Robinson Native Achieves MLB Dream with Pirates Debut

PHOENIX, Arizona — Braxton Ashcraft, a 25-year-old pitcher and Robinson native, made his Major League Baseball debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates on May 26, 2025, tossing three scoreless innings against the Arizona Diamondbacks. This moment marked the realization of a childhood dream for Ashcraft, who described the experience as “surreal” but noted that he felt prepared for the spotlight.

Ashcraft, a 2018 graduate of Robinson High School and a second-round draft pick in 2018, came out of the bullpen in relief just hours after receiving the call that he would be called up from the organization’s Triple A team. Twenty-two friends and family members from Central Texas were present in the stands to witness his debut.

“It’s been kind of a whirlwind,” Ashcraft told KWTX. “You always prepare yourself for this situation… all the summers playing baseball. It’s something that you prepare for and dream of.”

After being promoted to Triple-A in 2024, Ashcraft received the call on Sunday while playing in Toledo. Unsure of whether he would be on the active roster, he quickly reached out to his fiancée, Cassidy Green, who missed his call while out on Lake Waco. He then contacted his parents, who were gathered with family for the Memorial Day weekend festivities in Robinson.

Following his initial call, Cassidy returned it, and the family quickly began making their way to the game. “When he shared the news, I immediately started crying happy tears,” Cassidy said. “I’ve never been more proud and so happy to be by his side through it all.”

After a whirlwind travel experience, Ashcraft arrived in Phoenix just hours before his first pitch. He remarked on the swift journey: “I didn’t really have any time to get nervous… I was just able to roll out and do my job.”

His parents faced their own challenges, arriving at the stadium just as the game began after dealing with a weather delay at the Dallas airport. Karen Ashcraft recalled the moment they rushed to their seats just as Braxton prepared for his first pitch in the sixth inning. “I just remember saying ‘thank you, God,’” she said, feeling a mixture of calm and gratitude.

Television commentators praised Ashcraft’s debut, with Sports Illustrated stating he “dazzled” on the mound. “Braxton has worked so hard and has prepared so well for this opportunity,” his father, Tony, said. “I’m super proud of him.”

Despite his success, Braxton’s journey to the majors has had its challenges. He has undergone three major surgeries since his draft selection, including shoulder and knee surgeries as well as Tommy John surgery. He never played fall ball and remained focused on a variety of sports throughout high school, crediting that diverse experience with helping him avoid burnout.

As he looks forward to his future in baseball, Ashcraft is refocusing his goals. “Everybody talks about getting to the big leagues… Now that I’ve realized that goal, the next step is staying here,” he said, indicating his determination to contribute to the Pirates’ success.