Adley Rutschman, the highly-touted prospect for the Baltimore Orioles, has been making headlines not just for his skills on the field, but for his off-field interests as well. Rutschman was drafted by the Orioles as the first overall pick in the 2019 Major League Baseball (MLB) draft, and he has quickly become a fan favorite in Baltimore.
At just 23 years old, Rutschman has already shown why he was such a highly sought-after draft pick. In his first full season in professional baseball in 2021, he played for the Bowie Baysox, the Orioles’ Double-A affiliate, and he posted impressive numbers. In 87 games, Rutschman hit .271 with 18 home runs, 53 runs batted in, and an OPS of .890. He also showed off his defensive skills behind the plate, throwing out 36% of would-be base stealers.
But it’s not just Rutschman’s on-field performance that has people talking. Off the field, he has shown a passion for cooking, photography, and music. He has even been known to bring his own cooking equipment on road trips and prepare meals for his teammates.
Rutschman’s culinary skills were on full display in an interview with MLB Network’s Brian Kenny, where he cooked a steak and made a salad from scratch. He also shared his love of photography, which he said helps him relax and clear his mind.
In addition to his hobbies, Rutschman has also been involved in charitable work in the Baltimore community. He has worked with the Maryland Food Bank and has participated in the Orioles’ community outreach program.
Rutschman’s off-field interests and charitable work have made him a fan favorite in Baltimore, where the Orioles are in the midst of a rebuilding process. Fans have been eager to see Rutschman in the big leagues, and many believe that he will be a cornerstone of the team for years to come.
But despite his early success, Rutschman is staying humble and focused on his goals. “I think the biggest thing is just trying to stay present and stay in the moment,” he said in an interview with MLB Pipeline. “I’m just trying to get better every day and not really worry about where I’m at, but just focus on what I can do to get better.”
Rutschman’s dedication to his craft and his community make him a standout not just in baseball, but in sports as a whole. He has proven that he is more than just a baseball player, and his future looks bright both on and off the field.
