Cody Ponce Bio: Family, Stats, Trade & Net Worth

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Cody Ponce has been breaking barriers in the American professional baseball sport. First, he made an impressive debut against Chicago Cubs’ and nothing has been the same ever since. 

He currently plays as a pitcher for the renowned Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball (MLB). Before this, he played for the Cal Poly Pomona Broncos. 

Cody has made 67 starts over the past five seasons. Besides, he made 52 relief appearances for his team.

Cody Ponce age
Cody Ponce, 26, Pittsburgh Pirates’ Pitcher 

Here, we will talk more about Cody’s early childhood, his remarkable debut, and of course, his ongoing career as a Pirate. 

Before we get onto more details about him, let us have a swift look at some quick facts. 

Quick Facts

Name Cody Ponce
Full Name Cody Joe Ponce
Birth Date April 25, 1994
Ethnicity White
Age 29 years old
Body type Athletic
Eye color Hazel
Hair color Black
Skin type Fair 
Birth Place Pomona, California
Zodiac Sign Taurus
Father Joe Ponce
Mother Jennifer Ponce
Sister Devan Ponce
Profession American professional baseball player (pelotero)
Position Pitcher
Education Damien High School
California State Polytechnic University in Pomona
Current team Pittsburgh Pirates
Affiliated teams Pittsburgh Pirates
Cal Poly Pomona Broncos
Brewster Whitecaps
Cal Poly Pomona Athletics
Milwaukee Brewers
Helena Brewers
Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
Brevard County Manatees
Biloxi Shuckers
Carolina Mudcats
Indianapolis Indians
Height  6’6″/198 cm
Weight 255 lb/116 kg
Relationship Status In a relationship
Girlfriend Zoë Anne Nightingale
Social Media Instagram
Twitter
Net worth $5 million
Salary  $177k 
Merch  Baseball Card, Pittsburgh Pirates Jersey, Autographed Card
Last Update March, 2024

Cody Ponce | Early Life & Family

Cody, whose full name is Cody Joe Ponce, was born on April 25, 1994. Ponce grew up with his sister Devan Ponce in Pomona, California. 

Likewise, Cody was born to his father, Joe Ponce, and mother, Jennifer Ponce. Since his early days as a teenager, Cody has been active in playing baseball and other sports.

Further, his father had a big part to play in his sports career. Cody describes his father as his role model and takes inspiration from him.

However, not much is known about his family and personal life. 

As for his education, Ponce graduated from Damien High School in La Verne, California.

Moreover, he attended the California State Polytechnic University in Pomona. Additionally, he played baseball for his university team and Cal Poly Pomona Broncos.

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Cody honors his mom during his MLB debut.

Ponce’s debut in the Major League went right according to his plan. But, first, he and his club’s teammate celebrated their win with a walk-off victory off the mound. 

Likewise, the Pittsburgh Pirates acquired the right-handed pitcher from the Brewers. 

Cody made it to the Major league one year after making his debut in the Pirates. He describes it as a dream come true but difficult and inspiring at the same time. 

Further, Cody states that he wished he could share the moment with a particular person. The person was his late mother, Jennifer.

After years of battle with brain cancer, Cody’s mother passed away on December 1, 2017.  

Cody Ponce printed her name on his cleats’ left side during his debut match as a tribute. 

Cody Ponce mother
Cody Ponce printed his mother’s name on his cleats.

Besides, her last name was printed on the right with a grey ribbon. The ribbon symbolized the promotion of brain cancer awareness. 

Further, Cody states that the cleats meant a lot to him, and it was the only time he would wear them. He adds that he would put them up somewhere safe for the rest of his life. 

Additionally, Cody Ponce said,

“They had a lot of special meanings, coming from my hometown, the area code of where I’m from.

And I’m just proud to be able to say that I could be able to share the field with all these great guys.”

Cody Ponce | Career

Amateur 

Cody Ponce enrolled at the California State Polytechnic University to play for the Cal Poly Pomona Broncos. He also played collegiate summer baseball with Brewster Whitecaps in the Cape Cod Baseball League.

Besides, he was named a league all-star during his time at the Brewster Whitecaps. 

Cody Ponce at Brewster Whitecaps.

Cody was part of the university baseball team, which prepared him to play at the next level.

Furthermore, he was coached by Randy Betten at the CPP. He is also the current head baseball coach for Cal Poly Pomona Broncos. Randy described Ponce as a promising potential.

Randy said, and we quote,

“He fit everything that a pro prospect looks like: big, tall, athletic, with projectability.” 

Words from Randy and also his dedication helped him through his senior year at Damien High School. 

On his high school team, Cody records 43 strikeouts and a 3.09 earn run average (ERA). In addition, he goes on to receive a sports scholarship to play at CPP. 

Milwaukee Brewers

The Milwaukee Brewers drafted Cody Ponce in the second round of the 2015 Major League Baseball draft. He signed with the Brewers with a guaranteed $1,108,000 signing bonus. 

Similarly, Cody made his professional debut for the Helena Brewers in the Rookie-Level Pioneer League.

Then the Brewers promoted Cody to Wisconsin Timber Rattlers in the Class A Midwest League.

Ponce recorded a combined 2-1 record with a 2.29 era throughout 14 games between these clubs. 

Furthermore, in 2017, Cody Ponce spent his season with the Biloxi Shuckers of the Class AA Southern League and the Carolina Mudcats in the Class A-Advanced Carolina League

Moreover, Cody spent the 2018 season with Biloxi. He recorded 7-7 with a 4.36 ERA in 29 games. 

Besides, Cody made his initial return to Biloxi to start a new season in 2019.

Pittsburgh Pirates

After his stint with the Brewers, Cody was traded for Jordan Lyles with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Also, Cody was selected by the United States National baseball team for the WBSC Premier in 2019. 

He recorded 1-1 with a 2.03 ERA in three starts covering 13.1 innings during the tournament.

Additionally, Cody was a part of the Pirate’s 40-man roster. He made his major league debut for the Pirates against the Chicago Bulls on August 2, 2020. 

Pirates’ hard-throwing prospect Cody Ponce 

Shortly after being traded with the Pirates by the Brewers, the pitcher predicted his potential trade at the end of the 2019 season. 

Additionally, Cody believed the move to the Pirates would benefit his career.

However, Cody had no hate against the Brewers, who drafted him from Cal Poly Pomona in 2015. On the contrary, he speaks in joy regarding his five-season in Brewer’s farm system. 

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Cody Ponce stands for a picture during media day at Pirate City.

During his time with the Indies, Cody Ponce was a regular part of the rotation and made four starts.

In addition, he was able to connect with the fans rather quickly. It led to his immense popularity in the club in a short amount of time. 

Cody recorded two one-inning stints so far in Grapefruit League play, allowing four hits, two runs, and two walks while striking out three.

Moreover, he believed that his consistent form would earn him a regular start in the team. 

Cody Ponce makes a strong MLB debut.

On August 2, Cody made his debut in the MLB for Pittsburgh Pirates against the Chicago Cubs. Ponce climbed up the ranks from Bronco bask in 2015.

Since then, he has made his way through elite clubs like the Milwaukee Brewers. 

Consequently, his five years’ worth of hard work in the minor league finally paid off. He describes playing at such a high level as a dream come true and a great experience. 

“I was so taken in awe of being a big leaguer and (had) so much adrenaline running through my veins,” Cody said.

Further, Cody explains that he wants to share this experience with his fans, waiting for his whole career. 

He explains that he is looking forward to creating important memories with fans who have supported him throughout his journey. 

Following his initial debut with the Pirates, Cody made his second appearance on August 6.

During the match, he pitched three innings and recorded his first strikeout. He completed the match with a total of three strikeouts in total. 

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Former Tribe Starter Cody Ponce Returns to Bullpen 

The right-handed pitcher Cody Ponce has plenty of bullpen experience under his belt. It has played a major role in his progress to the Major League. 

Cody made it to the Pittsburgh Pirates roster list just an hour before their match against the cubs. He was a substitute player for injured Michael Feliz and Mitch Keller.

He started his 2019 season with Double-A Biloxi in the Milwaukee Brewers system. Besides, he made an appearance in relief games for all 27 of his respective outings.

Further, Cody struck 44 batters over 38.1 innings and compiled a 3.29 ERA. 

Moreover, he made four relief appearances during the MLB Spring Training for the Pirates. Cody compiled a total of five strikeouts and a 3.86 ERA (2er/4.2ip). 

Besides, Cody was named a member of the taxi squad, a part of Pirate’s 60-man roster. Besides, he spent the Summer Camp with the Pirates in Altoona. 

Season analysis with the Pittsburgh Pirates

Cody was able to reach his full potential after his move to the Pirates. He threw 77 and 71 pitches in his two starts for the Pirates in 2020.

Besides, his performance against the Reds was described as phenomenal by the critics.

However, in the next two games, Mitch Keller started before him as Cody got removed from the active team roster. 

The team optioned Cody for alternate training afterward and designated him as their 29th man.

Additionally, Cody started against the twin bill and finished with two walks while striking out three over four innings and giving up one run on one hit.

Transactions, Injuries, and Suspensions

  • June 15, 2015: Milwaukee Brewers signed Cody.
  • July 29, 2019: Acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers
  • Nov 20, 2019: Contract purchased from Indianapolis (AAA).
  • March 9, 2020: Cody was optioned to Indianapolis (AAA).
  • August 2, 2020: Pittsburgh recalled Pirates from their alternate training site.
  • August 16, 2020: Pittsburgh Pirates optioned Cody to their alternate training site.
  • August 27, 2020: Pittsburgh Pirates recalled Cody from their alternate training site.
  • August 28, 2020: Pittsburgh Pirates optioned him to their alternate training site.
  • September 4, 2020: Pittsburgh Pirates recalled Cody Ponce from their alternate training site.
  • September 5, 2020: Pittsburgh Pirates optioned him to their alternate training site.
  • September 14, 2020: Recalled by the Pittsburgh Pirates from their alternate training site.
  • May 4, 2021: Cody Ponce is assigned to Indianapolis Indians

Cody Ponce | Stats

Year WAR W L ERA G GS SV IP SO WHIP
Career -0.13 1 4 6.13 13 5 0 39.2 35 1.588

Learn more about his game log, scouting report, and the latest news on Yahoo Sports, Baseball America, and Rotowire

Cody Ponce | Age, Height & Weight

Ponce’s athletic body has helped him throughout his Baseball journey ever since high school. His presence was always noticeable on the pitch during games.

Also, born on April 25, 1994, Cody is currently 29 years of age.

It was what allowed him to move further and progress through the ranks. He currently stands at 6’6″ and weighs around 240lbs. 

Further, his flexibility has allowed him to push his body to its limit and perform in each game. 

Cody Ponce | Relationship and Girlfriend

The star baseball player is currently in a relationship. Despite being busy with his professional baseball career, Cody has maintained a healthy relationship with Zoë Anne Nightingale. 

Girlfriend

Cody Ponce’s girlfriend is Zoë Anne Nightingale, who was born on June 8, 1993, in Sacramento, Calif. She was born to her father, Jeffrey Nightingale, and mother, Cheryl Jeffrey Nightingale. 

Cody Ponce and Zoë Anne Nightingale
Cody Ponce and Zoë Anne Nightingale.

Zoë is a volleyball player; she has played for her high school team at St. Francis High School. Zoë has been in a relationship with Cody for a couple of years. 

However, the lovely couple has yet to tie the knot. We will let you folks know if there is any progress. 

Cody Ponce | Net Worth and Income

As a prodigy in the world of Baseball, Cody has yet to leave a mark. However, he has made a significant impact on the teams he has played for. 

Milwaukee Brewers and Pittsburgh Pirates are two of the notable teams he played with. During his time at both of these teams, Cody was paid a hefty amount of money for his service. 

At present, his estimated net worth stands at $5 million. Besides, through additional endorsement and bonuses, he’s been adding to his tally. 

Thus, Cody has been living a comfortable and luxurious life at just the age of 26. 

Cody Ponce | Social Media Presence 

You can follow up on Cody’s latest update on Instagram and Twitter. He has 2,632 followers on his Twitter account under the username @Cody_Ponce48.

Similarly, he is active on his Instagram account, with over 5k followers on the platform. Further, you can follow him for more personal and professional news at @cody_ponce. 

Cody Ponce | FAQs

Is Cody Ponce of the Milwaukee Brewers?

The pelotero was part of the Brewers in 2015. He is currently signed with Pittsburgh Pirates.

What is the Net Worth of Cody Ponce?

Cody’s current estimated net worth is $5 million.

Did Cody play for the national team?

The United States National baseball team also selected Cody for the WBSC Premier in 2019.

What is Cody Ponce’s 2015 Panini Contenders – College Ticket – Championship Ticket value?

The card’s value is set at $46.25.

What is Cody Ponce’s Average Exit Velocity?

The baseballer’s average exit velocity is 88.3.

Sanjib Sah
Sanjib Sah
Sanjib Sah is an engineer and content writer passionate about sports and athletics. With a background in engineering and a love for all things active, Sanjib brings a unique perspective to the world of sports writing. Whether he is covering the latest trends in sports technology or sharing tips on improving your game, Sanjib's words are always rooted in a deep appreciation for players' hard work and dedication everywhere. In his free time, you can find him hitting the courts or hitting the trails, always looking for new ways to challenge himself and improve his skills.

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