Nine years after graduating from UHS, Devin Kirby has signed a contract with the Athletics! Prior to his signing, he attended Santa Rosa Junior College before transferring to the University of Connecticut. Starting in 2023, Kirby played for various Minor and Major League teams, and on May 22, 2026, he signed with the A’s. Kirby’s new deal is finally bringing him back from the East Coast and closer to home.
Kirby shared, “This Signing with the A’s means a lot for me because it gives me reassurance that what I have been doing and the work I have been putting in hasn’t gone unnoticed.” He continued, “And for my family, it shows I haven’t stopped giving up on the dream, and I’m determined to continue working hard.”
Kirby gave insight into what it has taken to get here: “A lot of hard work. It took a lot of failure and recognizing how to correct it. A lot of late nights lifting and understanding who I am as a pitcher. A lot of phone calls with my wife.”
“This road I have been on has had many more valleys than peaks. But that is how it is when you want the dream so bad; I had to find love for the game again,” Kirby said.
He shared that becoming a professional athlete required more than excellence on the field; it also required hard work in the classroom and a strong support system. Kirby stated, “One thing I would tell myself when things felt very hard is be who you are, not who someone wants you to be.”
Additionally, mentality has been a key to success, and his message to upcoming athletes is clear: “Work hard on and off the field. It’s very simple, but in reality, if you want the dream, you need to continue working when no one is watching.”
From suffering with injuries and needing surgery to getting released twice in a year, Kirby’s path after high school has not been easy. However, he is a testament to the fact that coming from a small town with big dreams may be difficult, but it is never impossible. He hopes that his success story and continued dedication will inspire generations of Wildcats to come.
Seniors and UHS baseball players Beau David and George Gibbs shared their excitement for Kirby’s success. Beau stated, “His journey showed me to never give up. Devin had a lot of setbacks, but he didn’t let it affect him. He never quit. He kept his head down and continued to grind.”
George added, “Devin is inspirational to me because his path is similar to the one I’m trying to follow. This is what I dream of doing and working for, and so he is someone for me to look up to.” Beau echoed a similar sentiment: “Devin’s journey gives me hope and comfort that I can get to the next level in college sports.”
Beau and George also reflected on Devin’s character. George commented, “Devin has helped me a lot with baseball. Last winter, and whenever he’s been in town, he has played catch with Beau and I, lifted with us, or he just comes out to the field to help out.” Beau added, “Devin is super helpful and selfless. He doesn’t have to come out for us, but he always does. That’s the kind of guy he is.”
UHS English teacher, volleyball coach, and Devin’s wife, Katie Kirby-Williams, shared that “Watching Devin overcome the obstacles in his path, while difficult, has been so fulfilling. I have loved watching his story unfold. I know how hard he works, and it brings me so much joy that he is being recognized and given another opportunity to do what he truly loves.” With his move from Maryland, she highlighted, “I also am super stoked that he is in the same time zone as me again!”
Kirby-Williams echoed her husband’s message of how dreams may be difficult, but they are never impossible. And as a high school coach, she said it is inspiring and rewarding to see a UHS athlete make it big.
“I have always said that if Devin truly puts his mind to something, he can accomplish it. Going back after being told ‘no’ so many times this last year was hard, yet I knew that he could do it. Going from minor league and into independent ball was a step that he hadn’t taken before, so we were unsure of how things would play out,” Kirby-Williams said.
She continued, “It’s been very inspiring to watch him fall back in love with the sport. Every step has ultimately paid off. He is finally back on the West Coast, which hasn’t been the case since he started this adventure back in 2023. The door is open again, and I know he will take advantage of this opportunity to the best of his ability, as he has every time before.”
She closed with a word of gratitude: “Always a big thank you to everyone who shows Devin support throughout this time!”
As Kirby embarks on this next chapter, he shared the impact he wishes to have as a role model for upcoming athletes: “I want them to understand that to get to your dreams is not gonna be easy. It’s gonna be a long road of hard work and dedication. I want to be an outlet for these athletes and let them know that I’m here.”
You can follow Kirby’s journey on Instagram at devin_kirby_w.
(Feature Photo: Devin Kirby in action for the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. Photo Credit: Eric Wilcox)
Salvio Senerchia was born in Santa Rosa and has lived in Mendocino County his whole life. He is a Freshman and in his first year of Journalism. He has a deep care for the world, its imperfections and inequalities. Salvio loves all things soccer, and is interested in law. He is an avid Liverpool F.C. fan and hopes to visit the city and attend a match! He loves learning, especially History, Math, and any and all reading and writing. He enjoys writing about current and past events and conflicts. Salvio loves traveling, exploring the world and learning about the places he visits.