From the ballfields of Umatilla to the bright lights of Major League Baseball, Jonathan Lucroy carved out a career that made his hometown proud and left a lasting legacy behind the plate.

Jonathan, born June 13, 1986, in Eustis, Florida, officially retired from professional baseball in 2022 after a 12-year MLB career that spanned nine teams and included two All-Star selections in 2014 and 2016. A standout catcher known for his leadership, defensive abilities, and strong bat, Jonathan became one of the most respected players of his generation and one of the most accomplished athletes ever to come from Lake County.

Before reaching the big leagues, Jonathan made a name for himself at Umatilla High School, where he set a school record with 22 home runs. His success continued at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where he became the all-time leader in RBIs, doubles, and total bases for the Ragin’ Cajuns. He also starred in the Florida Collegiate Summer League with the Sanford River Rats and Winter Park Diamond Dawgs.

(Jonathan Lucroy was among the top catchers in Brewers history. He still holds the all-time MLB doubles record by a catcher with 46 in one season in 2014. Photo Credit – MLB)

Jonathan’s professional journey began when the Milwaukee Brewers selected him in the third round of the 2007 MLB Draft. By 2010, he was behind the plate in the majors, taking over catching duties after an injury to veteran Gregg Zaun. Jonathan was supposed to return to the minors shortly after his debut, but the severity of Zaun’s injury kept Lucory in the majors. It was a decision that would shape his career. Jonathan would go on to become the Brewers’ everyday catcher and one of the league’s premier backstops.

In Milwaukee, he earned All-Star nods in 2014 and 2016 and became a fan favorite, especially during a tumultuous time in the organization following Ryan Braun’s suspension. By the time he left the Brewers, Lucroy led all catchers in franchise history in nearly every offensive category, including batting average (.288), hits (752), doubles (143), and RBIs (358).

(In what would be Jonathan’s final MLB season in 2021, he would be win a World Series Ring for his contributions with the Atlanta Braves.)

Jonathan’s journey didn’t stop in Wisconsin. Over the next several seasons, he suited up for the Texas Rangers, Colorado Rockies, Oakland Athletics, Los Angeles Angels, Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, Washington Nationals, and Atlanta Braves. He played a crucial role in helping the Rangers win the AL West in 2016 and added a World Baseball Classic gold medal to his resume in 2017 as a member of Team USA. Jonathan also has a World Series Ring in 2021 for being a member of the Atlanta Braves.

In total, Jonathan played 1,210 games at the major league level, finishing with a .274 batting average, 108 home runs, and 548 RBIs. Beyond the numbers, he earned a reputation as a clubhouse leader, a mentor to young pitchers, and an unshakable presence behind the dish. Following his release from the Atlanta Braves, Jonathan returned to Louisiana-Lafayette for the completion of his degree. He only had 17 hours left to graduate. Jonathan would change his major to General Studies and would walk across the stage as a proud graduate of University of Louisiana at Laffayette.

(Jonathan was inducted into the Milwaukee Brewers Wall of Honor in 2022. Photo Credit – Milwaukee Brewers.)

Off the field, Lucroy has been equally impactful. Motivated by a college teammate’s injury sustained while serving in the War in Afghanistan, Jonathan became an advocate for veterans’ causes. He partnered with organizations such as the Fisher House Foundation and Honor Flight and was honored with the prestigious Bob Feller Act of Valor Award in 2015. That same year, he attended President Barack Obama’s State of the Union Address as a guest of U.S. Senator Ron Johnson.

(Jonathan met his wife Srah while the two attended Louisiana-Lafayette together. They are married and have two children.)

Jonathan met his wife, Sarah, while attending Louisiana–Lafayette, and together they have two children. Though raised Christian, Jonathan has spoken openly about embracing his faith more deeply after the birth of his daughter in 2010.

Currently, Jonathan is involved in several post baseball initiatives. High-level professional baseball camps, with a focus on prospect showcases, private equity work with KeyCity Capital, and business development for Dr. Phil McGraw’s new venture, Merit Street Media as well as its partner, Trinity Broadcasting Network, or TBN.

(Since retiring Jonathan enjoys keeping busy with high level baseball camps and prospect showcases. He also enjoys attending baseball games with his son Easton. Photo Credit – Instagram.)

Now retired from the MLB, Jonathan’s story continues to inspire. A small-town kid with big-league dreams, he proved that greatness can come from anywhere, even a quiet corner of Lake County at a school called Umatilla High School.