TAMPA BAY, Fla. – Former Parkland College Baseball player, Kevin Kiermaier, will be playing in the 2020 Major League Baseball World Series. The three-time Gold Glove Award-winning center fielder is in his eighth season with the Tampa Bay Rays. He and his teammates will face the Los Angeles Dodgers in Arlington, Texas, beginning Tuesday, October 20th, 2020.
 
Kiermaier was on the Parkland Cobras Baseball roster for two full seasons, from 2008-2010, as the program won the 2009 NJCAA National Championship and finished 5th the following year. He helped lead the Cobras to an overall 99-22 record, also winning two M-WAC and Region 24 Championships. Kiermaier was named a NJCAA All-American in both seasons.
 
"I was a volunteer coach at Parkland in 2009-2010 during Kevin's sophomore season," reflected current Parkland Head Coach Jon Goebel. "I primarily worked with the outfielders, so I spent a lot of time with Kevin, Bobby Glover, Tyler Watts, Bryce Feller; it was a special group that year.  Even then, Kevin had separated himself from his peers.  His speed, arm strength, defense, hit tool, it was all on another level.  I remember a home run he hit off LSUE in the (NJCAA) World Series where I thought to myself, while coaching first base, 'This kid might just make the big leagues one day.'  He turned around 95, effortlessly.  He deserves everything that comes his way.  He has worked hard to get it.  Rays UP!!"
 
Mickey Cler, an assistant in the athletic office at Parkland when Kiermaier was on campus, stated, "Kevin was destined to do great things.  That young man hardly ever missed class; he worked hard on his game and his conditioning, soaking up every piece of information he could.  It's rare to see someone that young with such an impressive work ethic, and it paid off for him. I am so proud of him and all his accomplishments.  GO RAYS!"
 
In 2019, Tampa Bay finished second in the American League East, won the American League Wild Card Game, but lost to the Houston Astros in the American League Division Series, 3 games to 2. On Saturday night, the Rays avenged the loss to the Astros and won the American League Championship Series. This will be the club's second World Series appearance, having won the championship in 2008.
 
Brendan McHale, Parkland College Director of Athletics added, "We at Parkland College are very proud of both Kevin's individual, as well as his team's accomplishments this season.  We are even more proud to know that Kevin is a Cobra.  We wish him nothing but success in the World Series!"