Billy Cook

William Monroe Cook Bio

William Monroe Cook is an American professional baseball player who serves as a first baseman and outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball. Cook, who goes by Billy Cook, was born on January 7, 1999, and attended Lewis-Palmer High School in Colorado before playing college baseball at Pepperdine University from 2018 to 2021. The Baltimore Orioles selected Cook in the 10th round of the 2021 Major League Baseball draft, and he made his major league debut with the Pirates in September 2024.

Early Life and Background

Cook grew up in Colorado and attended Lewis-Palmer High School, where he developed his skills as a baseball player. His performance at the high school level helped him earn an opportunity to continue his baseball career at the collegiate stage. After graduating from Lewis-Palmer, Cook chose to attend Pepperdine University, a decision that would shape his development as a professional player.

At Pepperdine, Cook played for the Waves baseball program from 2018 through 2021. During his four-year collegiate career, he established himself as a reliable hitter with power potential. He finished his time at Pepperdine with a .286 batting average and 26 home runs, demonstrating his ability to make consistent contact while also providing pop in the middle of the lineup. His senior season in 2021 proved to be his best, as he earned All-West Coast Conference First Team honors, validating his status as one of the top players in the conference.

Path to Professional Baseball

Cook’s standout senior season at Pepperdine put him on the radar of Major League Baseball scouts. His combination of hitting ability and defensive versatility made him an attractive prospect as a potential late-round value pick. The Baltimore Orioles selected Cook in the 10th round of the 2021 MLB draft with the 287th overall selection, adding him to their farm system with hopes of developing his raw tools into polished major league skills.

Upon signing with the Orioles organization, Cook began his professional career in 2021. He split his inaugural professional season between the rookie-level Gulf Coast League Orioles and the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds. In 29 total appearances, Cook showcased his abilities by hitting .263 with six home runs, 29 runs batted in, and 10 stolen bases. His debut season provided a solid foundation upon which to build as he transitioned from college competition to the professional ranks.

William Monroe Cook Career

Minor League Development (2021–2024)

Following his 2021 debut, Cook continued his progression through the Orioles farm system. In 2022, he played the full season with the High-A Aberdeen IronBirds, appearing in 113 games. His offensive output included a .221 batting average accompanied by 15 home runs, 65 RBI, and 25 stolen bases. The extended exposure to advanced competition allowed Cook to refine his approach and adjust to the pace of professional pitching.

The 2023 season marked a significant breakthrough in Cook’s development. Assigned to Double-A Bowie Baysox, he posted his most productive professional season to that point. Cook slashed .251/.320/.456 while setting career highs across multiple categories, including 24 home runs, 81 RBI, and 30 stolen bases. His 30 stolen bases demonstrated an aspect of his game that many power hitters lack, as Cook showed the ability to be a threat on the basepaths despite his frame and power profile.

Pittsburgh Pirates Breakthrough (2024–Present)

Cook began the 2024 season with Bowie Baysox, where he appeared in 15 games and slashed .255/.365/.392 with one home run and 10 RBI before earning a promotion to Triple-A Norfolk Tides in late April. His performance at Norfolk proved he belonged at the highest minor league level, as he batted .279/.372/.485 with 11 home runs, 43 RBI, and 12 stolen bases in 70 games. The Orioles organization had developed Cook into a legitimate major league prospect.

On July 30, 2024, the Orioles traded Cook to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for Patrick Reilly. The Pirates acquired Cook to add depth to their organization and provide a potential future contributor for their major league roster. Cook reported to Triple-A Indianapolis and immediately made an impact, slashing .276/.389/.486 with five home runs, 21 RBI, and nine stolen bases in 30 games for the Indians.

On September 8, 2024, the Pirates selected Cook to the 40-man roster and promoted him to the major leagues for the first time in his career. Nine days later, on September 18, Cook recorded his first major league hit in memorable fashion. He hit his first career home run, a three-run shot off St. Louis Cardinals reliever Matthew Liberatore. Cook finished his rookie campaign with the Pirates batting .225/.225/.449 with three home runs and eight RBI in 16 games, recording 19 strikeouts in 49 at-bats.

Defensive Versatility and Strengths

Cook’s primary defensive positions are first base and the outfield corners, giving him versatility that major league organizations value. His ability to play multiple spots provides managers with lineup flexibility and allows teams to get his bat into the lineup through various configurations. His combination of power and baserunning ability gives him a skill set that translates well to the modern game, where positional versatility has become increasingly important for roster construction.

Notable Milestones

Cook reached several significant milestones during his rapid rise through the minor leagues and into professional baseball. His selection to the All-WCC First Team in 2021 represented his first major collegiate honor and validated his development at Pepperdine. The trade to Pittsburgh in July 2024 marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career, and his first major league home run on September 18, 2024, provided an unforgettable moment as he joined the Pirates organization. Cook’s career-high 81 RBI with Bowie Baysox in 2023 demonstrated his ability to drive in runs consistently at the Double-A level.

William Monroe Cook Career Statistics

Cook has compiled solid statistics throughout his professional career while progressing through the minor leagues. His power numbers have shown consistent improvement each season, and his stolen base totals indicate a well-rounded skill set that extends beyond traditional first baseman metrics. His brief major league exposure in 2024 provided a preview of his abilities at the highest level.

Professional Career Highlights

Throughout his minor league career, Cook demonstrated consistent offensive production with increasing power numbers. His 24 home runs and 81 RBI with Bowie Baysox in 2023 represented his most prolific professional season prior to reaching the majors. The 30 stolen bases he recorded that same season highlighted an element of his game that distinguishes him from typical power hitters, as he maintained a threat on the basepaths while providing substantial pop in the middle of the batting order.

Major League Performance

In his rookie campaign with the Pirates in 2024, Cook appeared in 16 games and recorded 49 at-bats. He finished with a .225 batting average, three home runs, and eight RBI. His first career home run came as a three-run shot against the Cardinals, providing an early glimpse of the power potential he showed throughout his minor league career. Through June 25, 2026, Cook has maintained a .210 career batting average with three home runs and eight RBI across his brief major league tenure.

William Monroe Cook Family

Personal Life

Cook maintains a presence on social media under the handle @billy_cook12 on Instagram. He has expressed gratitude for the opportunities he has received throughout his baseball career and has shown enthusiasm for his role within the Pirates organization. Cook’s journey from Lewis-Palmer High School through Pepperdine University and into professional baseball represents a steady climb through the developmental ranks that many aspiring players hope to emulate.

2025 Season Performance

Entering the 2025 season, Cook began the campaign with Triple-A Indianapolis after being optioned by the Pirates during spring training. The assignment provided Cook with an opportunity to continue developing his offensive approach while working toward a potential return to the major league roster. The Pirates organization remained high on Cook’s potential as a versatile corner infielder and outfielder capable of contributing at the major league level. His ability to play both first base and the outfield gave the Pirates flexibility in managing their roster composition and provided organizational depth at multiple positions.

Cook’s continued presence on the Pirates 40-man roster kept him in consideration for future promotions throughout the season. His combination of power and speed remained an intriguing profile that the organization hoped would translate to sustained success at the highest level. As Cook accumulated more professional experience, the Pirates viewed him as a player who could develop into a valuable contributor capable of filling various roles on the team.