Corban baseball's Kris Jackson was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 28th round of the 2018 MLB Draft.
SECAUCUS, N.J. – The Boston Red Sox announced on Wednesday that the team has drafted Corban University baseball standout Kris Jackson in the 28th round of the 2018 Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft. As the 850th overall pick, Jackson becomes Warrior baseball's second-highest draft pick of all time, and the eighth member of the program to continue his career professionally.
"I am absolutely honored to have this opportunity," said Jackson. "I give thanks to all of my friends, family, and coaches; I could not have done this without them. I have had so much support from the whole Corban community. I give the credit and glory to God, because He gave me these gifts. I am excited to start my professional career."
Jackson joins elite company in the Warrior ranks, joining Rich Dorman (Seattle Mariners, 2000), Brian Nelson (Texas Rangers, 2007), Jamie McGraw (Texas Rangers, 2008), and Jason Braun (Cincinnati Reds, 2009) as the only Corban alums to ever be selected in the MLB Draft. In addition, former Warriors Jacob Kopra (Anaheim Angels, 2014), Nic Coffman (Arizona Diamondbacks, 2015), and Jackson Smith (Westside Woolly Mammoths [USPBL], 2018) each signed professional contracts as undrafted free agents.
Corban Baseball Players to Play Professionally (Listed by Draft Order)
Rich Dorman (Seattle Mariners, 2000) – Round 13
Kris Jackson (Boston Red Sox, 2018) – Round 28
Jason Braun (Cincinnati Reds, 2009) – Round 29
Brian Nelson (Texas Rangers, 2007) – Round 35
Jamie McGraw (Texas Rangers, 2008) – Round 40
Jacob Kopra (Anaheim Angels, 2014) – Undrafted Free Agent
Nic Coffman (Arizona Diamondbacks, 2015) – Undrafted Free Agent
Jackson Smith (Westside Woolly Mammoths [USPBL], 2018) – Undrafted Free Agent
Jackson finished the 2018 campaign with a 9-4 record while posting a 2.70 ERA and holding opposing batters to a measly .230 batting average against. He was awarded First-Team All-NAIA West plaudits for his efforts. The righty from Rathdrum, Idaho ranks in the top-10 of the Corban record books in single-season innings pitched (100.0), single-season wins (9), single-season games started (14), career ERA (2.70) and career wins (12).
"Congratulations to Kris – what an exciting day for him and his family," said Corban head coach Derek Legg. "All the hard work and dedication he has put into his craft has paid off, and now he has a chance to live out his dream. The Red Sox are getting a very special kid, with a great work ethic and a willingness to get better. He has had some great pitching coaches to help him get to this place, and I want to thank Coach Caleb Virtue and Coach Kopra for their investment in Kris. This has been such an amazing year for Corban baseball, and this is the perfect way to end it."
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