You know we love to follow our alumni, and Josh Jung’s journey is one for the books! From his standout performance in the NBC World Series to becoming a World Series champion, his dedication is truly special. Last year, he was named the 2024 NBC Graduate of the Year AND inducted into the Santa Barbara Foresters Hall of Fame. We’re so proud of him! Now, heading into spring training fully healthy, he’s gearing up for another impressive season with the Texas Rangers. Let’s check in on our guy Josh.
Healthy and Hungry Spring Training
Josh is finally getting a full, healthy spring training this year, which is a huge deal! It’s been a tough run for him, having missed all or most of the past three Spring Trainings. Health has been the only thing holding Jung back in his early professional career, both in spring and in the regular season. His first pro ball spring training was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, had a stress facture in his foot during Spring Training in 2021, had a torn labrum in his nonthrowing shoulder in 2022’s Spring Training, a left thumb fracture in 2023, a low-grade calf strain during last year’s Spring Training, and missed time over the past two years with a right wrist frasture. He’s been put through the ringer to say the least! After an incredible 2023 season that culminated in a World Series win, he’s laser-focused on building consistency and getting himself back to his former self.. We’re excited to see him continue to shine for the Rangers.
NBC World Series Roots
Jung’s connection to the NBC World Series is a crucial part of his story. As a member of the 2017 Santa Barbara Foresters, he made a significant impact, hitting .385 with a triple and seven RBIs in just four games. His performance earned him the 2024 NBC Graduate of the Year award, an honor previously bestowed upon notable alumni like Paul Goldschmidt and Ryan Helsley. “I am honored to be selected for this award from the National Baseball Congress. My time with the Santa Barbara club in 2017 was very memorable,” he said upon receiving his award.. He was also inducted into the Santa Barbara Foresters Hall of Fame this year. The man will need to make some room in his trophy case!
Major League Success: World Series Champion and Rising Star
Jung’s journey has been nothing short of amazing. After absolutely crushing it at Texas Tech, where he was named Big 12 Player of the Year in 2019, he was drafted eighth overall by the Texas Rangers. His rookie season in 2023 was a breakout year, where he made the All-Star team, hit 23 home runs, and played a crucial role in the Rangers’ World Series win by posting a .308 batting average throughout the Postseason.! He is the most recent NBC World Series Alumni to win a World Series and first ever Santa Barbara Forester to do so. Josh Jung’s story just proves that the NBC World Series is a breeding ground for baseball’s next generation of champions.
