Will We Ever See A Fourth-Generation Major Leaguer?

Scott HairstonPhoto byslgckgc

By Richard Cuicchi

When the Draft-eligible players were being highlighted prior to this year’s MLB amateur Draft, Arizona high school standout Landon Hairston was mentioned. He is the son of former Major Leaguer Scott Hairston. The father-son combo brought to mind the extensive family of ballplaying Hairstons, and the potential of Landon becoming the family’s fourth generation to play in the Major Leagues.

There’s never been a family with four generations of MLB players. In fact, there have been only four families with three generations – six if you include the Schofield-Werth and Kessinger family trees.

The Hairstons (Sam, John, Jerry Sr., Jerry Jr. and Scott) are one of the four that are comprised of the grandfather, father, and son. The others include the Boones (Ray, Bob, Aaron and Bret), Bells (Gus, Buddy, David, and Mike), and Colemans (Joe P., Joe H., and Casey).

Jayson Werth’s baseball lineage was a little different. His mother is the daughter of John Richard “Dick” Schofield and brother of Richard Craig “Dick” Schofield, both former Major Leaguers. (As a side note, Jayson’s father Jeff Gowan was a Minor Leaguer, while his stepfather is former Major Leaguer Dennis Werth.)

Current Major Leaguer Grae Kessinger is the grandson of former All-Star shortstop Don Kessinger. Grae’s father Kevin only appeared in the Minors, while his uncle Keith played part of one season with the big league Reds in 1993.

What’s the outlook for future baseball family trees reaching a fourth-generation Major Leaguer?

With only a few three-generation families to start with, the odds of seeing fourth-generation players are slim. Yet it won’t be because of a lack of attempts by three of the aforementioned families.

Bret Boone’s son Jake was selected out of high school in the 38th round of the 2017 Draft by the Washington Nationals, but he decided to play collegiately at Princeton. When he was not taken in the 2021 Draft after his junior season, the infielder signed with the Nationals, where his grandfather Bob was front office executive. Jake played one season in their system before shifting to the independent leagues, where he is currently in his third season.

Luke Bell, Mike’s son, is currently in his second season in the Chicago White Sox organization as a relief pitcher. He was a 34th-round pick of the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2019, but he chose to attend Xavier University instead. Upon graduation last year, he wasn’t selected in the Draft (then reduced to 20 rounds) but signed with the White Sox as a non-drafted free agent.

It turned out that Landon Hairston wasn’t selected in the 2024 Draft. He has committed to play at Arizona State in 2025. Of course, the verdict is still out as to whether he will advance to the pros and eventually the Majors.

Perhaps if Jayson Werth, Grae Kessinger, Casey Coleman, or Scott Hairston eventually have ballplaying sons, then we’d see additional candidates for a fourth-generation Major Leaguer.

There are potentially two new three-generation Major League families, who might then become future candidates for producing a fourth-generation player.

Trei Cruz is in his fourth Minor League season in the Detroit Tigers organization. His father Jose Cruz Jr. (1997-2008) and grandfather Jose Cruz Sr. (1970-1988) were Major Leaguers.

Cole Gabrielson is currently in his second season in the Yankees’ farm system. His grandfather, Len G. Gabrielson, played in the Majors (1960-1970). His great-grandfather, Len H. Gabrielson, played one season (1939) in the Majors. Cole’s father Randy competed collegiately for Southern Cal but did not play professionally.

Even if Landon Hairston never makes it to the Majors, he further solidifies my assertion that the Hairston family should be deemed baseball’s “First Family.” Landon will become the 10th descendant of Sam Hairston (MLB player, coach, and scout) to play in either the Majors, Minors, or college, or was drafted. I first suggested this “honor” in my 2012 book Family Ties. Click here to read my rationale back then. I even alluded to the Hairston baseball legacy potentially being extended by a fourth generation.

Richard Cuicchi has been a SABR member since 1983. He has contributed to numerous SABR BioProject and Games Project publications. He writes about New Orleans baseball history for CrescentCitySports.com. He writes a weekly blog for his own website TheTenthInning.com.