MLB rookie Joshua Kuroda‑Grauer credits his two mothers, Sumi Kuroda and Edie Grauer, for shaping his baseball career and values. Learn about their sacrifices, support, and family influence behind his rise from Rutgers to the Oakland Athletics.
Joshua Kuroda‑Grauer Parents and Family Background
Joshua Kuroda‑Grauer, the promising young infielder for the Oakland Athletics, has often spoken about the profound influence of his parents on his life and career.
Raised in Franklin Township, New Jersey, Joshua grew up in a household with two mothers, Sumi Kuroda and Edie Grauer, who provided him with unwavering support, discipline, and values that shaped both his character and his path in baseball.
His story is not only about athletic achievement but also about the strength of family and the sacrifices made by his parents to ensure his success.
From an early age, Joshua was introduced to baseball by his biological mother, Sumi Kuroda. She placed a bat in his hands when he was just four years old, sparking a love for the game that would define his future.
Sumi encouraged his training, attended his practices, and instilled in him the discipline required to excel. Alongside her, Edie Grauer played an equally important role.
Edie was present at nearly every game, offering emotional support and guidance. Together, they created a nurturing environment that allowed Joshua to focus on his education and athletic pursuits without distraction.
Joshua has often described growing up with two mothers as the best thing that ever happened to me.
He emphasizes that their sacrifices, whether financial, emotional, or personal, gave him the opportunity to chase his dreams.
Their commitment to his development went beyond the baseball field. They taught him humility, kindness, and resilience, values that have become hallmarks of his personality.
Coaches and teammates frequently highlight Joshua’s leadership and selflessness, traits he directly attributes to the lessons learned from his mothers.
The influence of Sumi and Edie extended into Joshua’s high school years at Franklin High School, where he excelled in both baseball and basketball.
His mothers were constant presences, cheering him on and ensuring he had the resources to succeed. Their encouragement helped him earn recognition as the Courier News Player of the Year, a title that marked him as one of New Jersey’s top young athletes.
This foundation carried him into college, where he played for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.
At Rutgers, Joshua’s career flourished. He became a standout player, earning Big Ten Player of the Year honors after hitting .428, the second‑best batting average in the nation.
His mothers remained his biggest supporters, attending games and celebrating his achievements.
Joshua has shared stories of how their sacrifices motivated him to give 100 percent effort on the field, knowing that every success was a reflection of their dedication.
Their influence was evident not only in his performance but also in his character.
During a team trip to Hawaii, Joshua bought breakfast for a homeless woman, a gesture that reflected the compassion and kindness instilled in him by his parents.
Beyond their support for his athletic career, Sumi and Edie shaped Joshua’s outlook on life. Growing up in a two‑mom household taught him acceptance and resilience.
He has spoken about how their example helped him embrace diversity and understand the importance of empathy.
These values have made him a respected figure among teammates and coaches, who often cite his maturity and leadership as reasons for his success.
When Joshua entered professional baseball, being drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the third round of the 2024 MLB Draft, his mothers were there to celebrate the milestone.
Their pride was evident as he transitioned from college to the minor leagues, and eventually to his MLB debut in June 2026.
In his debut against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Joshua went 3‑for‑4 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored, a performance that underscored his readiness for the big stage.
His mothers’ presence and encouragement remained a constant, reminding him of the foundation that had carried him to that moment.
Joshua’s journey is a testament to the power of family support. Sumi and Edie’s sacrifices and guidance have been central to his development, both as an athlete and as a person.
Their influence is evident in his discipline, humility, and kindness, qualities that set him apart in the competitive world of professional sports.
As he continues his career with the Oakland Athletics, Joshua carries with him the lessons and values instilled by his parents, ensuring that their legacy is reflected in every step he takes on and off the field.
In conclusion, Joshua Kuroda‑Grauer’s success cannot be understood without recognizing the role of his parents, Sumi Kuroda and Edie Grauer.
Their unwavering support, sacrifices, and values have shaped him into the athlete and person he is today. From introducing him to baseball at age four to cheering him on during his MLB debut, they have been the backbone of his journey.
Joshua’s story is not just about baseball; it is about family, resilience, and the enduring impact of parental love and guidance.
His mothers remain central to his narrative, making his rise in baseball a shared triumph that honors their dedication and strength.