Josh Jung Is First Red Raider Drafted in First Round of MLB Draft Since 1989
There have been a plethora of Red Raiders drafted into the MLB in the school's history. Just in the Tim Tadlock era, Texas Tech has heard 39 of their players names in the draft, and 11 of those draft picks came in 2018.
The first round has been elusive for Texas Tech, though...until now. Josh Jung broke the wall for the first time since Donald Harris was drafted 5th overall back in 1989.
Josh Jung joined Harris as a top 10 pick, going 8th overall to the Texas Rangers.
Jung spent three seasons at Texas Tech notching numerous All-American honors, Big 12 Freshman of the Year, Big 12 Player of the Year, countless weekly awards, watch-lists and any other accolade you want to bestow upon him. He had a career .347 batting average at Texas Tech, and has played admirable defense at both 3rd base and short stop. He has 176 career RBI and 29 home runs.
Beyond all the individual stats, Jung has been a great teammate who has led his team to Omaha and is now looking to get back there one last time this season.
Texas Tech will host a Super Regional this weekend for that chance to play in the College World Series.
As an added bonus of being drafted by the Texas Rangers, Jung will have the opportunity to face some familiar faces locally when he moves up to AA.
Hunter Hargrove is in the A's organization, and they play their AA ball in Midland. Grant Little is in the Padres organization, which is affiliated with the Amarillo Sod Poodles. Both of those teams are in the same AA league as the Frisco Rough Riders. So, potentially, in 2020 or beyond, there will be some short road trips to see former Red Raiders in our future.