Selected 20th overall by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2023 MLB draft, Nimmala became the first first-generation Indian-American drafted in the first round of any of the four major North American professional sports leagues.
Nimmala doesn’t take the achievement lightly, understanding that his position sheds more light on baseball within the Indian community.
“It’s very special,” Nimmala said. “I think I’ve been put in a great position to really grow the game. In India, there’s huge passion for bat-and-ball sports.”
Nimmala’s move to the Angels organization came by way of the trade that sent right-hander José Soriano to the Blue Jays in exchange for Nimmala, outfielder Eddie Micheletti Jr. and right-hander Angel Rivero.
The move was another step for Nimmala, and his quiet confidence was one of the first characteristics that jumped off the page for Double-A Rocket City manager Joe Kruzel when Nimmala arrived in August of this year.
“I think the first thing you recognize about him is what kind of kid he is,” Kruzel said. “He came in through the trade, so you’re looking at a young man who was traded in the middle of the season and walked into a clubhouse where he really didn’t know anybody. But he fit right in, and that was impressive.”
The transition wasn’t without an adjustment period.
“As time went on, he got past that early phase of trying to impress people and just went out and was himself,” Kruzel said. “Allowing him to relax and play was the big thing.”