Bio

Keone Kela’s journey from Everett Community College to Major League Baseball stands as one of the most impressive success stories in Trojan athletics history. A hard-throwing right-handed pitcher with electric stuff and an intense competitive spirit, Kela developed his foundation at EvCC, and emerged as one of the top pitchers in the NWAC for the 2012 season.  Primarily in a closing role, Kela struck out 48 batters in 39 innings of work, posting a 2.07 ERA.  He also occasionally worked into the batting lineup and logged 48 at bats and hitting for an average of .292. Kela’s efforts helped the Trojans win the North Region Championship and advance through the NWAC championship tournament, where EvCC eventually finished 3rd.   

Following his freshman season at Everett CC, Kela was selected in the 12th round of the 2012 Major League Baseball Draft by the Texas Rangers. His rapid rise through the minor leagues reflected the same determination and toughness he displayed as a Trojan. Just three years after being drafted, he made his Major League debut in 2015. His ascent served as a proud moment for Everett Community College, continuing the legacy of success for EvCC student-athletes in professional sports.

Over the course of his Major League career, Kela established himself as one of baseball’s most reliable relief pitchers. Known for his upper-90s fastball and swing-and-miss breaking ball, he became a trusted late-inning option for three MLB organizations. Throughout seven seasons in the big leagues, he recorded 7 wins, 28 saves, and 279 strikeouts with a 3.33 ERA.  Keone also had an opportunity to pitch in the MLB post season appearing in the ALDS with the Rangers in 2015, logging a 3 inning outing in which he faced 11 batters and struck out two, giving up just one hit and recording the win.  He also pitched in the 2016 ALDS with Texas going 1.2 innings, and faced 5 batters, logging a strike out, and giving up 0 hits.  

Keone continues to play professionally, both in the MiLB and in Mexico, but beyond statistics and accomplishments, Keone Kela’s path from community college baseball to Major League stadiums around the country highlights the power of perseverance, discipline, and grit, everything that the Everett Community College Baseball program stands for.