Jonah Tong Biography – Family, Career, Age, Height & More

Jonah Tong is a young Canadian baseball pitcher who has quickly risen to fame with the New York Mets. Known for his sharp fastball and high strikeout ability, he was drafted in 2022 and made his MLB debut in August 2025. At only 22 years old, Jonah has already become one of the most talked-about pitchers, drawing comparisons to Tim Lincecum for his delivery and energy on the mound. His journey from Ontario, Canada, to Citi Field is an inspiring story of hard work, family support, and determination.

Jonah Tong Wiki/Bio

AttributeDetails
Full NameJonah Reid Tin Chee Matthew Tong
Date of BirthJune 19, 2003
Age22 years (as of 2025)
ProfessionProfessional Baseball Pitcher
HometownMarkham, Ontario, Canada
Current ResidenceQueens, New York, USA
NationalityCanadian (half Chinese heritage)
Zodiac SignGemini
Instagram@jonah.tong

Physical Details

AttributeDetails
Height6’1” (185 cm)
Weight180 lbs (81 kg)
Hair ColorDark Brown
Jonah Tong
Jonah Tong (Photo Credit: instagram.com/jonah.tong)

Jonah Tong Early Life

Jonah Tong was born in Markham, Ontario, on June 19, 2003. He grew up in a sporty household where both parents had strong athletic backgrounds. His father, Alex, played hockey and volleyball, while his mother, Karen Matthew Tong, was active in softball, field hockey, and volleyball. Jonah also carries a rich cultural heritage, being half Chinese from his father’s side and part Irish, German, and Scottish from his mother’s side.

Though hockey is Canada’s top sport, Jonah chose baseball. At first, he wanted to be an outfielder, but his coach with the Toronto Mets, Rich Leitch, noticed his strong arm and encouraged him to focus on pitching. Jonah spent countless hours practicing with his dad, especially during the COVID pandemic, building up his velocity from the low 80s to the mid-90s. His full name, Jonah Reid Tin Chee Matthew Tong, reflects both family traditions—“Tin Chee” means “Gift from God” in Chinese, chosen by his grandparents.

Jonah Tong Education

Jonah attended Bill Crothers Secondary School in Markham, where he combined academics with baseball training. In 2022, he completed a postgrad year at Georgia Premier Academy in the U.S., which gave him more exposure against strong American competition. He had committed to play college baseball at North Dakota State University, but after being drafted by the Mets in 2022, he decided to go straight into professional baseball instead of pursuing college.

Jonah Tong Family

Family plays a central role in Jonah’s life. His parents, Alex and Karen, have been supportive since the beginning, encouraging both sports and academics. Jonah has two older siblings and he shares a close bond with them.

Jonah is currently unmarried but is in a private, committed relationship.

AttributeDetails
FatherAlex Tong (former hockey and volleyball player)
MotherKaren Matthew Tong (former softball, field hockey, volleyball player)
SiblingsTwo older siblings
RelationshipIn relationship with Cailey
Jonah Tong with Girlfriend Cailey
Jonah Tong with Girlfriend Cailey (Photo Credit: instagram.com/jonah.tong)

Jonah Tong Career

Jonah’s professional baseball career began when the New York Mets selected him in the 7th round of the 2022 MLB Draft, 209th overall, and he signed for $226,000. He started in the Florida Complex League before moving up through Low-A St. Lucie and High-A Brooklyn.

In 2024, Jonah stood out with impressive numbers: a 3.03 ERA across three levels and a strikeout rate among the best in the minors. By 2025, he became one of the Mets’ top pitching prospects, leading the minors in ERA, strikeouts, and opponent batting average while playing for Double-A Binghamton.

On May 10, 2025, Jonah was part of a combined perfect game, pitching 6.2 scoreless innings. By August, he was promoted to Triple-A Syracuse, where he continued his dominance. Just weeks later, he received the ultimate call—promotion to the majors.

On August 29, 2025, Jonah made his MLB debut against the Miami Marlins at Citi Field. He pitched five innings, allowed just one earned run, struck out six, and walked none, helping the Mets to a big win. Fans immediately took to him, with some calling him the “Canadian Cannon.” His mix of pitches includes a 94–97 mph fastball, a Vulcan changeup, a curveball, and a slider.

MilestoneDetails
2022Drafted by New York Mets (7th Round, 209th Overall)
2024Posted 3.03 ERA, strong strikeout rates across three levels
2025Led minors with 179 Ks, 1.43 ERA before MLB call-up
May 10, 2025Part of a combined perfect game at Double-A Binghamton
August 29, 2025MLB debut vs. Miami Marlins (6 Ks, 5 IP)

Controversies

So far, Jonah Tong has avoided controversies. His clean image and focus on baseball make him a role model for young fans. The only discussions around him involve his pitching mechanics and long-term durability, with some scouts wondering if his smaller frame could impact his career longevity.

Also Read this: