MLB Rivals Reunited: Max Fried and Jack Flaherty's Epic High School Teammate Showdown in the Majors
Former high school teammates Max Fried and Jack Flaherty made MLB history with their first career pitcher duel between the Yankees and Tigers, reigniting their Harvard-Westlake connection.
A Hollywood-Worthy MLB Debut
The Detroit Tigers' Comerica Park witnessed a storybook pitching duel on Wednesday as former Harvard-Westlake High School teammates Jack Flaherty and Max Fried faced off for the first time in their Major League careers. The Yankees ultimately prevailed 4-3, but the real victory belonged to baseball lore.
The Legendary 2012 Wolverines Rotation
- Fried (Yankees): 7 IP, 0 ER, 11 Ks, 5 hits (2025 season ERA: 1.89)
- Flaherty (Tigers): 5.1 IP, 0 ER, 9 Ks (2025 season K/9: 10.4)
- Unfinished trio: Lucas Giolito (16th overall pick) missed the season due to injury
From Prep Stars to MLB Aces
Both pitchers credit their development to Harvard-Westlake's elite program:
- Fried's senior dominance: 2012 7th overall pick by Padres after transferring from Montclair Prep
- Flaherty's breakout: Posted 0.63 ERA as junior in 2013 before Cardinals selection
- Coaching legacy: Ethan Katz (now White Sox pitching coach) mentored all three hurlers
"Facing Max today felt like bullpen sessions back at school," Flaherty told ESPN. "Except now our fastballs are 95+ instead of 88."
Statistical Breakdown (April 9, 2025)
| Pitcher | Pitches | Strikes | Whiff% | xBA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fried | 104 | 71 | 32% | .198 |
| Flaherty | 89 | 62 | 28% | .214 |
Wolverine Pipeline to The Show
Harvard-Westlake's MLB alumni continue growing:
- Active players: 6 (including Giolito, Braves catcher Austin Wells)
- 2024 draftees: 3 more pitchers selected
- MLB Wins Above Replacement (combined): 63.2 through 2025
The Yankees-Tigers series continues Friday night at 7:10 PM ET with Gerrit Cole scheduled to face Tarik Skubal.
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