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Orioles Prospect's Catching Yips Lead to Batting Blast
22 Oct
Summary
- Ike Irish battled catching yips since high school, affecting his throwing.
- He transitioned from catcher to hitter, finding freedom and success.
- A knee injury ended his 2026 season, but he's back hitting in AFL.
Ike Irish, a catcher selected by the Orioles in the 2025 draft, has overcome significant challenges to emerge as a promising offensive talent. Irish struggled with 'the yips' while catching, a condition he battled since high school, making him uncomfortable throwing the ball back to the pitcher.
Recognizing his offensive prowess, the Orioles shifted Irish away from catching. In 2026, he flourished as a hitter, demonstrating power with 16 home runs and a .528 slugging percentage, alongside a .286 batting average and 20 stolen bases. This breakout season earned him a spot in the MLB Futures Game.
However, his remarkable 2026 campaign was cut short on July 22, 2026, when he tore his left meniscus. Following season-ending surgery, Irish is now competing in the Arizona Fall League, showing no ill effects from the injury and hitting .353/.421/.559 through nine games. He is expected to start the 2027 season at Double-A.
