Oak Forest High School Inducts Kyle Funkhouser into Hall of Fame

On Friday, December 3, 20201, Oak Forest High School students, staff, and community members waited in anticipation for halftime of the boys' varsity basketball game. It wouldn't be a usual halftime performance. Instead, the school chose to use halftime for its 2021 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

This year, the school chose 2012 Oak Forest High School Graduate and Detroit Tigers Pitcher Kyler Funkhouser to induct into its Hall of Fame.

The school says that "Kyle has made it to the pinnacle of his profession. He symbolizes the Pride of Oak Forest High School."

During his time at Oak Forest High School, Kyle was a standout baseball player and accumulated the following honors: All-Conference, All-Area, two-time SSC Player of the year, two-time All-State, 2012 Southtown Player of the Year, and 2012 Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year.

Kyle also played basketball while at Oak Forest High School and was a two-time All-Conference selection in basketball.

After earning a baseball scholarship to the University of Louisville, Kyle was named to the Collegiate Freshman All-American Team. Kyle was also a two-time All ACC player and a three-time Collegiate All-American.

Kyle was drafted in the fourth round of the 2016 MLB draft by the Detroit Tigers and made his MLB debut on July 27, 2020. He recorded his first win against the Minnesota Twins on September 6, 2020, and has appeared in 57 games during 2021. He posted a 7-4 record with a 3.42 ERA while pitching 55 games in relief.

Before Kyle left the school, he provided a short video for the students and staff of Oak Forest High School that shared kind words and heartfelt advice.

He also posed with staff, students, and community members seeking a photo with him next to his signed baseball jersey which now hangs proudly in the hallways of Oak Forest High School.

The school shared their appreciation for Kyle via Twitter and said, "Congratulations, Kyle! Thanks so much for your kind words during your induction. We'll be watching you and continuing to cheer for you!"