Orion Kerkering, the 24-year-old relief pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies, has quickly become a name to watch in Major League Baseball, known for his blazing fastball and sharp slider.
Born Richard Orion Kerkering on April 4, 2001, in Huntington Beach, California, he carries a family legacy in his name, shared with his father and paternal grandfather.
Behind his rise from a fifth-round draft pick to a promising MLB closer are his parents, Todd and Sheli Kerkering, who raised him and his two sisters, Samantha and Ariel, with love and support.
Orion’s Parents’ Encouragement and Sacrifices Support Orion’s Talent on the Mound
Todd was born to parents, Susan and Dick Kerkering. Kerkering, Orion’s father, is a retired Marine who served as a Gunnery Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps for 20 years.
Now, he works as the Assistant Vice President for Emergency Management at New College of Florida, a position he’s held since June 2025.
With a Master’s degree in Security Management from Webster University (earned in 2005), Todd has built a distinguished career, previously serving as an emergency management planning chief for Sarasota County and as an Emergency Manager for the City of Sarasota for 11 years.
However, beyond his professional achievements, Todd’s emotional connection to his son’s baseball career has captured the hearts of many.
When Orion made his MLB debut with the Phillies in September 2023, Todd couldn’t hold back his tears.
In an interview, he shared,
“I hope people realize it’s bigger than baseball. If your kid wanted to be a musician, whatever your kid wanted to do, if they’re obtaining their dream, and you’re getting to watch them attain something they worked hard for, any parent should be happy for their kid.”
Via Fox13news
His emotional reaction went viral, as he reflected on the countless hours Orion dedicated to reaching the majors.
Todd’s pride wasn’t just about baseball, it was about seeing his son chase and achieve a lifelong dream.
While Todd’s story has been more public, information about Orion’s mother, Sheli Kerkering, is less available.
What is clear is that Sheli has been a vital part of the family, raising Orion and his sisters, Samantha and Ariel, alongside Todd.
Together, they created a nurturing environment that allowed Orion to pursue his passion for baseball.
Though Sheli prefers to stay out of the spotlight, her role in supporting Orion’s journey from Little League games to his MLB debut cannot be understated.
The Kerkering family’s tight-knit bond has been a cornerstone of Orion’s success.
Orion’s Parents Taught him Discipline and Perseverance, which he applied to his Baseball Career.
Orion grew up in Venice, Florida, with his two sisters, Samantha and Ariel, in a household that valued hard work and dedication.
At Venice High School, he began to shine as a pitcher, catching the attention of scouts with his powerful arm.
He later attended the University of South Florida, where he transitioned from a starting pitcher to the team’s closer during his junior year.
This move showcased his ability to thrive under pressure, a skill that would later define his role with the Phillies.
The Philadelphia Phillies selected Orion in the fifth round of the 2022 MLB Draft, recognizing his potential as a reliever.
His rapid ascent through the minors led to his MLB debut in 2023, and by 2025, he had appeared in 64 games, posting an impressive 2.27 ERA over 67.1 innings.
Known for his high-velocity fastball and effective slider, Orion has become a key piece of the Phillies’ bullpen.
His ability to deliver in high-stakes situations earned him saves against teams like the Miami Marlins and Houston Astros in the 2025 season.
Orion’s talent was on full display during the 2025 postseason, but he also faced a defining moment in Game 4 of the NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers on October 9, 2025.
In the 11th inning, with the game tied, Orion fielded a grounder from Andy Pages but made a costly error, throwing the ball over catcher J.T. Realmuto’s head.
This allowed Hyeseong Kim to score the walk-off run, ending the Phillies’ season with a 2-1 loss and sending the Dodgers to the NLCS.
The mistake was tough for the young pitcher, but his teammates rallied around him.
Nick Castellanos called it an “honest mistake,” and manager Rob Thomson praised his effort, as did Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
The support reflected the respect Orion has earned in the clubhouse.
Despite the High-Profile Error, Orion’s Family, Especially his parents, Remain his Biggest Cheerleaders.
Todd and Sheli have been there through every step of his journey, from his days at Venice High to his time at the University of South Florida, and now in the majors.
Todd’s emotional words after Orion’s debut capture the essence of their support: it’s not just about baseball, but about seeing their son achieve his dreams.
As Orion continues to grow as a pitcher, his parents’ love and encouragement will undoubtedly remain a driving force behind his success.
Orion Kerkering’s story is still being written, and at just 24, he has a bright future ahead.
With his high-velocity pitches and the backing of a devoted family, he’s poised to overcome setbacks and continue making a name for himself in the MLB.
For Todd and Sheli, every pitch Orion throws is evidence of the hard work and dreams they’ve nurtured since he was a kid in Huntington Beach.
