Naquin Makes MLB Debut
Published on April 6, 2016 under Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Mankato MoonDogs News Release
MANKATO, MN - Former MoonDogs' outfield, Tyler Naquin, made his Major League Baseball debut with the Cleveland Indians on Tuesday, April 6, 2016 against the Boston Red Sox. Naquin becomes the 14th MoonDog and 143rd Northwoods Leaguer to reach to Major Leagues.
Naquin, the ninth overall prospect in the Cleveland Indians' system, entered Tuesday afternoon's game as a pinch hitter for Colin Cowgill, making the first Major League appearance of his career. He struck out against the Red Sox's Junichi Tazawa in the bottom of the seventh inning. The Texas A&M product entered the field as the Indian's center fielder the following inning, recording his first Major League putout: a fly-out by Mookie Betts.
The 15th overall pick of the 2012 MLB draft spent four seasons in the minors for Cleveland, hitting .287 with 21 home runs, 14 triples, and 118 RBIs.
During his college career at Texas A&M, Naquin hit .348 with seven home runs, 49 doubles, 13 triples, and 112 RBIs over three years. During Tyler's sophomore year he won the Big 12 Player of the Year award while also being named a First Team All-American by College Baseball Insider. As a junior, Naquin was a finalist for USA Baseball's Golden Spikes Award.
In 20 games with the MoonDogs, Tyler hit .185 with six runs scored and two stolen bases. Two things stuck out during Naquin's time in Mankato: "He (Naquin) had good bat speed, but a plus arm," said MoonDogs VP Kyle Mrozek. "I remember him fielding a ball in right field and throwing a strike to third base in a game. Our third baseman didn't move his glove from the bag. Tyler definitely had a hose for an arm."
The MoonDogs home opener is scheduled for Friday, June 3rd at 7:05 p.m. against the Rochester Honkers at Franklin Rogers Park. Season tickets are now on sale, call 507-625-7047 or visit the MoonDogs' office at 1221 Caledonia Street in Mankato for more information.
Northwoods League Stories from April 6, 2016
- Bullfrogs Announce Alternate Cheese Jersey - Green Bay Rockers
- Rivets Add Illini - Rockford Rivets
- Pair with Major League Ties Return to Huskies for '16 Campaign - Duluth Huskies
- Naquin Makes MLB Debut - Mankato MoonDogs
- Express Sign Two from California - Eau Claire Express
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