Tristan Peters and his wife, Erin, pose with CGCC President, CJ Wurster, Athletics Director, Russ Luce and VP of Student Affairs, Bettina Celis (left to right) next to the baseball diamond plaque dedicated to him.
Tristan Peters is the latest Chandler-Gilbert Community College Coyote baseball alumnus to reach baseball’s highest level and play in the major leagues. Peters made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut for the Tampa Bay Rays in August of last year. He was later acquired by the Chicago White Sox in December, where he earned a spot on the team’s Opening Day roster for the 2026 season, appearing in the March 25 game.
CGCC honored Peters at its March 9 baseball game, commemorating his accomplishment with a permanent, baseball diamond-shaped plaque on the outfield fence. His name now joins those of five former Coyotes who have also played in the MLB: Andre Ethier, Rudy Owens, James Pazos, Dennis Sarfate and Eric Young Jr.
“I couldn’t believe it happened,” said Peters. “I was playing well. I was hoping for it, but I didn’t really know if it would happen. Then I got the call, and it was pretty surreal and amazing.”
A native of Manitoba, Canada, Peters played with the CGCC Coyotes for the 2019 and 2020 seasons before continuing his collegiate career at Southern Illinois University. During the 2019 season, Peters led the Coyotes with 185 at bats, 69 hits, 51 runs, 26 stolen bases, 15 doubles, eight triples and six home runs, while maintaining a .373 batting average and driving in 32 runs.
The Milwaukee Brewers selected the left-handed outfielder in the seventh round of the 2021 draft. Peters spent five seasons in the minors, playing for the Arizona Complex League Brewers Blue, Richmond Flying Squirrels, Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, Montgomery Biscuits and Durham Bulls, before getting the call to join the Rays in August 2025.
Peters credits his time at CGCC with teaching him to be a better teammate and person.
“I know our focus was one percent better every day,” said Peters. “That's what [former CGCC head baseball coach and current athletic director, Russ Luce] would say. I take that into my game still to this day, and in life as well.”
Peters offered practical advice for other student-athletes hoping to continue their careers in the pros. “Just work hard at everything you do—baseball, school and your relationships,” said Peters. “Also remember to have fun.”
Peters is now looking to make an impact with the White Sox in his first full season in the MLB.