The Valley League uses the slogan “Gateway to the Majors,” and while I’ve heard players chuckle at the thought, it’s actually more true than most may think.
For example, Michael Wielansky was drafted by the Houston Astros in 2018, after an astonishing performance for the Charlottesville Tom Sox in 2017. Kyle Arjona was signed by the Phillies after dominating hitters over about 30 innings this summer for the Harrisonburg Turks.
And the latest? Just yesterday, 2018 Staunton Brave Trey Jacobs has been signed by the Colorado Rockies!
Trey, who had just finished his redshirt freshman year at UNC Pembroke, came to the Braves this June and was clearly one of the best hitters in the league. He hit 376/404/638 in 141 at-bats, with 13 doubles, 8 home runs, 37 RBIs, 90 total bases, and 53 hits. He led the league in hits, was 2nd in total bases, 3rd in slugging, and 5th in batting average.
After the Valley League season, he travelled up to the Cape to join the Cotuit Kettleers, where he went 6-16, with two huge home runs- both opposite field shots- in one game. It was apparently after that game that Trey was approached about signing a professional contract.
Trey is expected to join Boise in the Northwest League after reporting.
Congratulations, Trey!
