Jacob King Signs Pro Deal with Minnesota
July 18, 2023 | Baseball
ST. PAUL, Minn. --- Anteater baseball saw another decorated alum head to the next level with the signing of closer Jacob King by the Minnesota Twins Tuesday afternoon.
King recently graduated with a degree in education this spring after completing four fantastic years at the backend of the Anteater bullpen. The Galt native pitched in 85 career games to stand eight all-time in program history leading the Big West in games pitched in a season on two occasions. His 20 career saves tie him for fourth among all Anteaters collecting eight in two different seasons. He closes his career with a 6-2 record, 3.52 ERA, and 133 strikeouts over 102.1 innings.
His best year came as a redshirt freshman in 2021 earning Freshman All-American accolades in addition to All-Big West anchoring the team's NCAA Regional appearance with a 1.98 ERA, three wins, and eight saves.
"After spending four years at UCI I think that I have developed a ton. UCI was filled with great teammates and coaches. I was able to become a better baseball player, get a great education, and live in an awesome spot. Overall, UCI was an amazing experience."
King marks the 20th player to be drafted or signed under head coach Ben Orloff's tutelage running the all-time total to 161 Anteaters drafted or signed, 27 signing as undrafted free agents, and the 11th 'Eater taken by the Minnesota Twins organization. King joins two other 'Eaters to hear their names called in 2023 with Caden Kendle selected in the 10th round by the St. Louis Cardinals and incoming Anteater Anthony Huezo taken in the 12th round by the Houston Astros.
King recently graduated with a degree in education this spring after completing four fantastic years at the backend of the Anteater bullpen. The Galt native pitched in 85 career games to stand eight all-time in program history leading the Big West in games pitched in a season on two occasions. His 20 career saves tie him for fourth among all Anteaters collecting eight in two different seasons. He closes his career with a 6-2 record, 3.52 ERA, and 133 strikeouts over 102.1 innings.
His best year came as a redshirt freshman in 2021 earning Freshman All-American accolades in addition to All-Big West anchoring the team's NCAA Regional appearance with a 1.98 ERA, three wins, and eight saves.
"After spending four years at UCI I think that I have developed a ton. UCI was filled with great teammates and coaches. I was able to become a better baseball player, get a great education, and live in an awesome spot. Overall, UCI was an amazing experience."
King marks the 20th player to be drafted or signed under head coach Ben Orloff's tutelage running the all-time total to 161 Anteaters drafted or signed, 27 signing as undrafted free agents, and the 11th 'Eater taken by the Minnesota Twins organization. King joins two other 'Eaters to hear their names called in 2023 with Caden Kendle selected in the 10th round by the St. Louis Cardinals and incoming Anteater Anthony Huezo taken in the 12th round by the Houston Astros.
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