It’s been quite the journey for Norman native and Cubs pitcher Cade Horton.
Cade was a two-sport star at Norman High School and eventually committed to the University of Oklahoma for football and baseball. He was the starting quarterback for the Tigers and a pivotal right-handed arm on the baseball team.
Cade was rated as No. 2 overall player in Oklahoma his senior year and ranked as 14th overall by Prep Baseball Report. Despite being a force on the mound, he was an outstanding quarterback and he loved Norman High.
During his time at the University of Oklahoma, Cade developed into one of the best arms in the country. He was a critical part in the unforgettable run by the Sooners in 2022, when they made it to the College World Series Championship Series.
Cade’s mom, Cari Horton, cherished that moment seeing her son on the big stage.
“The bigger the stage and the brighter the lights have always brought out the best in Cade. The CWS gave him the opportunity for teams to get a few more looks at him, but as far as the stage, I can say with confidence God just created him for it,” Cari Horton said.
Cade had the privilege to learn behind one of the brightest pitching minds in college baseball. Sooners Head Coach Skip Johnson was a big piece in developing Horton into an elite arm. Cade’s father, Mike Horton, enjoyed having his kid under Johnson throughout his collegiate career.
“Skip is one of a handful of mentors Cade has had in his life that helped him get to where he is now,” Mike Horton said. “He did so much for Cade not only in baseball but developing him as a young man. He’s an incredible coach and mentor.
“Cade actually bought a house close to Norman to be able to work out at OU and still be under Skip’s direction.”
After the incredible 2022 run, Cade would have his dreams come true, getting drafted No. 7 overall to the Chicago Cubs. It was a special moment for the Horton household to see Cade’s work ethic pay off.
“We always told our kids they are the authors of their lives, nothing is for free. If you want to work for it, whatever your dream is go chase it. So Cade, like the rest, had a dream and worked to achieve it,” Cari said.
Cade started his professional career in Double-A for the Tennessee Smokies and then made his way up to Triple-A playing for the Iowa Cubs. After climbing the ladder in professional baseball, he got the special call in May.
After finding out he was getting the call-up to the big leagues, he Facetimed both of his parents to share the special news.
“It was very emotional,” Mike said. “We had been anticipating it, but nothing really prepares you as parents when it happens. I was thrilled for him for that dream to finally come true.”
“Mike and I (were) on the phone heading home after work, and we get a Facetime notice from Cade. We pretty much knew it was happening,” Cari said. “We let him get out the words and then we both just lost it. The dream your child has had since he could talk was coming true. It was very surreal.”
Cade made his MLB debut on May 10 against the Mets in four innings of relief work. He struck out five batters and earned the win. After that performance, Cade would make his first career start in the bigs the next week, getting the win over the White Sox with five innings and two strikeouts.
Athleticism stands out with Cade being a two-sport athlete, so where does he get that from?
“I always tell people to take one look at me, and can’t they tell where it came from?! In all honesty, I take credit for the tall genes although they clearly skipped me,” Cari said, jokingly.
“We have five children – a doctor, rancher, pro athlete, one studying for the MCAT and a fireman. We are neither smart nor athletic, tough to figure out how we are blessed with the kids we have,” Mike said.– BSM
By Connor Pasby
