Baltimore Orioles rising star Jackson Holliday shared insights into his childhood growing up with his father, Matt Holliday, an MLB legend. Growing up around Major League Baseball clubhouses and following his father’s career gave Jackson a unique perspective on life in the sport, shaping his own path in baseball.
Matt Holliday, who had a distinguished 15-year career with teams including the Colorado Rockies, Oakland Athletics, St. Louis Cardinals, and New York Yankees, earned accolades such as seven All-Star selections, four Silver Slugger awards, and titles as the National League RBI and batting champion. He also celebrated a World Series championship during his tenure.
Jackson and Matt spoke candidly with FanDuel Sports Network’s Jim Hayes, revealing Jackson’s thoughts on growing up with a father who was both a successful ballplayer and parent. Jackson reflected,
“I don’t think it was too hard for me growing up. Obviously, you have the last name & especially in St. Louis, that carried some weight. But I always enjoyed playing and going to the field and being around him,” said Jackson.
Despite the pressures that might come with a famous last name, Jackson focused on the joy of playing baseball and being close to his father. He viewed Matt first and foremost as his dad, not simply an All-Star player, explaining,
“It didn’t really bother me too much. He was my dad who happened to play baseball” he added.
This perspective helped Jackson maintain a grounded view of his upbringing, enjoying a childhood many young baseball players dream of, where time spent on the field with his father was treasured rather than burdensome.
Introducing Ethan Holliday: Jackson’s younger brother gaining recognition in baseball
As Jackson continues to build his MLB career, attention is also turning to his younger brother, Ethan Holliday. Recently graduating high school, Ethan has emerged as a top prospect for this year’s MLB Draft, scheduled for July 13 and 14.
The Washington Nationals hold the first overall pick in the draft, and many expect Ethan to be their selection, which would mark a historic moment as no siblings have both been chosen as number one overall picks in MLB history.
However, the Nationals have multiple options, and it remains possible they could opt for another highly regarded player, such as Oregon State’s second baseman Aiva Marquette, who is also drawing significant attention for the draft.
The spotlight on Ethan illustrates the growing baseball lineage of the Holliday family, highlighting the potential for two brothers to create lasting marks on the sport.
The impact of growing up immersed in baseball culture
Jackson’s experiences illustrate how being raised in a professional baseball environment can influence a young athlete’s development. Witnessing his father’s journey firsthand gave Jackson both insight and motivation to pursue his own career passionately.
This upbringing may serve as a strong foundation, preparing Jackson for the challenges ahead in MLB while also enriching his appreciation for the game beyond just statistics and achievements.
As the Orioles slugger builds his name in the league, the Holliday family’s ongoing presence in baseball remains a compelling story for fans and sports analysts alike, promising continued contributions to the game in the years to come.