Former Florida standout Hurston Waldrep gets 1st MLB win
It was a whirlwind Sunday to say the least for Hurston Waldrep. But, it probably was worth it to the former Florida Gators standout.
The day began with a pre-sunrise wake-up and ended with Waldrep getting his first win in the majors. And, of all places, the victory came at a NASCAR venue.
Waldrep (1-0) was called up from Triple-A Gwinnett (Ga.) Sunday, then tossed 5.2 innings and allowed one run and three hits while striking out four in a 4-2 win over Cincinnati in the MLB Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee. As the Associated Press noted, “the game started Saturday but was suspended in the first inning because of rain. Waldrep was told that night he’d be pitching Sunday — and to expect a car service early in the morning.”
“Wake up at 4:45, got in the car a little after 5, drove here with my girlfriend. Got here 9:45 or so. Everything since then, it’s been nonstop,” Hurston Waldrep said, according to the Associated Press. “Didn’t really have time to sit here and think about how it all happened. Nonetheless, grateful for it, happy to be here. It’s been an unbelievable day.”
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Waldrep’s stint in the majors was short-lived. He was optioned back to Triple-A Gwinnett after picking up the win, per multiple reports.
With the victory Sunday, the 23-year old Waldrep improved to 1-1 for his career in the major. He started two games for Atlanta in the summer of 2024, but went 0-1 and allowed 13 earned runs in only 7.0 innings for a 16.71 ERA. Soon after those outings, Waldrep was sent back down to Triple-A by Atlanta. This season, he was 7-8 with a 4.42 ERA in the minors before getting the call-up.
After Sunday’s start, he now boasts a 1.59 ERA in MLB for 2025.
Hurston Waldrep played for the Gators in 2023
Waldrep, a 6-foot-2 right-hander, started 19 games and went 10–3 with a 4.16 ERA for the Gators in 2023, his lone season at UF after transferring from Southern Mississippi. With UF, he struck out 156 in 101.2 innings. The Braves chose Waldrep with the 24th overall pick in the first round in 2023.
