Kirk Saarloos: From MLB Pitcher to College Baseball Coach

Kirk Craig Saarloos, born on May 23, 1979, in Long Beach, California, is a former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher and current head coach of the TCU Horned Frogs baseball team. Saarloos began his baseball journey at Valley Christian High School in Cerritos, California, and later played college baseball at Cal State Fullerton. In 2001, he led the Titans to the College World Series with a stellar 15–2 record and a 2.18 ERA, earning Big West Pitcher of the Year honors.

A standout moment in Saarloos's MLB career occurred on June 11, 2003, when he contributed to the Houston Astros' six-pitcher no-hitter against the New York Yankees. Saarloos pitched the last out of the third inning and all of the fourth, helping secure the historic victory. His adaptability as both a starter and reliever made him a valuable asset during his seven-year MLB career.

Saarloos played for the Houston Astros, Oakland Athletics, and Cincinnati Reds from 2002 to 2008. He appeared in 165 games, recording a 29–30 win-loss record, a 5.02 ERA, and 251 strikeouts across 509 innings pitched. After retiring, Saarloos transitioned into coaching, becoming the head coach at TCU in 2022 and earning Big 12 Coach of the Year honors.

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