PITTSBURGH — Shawn Ross received the call that everyone who has ever picked up a bat and ball dreams of Friday: a promotion to Major League Baseball by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Ross, a native of Puerto Rico, starred for the Eagles from 2020-22, earning All-America honors and being named the SSAC Player of the Year in 2022. Over 129 games in Royal Blue, Ross slugged 36 home runs, 23 doubles and three triples while drawing 99 walks, driving in 136 runs, posting a 1.066 OPS and stealing 32 bases as primarily a shortstop. During his time at Faulkner, the Eagles went 89-41, captured an SSAC regular-season championship and advanced to the Avista NAIA World Series both times it was held during his tenure.
After completing his career at Faulkner, Ross joined the Pirates organization in December 2022 after impressing in independent baseball and at the WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup. He also made the transition to catcher, having never donned the gear before beginning his professional career in the Florida Complex League. Ross quickly advanced to High-A Greensboro before spending the past two seasons with Double-A Altoona and Triple-A Indianapolis.
His rise through the Pirates' system was fueled by his trademark power at the plate, belting 52 home runs and 35 doubles while driving in 144 runs over 270 minor league games.
Ross becomes the second Eagle in as many years to receive a major league call-up, following Alex Carrillo, who joined the New York Mets on July 8, 2025. He is the fourth Eagle to reach the majors and the first position player to do so. Shane Reynolds, Austin Adams and Carrillo are the other former Eagles to pitch in the big leagues.
"It's been a long road, but I'm super excited that he's stuck with it," Faulkner head coach Patrick McCarthy said. "He's one of the hardest-working players we've ever had. It couldn't happen to a better person."
Assistant Coach Jonathan Villa has a unique relationship with Shawn who was a teammate and has remained a close friend with ever since. "It feels surreal that within the past two years, two of my best friends—who I consider family and who are basically my daughters' uncles—have been called up to the big leagues. First Nino Alex, and now Tío Shawn. Back in February, Shawn stayed with us for about a month. Every morning I'd walk into the kitchen, and without fail, he'd be sitting there with my mom at 6:00 a.m., drinking coffee and talking about life. Now he's getting the call, and it's hard to put into words what this moment means. Words don't do justice to the amount of work, sacrifice, and pain Shawn has gone through to get here. I remember one night we were having one of our deep conversations about life, and he looked at me and said, "Villa, this is my year, bro." Without hesitation, I told him, 'Bro, you're going to the big leagues this year.' This was right before Spring Training. Seeing those words become reality is something I'll never forget."
Villa noted the true source of the strength of Ross. "One thing that's always stood out about Shawn is his faith. Through every setback and every obstacle, he's trusted in the Lord's plan, knowing God's timing is always perfect. Even when things didn't make sense, he never stopped believing everything was happening for a reason. No one deserves this opportunity more. Shawn has earned every ounce of it through his perseverance, humility, and relentless work ethic. More than anything, he loves his parents, his grandmother, his Tía, and Joselyn with all his heart, and I couldn't be happier for all of them as they celebrate this incredible moment. We're driving through the night to Pittsburgh because we couldn't find a flight that would get us there in time. Katie, Gemma, Samir Rojas, and I weren't going to miss this moment for anything. That's what family does. I love you, brother. We couldn't be more proud, and I can't wait to watch you live out the dream you've worked your whole life to achieve."
The Pirates host the Chicago Cubs this weekend at PNC Park, where Ross will be in the dugout as he awaits his major league debut.