pressure unless I tell myself there is. Baseball is fun! All you can do is help the team win each day. I don’t seek out validation as far as that goes, I knew what I was about and I am blessed to have people in my corner who always believe in me!”
Carter drew a lot of attention with a shirt he was photoed with in an interview after his first game that simply said, “Jesus Won.” The young man showed wisdom beyond his years when he acknowledged the only reason he had climbed the ladder so quickly is because of his relationship with Jesus Christ.
“That’s the reason I am here; without Him, I wouldn’t have the opportunity to even play!” said Carter. “My faith is more important to me than baseball and it always should be, so to have a platform to share that is awesome.”
Having dedicated himself to playing the sport that he loves, Carter was asked what one piece of advice he would give to young players who wanted to follow in his footsteps.
“Hard work and having fun playing goes a long way in baseball!” said Carter. “Enjoy the little things and make lasting relationships.”
Carter is enjoying his short stint at the big league level and has helped the Rangers to come within arms length of dethroning the Houston Astros as the division champs in the American League West.
As of Tuesday night, Texas was two and a half games in first place with a record of 88-68, while the Astros are battling to defend their title with a record of 86-71.
A large part of that surge has come from the time Carter arrived in Arlington. It is just the beginning of what appears to be an illustrious beginning of a superstar career for an athlete from Elizabethton following in the steps of Dallas Cowboy Jason Witten.
The sky is the limit and right now, Carter is doing nothing more than filling the skies over Arlington with fireworks since his arrival as a member of the Texas Rangers.
