COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Two-time All-American Tyler Naquin became the 53rd Aggie to reach the major leagues when he made a pinch-hitting appearance for the Cleveland Indians on Opening Day Tuesday at Progressive Field.
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The Indians' 2012 first round draft pick entered the game as a pinch-hitter in the seventh inning and remained in the game as a centerfielder in Cleveland's 6-2 loss against the Boston Red Sox.
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Naquin, who appeared in 50 Triple-A games last season, lit up the Cactus League this spring. He batted .397 in Arizona with 14 runs, three doubles, three triples, four home runs and seven RBI in 22 games. Last season, he appeared destined for his major league debut before sustaining a hand injury making a heroic defensive play.
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He earned All-America status from multiple media outlets following the 2012 campaign. Naquin garnered second team accolades from the NCBWA and the American Baseball Coaches' Association/Rawlings while being named a third teamer by Collegiate Baseball/Louisville Slugger and Baseball America.
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Naquin finished his junior campaign in 2012 with a Big12-best .380 batting average to go along with team highs in runs (56), doubles (18) and triples (6). Additionally, the rifle-armed outfielder drove in 49 runs while stealing a career-best 21 bases.
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The Spring, Texas, native led the country in hits in 2011 with 104, batting .381 for the year with 23 doubles and seven triples to earn Big 12 Player of the Year accolades. He also picked up Collegiate Baseball and ABCA All-America honors that season.
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For his career the outfielder was a consistent run-producer, scoring 153 runs and driving in 112 with 69 extra base hits during 187 career games.
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In addition to his outstanding credentials at the plate, Naquin's strong arm all but neutralizes opponents' running games as he's collected 17 career outfield assists.
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Naquin is the first Aggie to make the Major Leagues since Michael Wacha made his debut May 30, 2013. He is the 13th A&M player to make a debut since 2000.
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The Indians' 2012 first round draft pick entered the game as a pinch-hitter in the seventh inning and remained in the game as a centerfielder in Cleveland's 6-2 loss against the Boston Red Sox.
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Naquin, who appeared in 50 Triple-A games last season, lit up the Cactus League this spring. He batted .397 in Arizona with 14 runs, three doubles, three triples, four home runs and seven RBI in 22 games. Last season, he appeared destined for his major league debut before sustaining a hand injury making a heroic defensive play.
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He earned All-America status from multiple media outlets following the 2012 campaign. Naquin garnered second team accolades from the NCBWA and the American Baseball Coaches' Association/Rawlings while being named a third teamer by Collegiate Baseball/Louisville Slugger and Baseball America.
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Naquin finished his junior campaign in 2012 with a Big12-best .380 batting average to go along with team highs in runs (56), doubles (18) and triples (6). Additionally, the rifle-armed outfielder drove in 49 runs while stealing a career-best 21 bases.
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The Spring, Texas, native led the country in hits in 2011 with 104, batting .381 for the year with 23 doubles and seven triples to earn Big 12 Player of the Year accolades. He also picked up Collegiate Baseball and ABCA All-America honors that season.
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For his career the outfielder was a consistent run-producer, scoring 153 runs and driving in 112 with 69 extra base hits during 187 career games.
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In addition to his outstanding credentials at the plate, Naquin's strong arm all but neutralizes opponents' running games as he's collected 17 career outfield assists.
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Naquin is the first Aggie to make the Major Leagues since Michael Wacha made his debut May 30, 2013. He is the 13th A&M player to make a debut since 2000.
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