Only on 5: Hunter Goodman discusses breakout season.
DENVER, Colo. (WMC) -Hunter Goodman is a Tiger through and through. From his time at Arlington High School, to a successful stint at the University of Memphis.
Now, the 901 product is enjoying his breakthrough season in the big leagues.
It took a little bit of time for Goodman to find his footing in The Show. In 93 combined Major League games in 2023 and 24, he flashed some power, but hit just .192.
“There’s definitely times you get frustrated,” Goodman says on those early struggles. “It’s hard not to, I mean it’s a game of failure, so there’s frustrations that come with that.”
2025 has been a much different story. Goodman has been the Rockies starting catcher from Opening Day this season, and has responded by leading his club in basically every offensive category.
“It takes some time to be able to relax and go play baseball,” Goodman says. “I think this year, I’ve been able to kind of stay calm in the box and be able to just go be myself.”
Every team will have at least one player at the All-Star Game in Atlanta next month. Right now, Goodman has to be considered the favorite to represent Colorado at the Mid-Summer classic, just a six hour drive from home.
“Yeah I’ve seen some stuff, and it’s crossed my mind,” Goodman says on the possibility of being named an All-Star. “As cool as it is, I try not to think about it too much, just trying to come in every day and treat it just like any other day and try and get better and play that game that night.”
Once in a while though, Goodman lets his mind wander on the possibility of a dream come true.
“I mean it would mean a lot,” he admits. “It would be my first time, and in Atlanta, that’s pretty close to home. It would be pretty cool.”
The Memphis area has pumped out some great big leaguers in recent years, such as Austin Riley and Brent Rooker. Now, Hunter Goodman is the latest to make a name for himself.
For someone who’s spent basically his entire life here, he doesn’t take the chance to rep the 901 on the biggest stage for granted.
“I grew up there my whole life, I’ve always lived there,” Goodman says. “As of right now I plan to live there in the offseason for a long time. All my family is there, my wife’s family is there.
“So it’s awesome to perform and kind of represent that area.”
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