Tyler White
Director of Hitting
Tyler White is the owner and hitting instructor at AMP Baseball. Born, in Mooresboro, North Carolina, White carved out a successful career primarily as a first baseman and designated hitter, best known for his time with the Houston Astros.
College Career
White attended Western Carolina University, where he played collegiate baseball for the Catamounts. During his college years, White demonstrated consistent improvement, particularly known for his power-hitting and discipline at the plate. By his senior year, he was regarded as one of the top hitters in the Southern Conference. His strong performance in college set the stage for his entry into professional baseball.
- 2013 Southern Conference Player of the Year
- 2013 3rd Team Louisville Slugger All-American
MLB Draft and Minor League Career
Despite his solid college career, White was not a highly touted draft prospect. He was selected by the Houston Astros in the 33rd round of the 2013 MLB Draft, making him a long-shot to reach the major leagues. However, White’s determination and work ethic helped him rapidly progress through the Astros’ minor league system.
He made his professional debut with the Greeneville Astros, a Rookie-level team, and quickly established himself as a powerful and disciplined hitter. Over the next few seasons, White climbed the ranks, playing for various Astros’ minor league affiliates such as the Tri-City ValleyCats, Quad Cities River Bandits, Lancaster JetHawks, and Corpus Christi Hooks. His breakout season came in 2015, when he was named the Astros’ Minor League Player of the Year, hitting .325 with 14 home runs and 99 RBIs across Double-A and Triple-A.
MLB Career with the Houston Astros
White made his MLB debut on April 5, 2016, for the Houston Astros. He started his big-league career in impressive fashion, earning American League Player of the Week honors in his first week of play after hitting three home runs and driving in nine RBIs. White remained a valuable part of the Astros’ lineup. He played key roles in various moments, including the team’s first ever World Series Championship in 2017. In 2018, White had one of his best years in the majors, hitting .276 with 12 home runs and 42 RBIs in 66 games.
Playing Style and Legacy
Tyler White is known for his versatility as a hitter, displaying a keen eye at the plate and the ability to hit for power and average. While he wasn’t a flashy player, his steady offensive production and his discipline at the plate made him a valuable role player for the teams he played for. His journey from an underdog in the minor leagues to a key contributor on an Astros team that regularly contended for championships serves as an inspiring story for late-round draft picks.
Accolades and Career Highlights
- American League Player of the Week (April 2016)
- Houston Astros Minor League Player of the Year (2015)
- 2015 MiLB Offensive Player of the Year
- Key contributor during the Houston Astros’ 2017 World Series Championship season, although not part of the postseason roster.
- Tyler White’s professional journey reflects resilience and the determination to make an impact despite the odds, earning him a place in the hearts of Astros fans and baseball enthusiasts alike.