'Inside the Rays: Kevin Kiermaier: Platinum Player' premieres Aug. 20 on FOX Sports Sun

TAMPA, Fla. -- On Saturday, Aug. 20 at 9:30 p.m., FOX Sports Sun, the statewide television home of the Tampa Bay Rays, will debut an all-new episode of "Inside the Rays" centered around fan favorite Kevin Kiermaier.

Born and raised in Fort Wayne, Ind., Kevin played baseball, as well as football and basketball, growing up and continued to do so for Bishop Luers High School.  After almost quitting baseball his sophomore year, Kevin helped lead the baseball team to a state title in his senior year. Kiermaier opted to play college baseball after being noticed by Parkland College Coach Matt Kennedy.  Located in Champaign, Ill., Kevin helped lead the Cobras to a NJCAA National Championship in just his freshman season.  During his two years at Parkland, Kiermaier batted over .426 as the team amassed a 99-22 record.

Rays Scout Tom Couston took notice of Kevin's skills and Tampa Bay drafted Kiermaier in the 2010 June Draft.  His selection in the 31st round, and as the 941st player chosen, only served to motivate Kevin more as he ascended through the Rays minor league system.  Baseball America already had ranked him as the Best Defensive Outfielder in the Rays system in 2011, and in 2013, Kevin was named Double-A Montgomery's team MVP.  Following a July call up to Triple-A Durham, he once again helped lead a team to a title, as the Bulls captured the International League Championship.

Then on Sept. 30, 2013, Kiermaier became the first player to make his Major League debut in a single-game tiebreaker as Tampa Bay defeated Texas 5-2 in the Wild Card tiebreaker game.  Starting the 2014 season in Durham, Kevin had two call ups to the club before arriving for good on May 28th. Kevin's constant hustle, highlight making plays and easy going, humble personality made him an instant hit with not only fans, but with teammates and coaches alike. In 2015, he earned the Rawlings Gold Glove Award, the Rawlings American League Platinum Glove award, and the Esurance Defensive Player of the Year. 

Rays Manager Kevin Cash, coaches Charlie Montoyo, Rocco Baldelli and Tom Foley, along with teammates Evan Longoria, Steven Souza Jr., Logan Forsythe, Chris Archer, Mikie Mahtook and Logan Morrison also discuss Kevin's impact between the lines, in the clubhouse and away from the game.

Join host Todd Kalas on FOX Sports Sun and FOX Sports GO as we debut a brand new "Inside the Rays: Kevin Kiermaier: Platinum Player," and be sure to follow @FOXSportsRays on Twitter and Instagram and visit FOXSportsFlorida.com for channel listings and exclusive Rays video coverage.

Re-Air schedule:

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