Jon Gray
pro
| Jonathan Gray | |
|---|---|
| Colorado Rockies | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born: November 5, 1991 Chandler, Oklahoma | |
Bats: Right Throws: Right |
Jonathan Charles Gray (born November 5, 1991) is an American professional baseball player. A pitcher, he formerly attends the University of Oklahoma, where he played for the Oklahoma Sooners baseball team. He was the third pick in the 2013 Major League Baseball Draft by the Colorado Rockies.
Career
Gray attended Chandler High School in Chandler, Oklahoma. He played for the school's baseball, basketball, and American football teams, though he focused on baseball in his senior year.[1] That year, he was named the Little All-City Player of the Year by The Oklahoman and was named to the All-State Team.[2]
The Kansas City Royals selected him in the 13th round of the 2010 Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft, but he did not sign.[2] Sunny Golloway, the head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners baseball team, representing the University of Oklahoma, encouraged Gray to enroll at Eastern Oklahoma State College, a junior college in Wilburton, Oklahoma, where he could continue to gain experience as a starting pitcher, as he would be used as a relief pitcher if he were to join the Sooners that season.[1] The New York Yankees drafted him in the 10th round of the 2011 MLB Draft and offered him $500,000 to sign, but he instead opted to transfer to the University of Oklahoma.[3] In his sophomore year at Oklahoma, Gray compiled a 3.16 earned run average (ERA) and 104 strikeouts in 102+2⁄3 innings pitched.[1]
As a junior, Gray has been named the Big 12 Conference Pitcher of the Week three times.[4] Through his first 60+1⁄3 innings of the season, he has a 6–1 win-loss record, a 1.19 ERA, and 71 strikeouts.[2] He was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2013 Big 12 Conference Baseball Tournament, as Oklahoma won the tournament for the first time since 1997.[5]
Gray was expected to be among the first players chosen in the 2013 MLB Draft, and was considered by the Houston Astros, who had the first overall pick.[2][6] The Colorado Rockies eventually picked him with the third pick.
Personal
Gray's brother plays American football as a linebacker at Northeastern State University. His sister is a softball player who wants to play for the University of Oklahoma; Gray has his teammates leave her encouraging phone messages to keep her motivated.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d "Oklahoma's Jonathan Gray has climbed MLB draft boards this spring – college baseball – ESPN". Espn.go.com. 2008-01-01. Retrieved 2013-04-19.
- ^ a b c d "Oklahoma baseball: Jonathan Gray's stock is on the rise". News OK. Retrieved 2013-04-19.
- ^ Jon Heyman (2008-06-11). "No Gray area: 100-mph-throwing Sooner Jonathan Gray hot prospect". CBSSports.com. Retrieved 2013-04-19.
- ^ Ou Media Relations (2013-04-03). "OU's Gray earns Big 12 Pitcher of the Week » Sports » Claremore Daily Progress". Claremoreprogress.com. Retrieved 2013-04-19.
- ^ http://www.tulsaworld.com/article.aspx/Oklahoma_wins_first_Big_12_tournament_title_since_1997/20130527_92_B1_CUTLIN866977?subj=2
- ^ "Luhnow, scouts considering options for No. 1 Draft pick | astros.com: News". Mlb.mlb.com. Retrieved 2013-04-23.
External links
- Career statistics and player information from Baseball Reference (Minors)