Former Gamecocks pitcher, Dutch Fork alum earns MLB call-up

Another former South Carolina baseball player is joining the big leagues.

Former USC pitcher TJ Shook has been called up to join the MLB’s Colorado Rockies, the club announced Monday. Shook had been pitching for the Rockies’ Triple-A affiliate, the Albuquerque Isotopes, before his call-up.

He is the 61st former South Carolina baseball player to earn an MLB call-up.

Shook, a Columbia native and Dutch Fork High School alum, played for the Gamecocks from 2017-20 and was part of USC’s 2018 super regional team under coach Mark Kingston.

The right-handed pitcher made 41 appearances for South Carolina and was 6-1 with a 3.04 ERA and three saves. He recorded 92 strikeouts in 74 innings.

Shook started his pro career with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2021 and also spent time with the New York Mets before joining the Rockies.

He is USC’s first MLB call-up since Carlos Cortes in 2025 (Athletics).

Chapel Fowler

The State

Chapel Fowler, the NSMA’s 2024 South Carolina Sportswriter of the Year, has covered Clemson football and other topics for The State since summer 2022. His work’s also been honored by the Associated Press Sports Editors, the South Carolina Press Association and the North Carolina Press Association. He’s a Denver, N.C., native, a UNC-Chapel Hill alum and a pickup basketball enthusiast. Support my work with a digital subscription