Quick Facts
Leo
Biography
James Allen Hoover Jr. (born August 13, 1987) is an American professional baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent. He previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cincinnati Reds, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Milwaukee Brewers.
Early life
James Allen Hoover Jr. was born on August 13, 1987 in Elizabeth, Pennsylvania to Jim and Carol Hoover. He graduated from Elizabeth Forward High School in 2006, and attended Calhoun Community College. In 2008, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Harwich Mariners of the Cape Cod Baseball League.
Professional career
Atlanta Braves
Hoover was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 10th round of the 2008 Major League Baseball Draft out of Calhoun Community College.
He was added to the Braves' 40-man roster on November 16, 2011, a move meant to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft. Baseball America ranked him the twelfth-best Braves prospect prior to the 2012 season.
Cincinnati Reds
On April 1, 2012, Hoover was traded to the Cincinnati Reds for Juan Francisco. Hoover started the 2012 season at Triple A Louisville. On April 24 he was called up from Louisville. He made his debut the next day against the San Francisco Giants, and retired the side. He earned his first career Major League save on September 12, 2012 against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Hoover ended the season with 26 appearances and a 2.05 ERA. He was placed on the Reds' Opening Day roster in 2013. During the 2013 season, Hoover set a team record for right-handed pitchers at 26 ⁄3 innings pitched without an earned run. That year, he pitched in 69 games, and had a 2.86 ERA. Hoover opened the 2014 season with the Reds, and was optioned back to the AAA Louisville Bats on August 21, 2014. At the time, he was 1-10 with a 5.27 ERA in 46 appearances that season. Hoover was recalled to the majors in September and finished the season with a 4.88 ERA. Hoover made the Reds Opening Day roster in 2015, and finished the season with an 8–2 record and 2.94 ERA. Eligible for arbitration for the first time in the 2015–16 offseason, he was awarded $1.4 million. Hoover became the first player to take the Reds to a hearing since Chris Reitsma in 2004. Shortly after spring training began in February 2016, manager Bryan Price named Hoover the Reds closer. On June 28, Hoover gave up his 6th career grand slam, the most in Cincinnati Reds history. He was outrighted off the Reds roster on August 4, 2016.
Arizona Diamondbacks
On January 10, 2017, Hoover signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks that included an invitation to spring training. After a strong spring, Hoover won a bullpen job for the D'Backs. He was non-tendered and became a free agent on December 1, 2017.
Milwaukee Brewers
On January 10, 2018, Hoover signed a minor league deal with the Milwaukee Brewers. He had his contract purchased on April 7, 2018. He was designated for assignment on April 11. He was outrighted to Triple-A on April 15, and elected free agency a day later.
Washington Nationals
On February 1, 2019, Hoover signed a minor league contract with the Washington Nationals. He became a free agent following the 2019 season.
Canberra Cavalry
On November 6, 2019, Hoover signed with the Canberra Cavalry of the Australian Baseball League.
Pitching style
Hoover throws three pitches: a four-seam fastball at 91–94 mph, a curveball (76–79), and a developing changeup to left-handed hitters (85–88).
Personal life
Hoover is married to Megan-Kate Hoover. Hoover is a Christian.
