Chicago White Sox first round pick Jake Burger is something truly special

Get used to hearing the name Jake Burger, the 2017 first round pick of the Chicago White Sox.

If you’re late to the party, the Chicago White Sox came through in the clutch during the 2017 MLB Draft way back in June, selecting Missouri State University third basemen Jake Burger with the 11th overall pick. Worthy of a top-five selection, the Sox received the steal of the draft — not only on the baseball diamond but off of it, as well.

This was a dream come true for the St. Louis native, who grew up a Chicago White Sox fan. How can someone from the Arch City not be a Cardinals fan? Two words, Paul Konerko. Plus, Burger was already a Chicago Blackhawks fan, so it was a perfect combination.

His most significant baseball hero and inspiration was his dad, who played college ball himself at fellow Missouri Valley Conference school, Evansville. During the draft party put on by teammates, family, and close friends, his father might have cheered the loudest when Jake’s name was announced.

“I’ve always been big on team chemistry… That’s a winning formula.”

Out of high school, Jake Burger (somehow) flew under the radar, but Missouri State coaching legend, Keith Guttin, didn’t miss on the talent and tremendous personality of the (now) White Sox prospect. Burger even admits that one reason he chose Missouri State was the loving community built within the team itself.

Burger took the College Baseball scene by storm between 2015-2017, the most successful three year stretch in a storied Missouri State program. What Burger accomplished during that period is nothing short of stellar:

• Team USA selection 2016
• 2-time Missouri Valley Conference champion
• 2 NCAA tournament appearances —  with two Super Regional Appearances
• 130 career team-wins in three seasons ( In 183 collegiate games)
• Three-time All-American
• 2017 Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year
• Three-time All-Missouri Valley Conference
• 2016 MVC Defensive Player of the Year
• .339/.420/.620 slash-line
• 241 hits in 710 at-bats
• 48 doubles
• 47 home runs
• 10 stolen bases
• 102 strikeouts/79 walks
• 169 runs
• 179 RBI

His college team was an elite one, to say the least, with nearly 3/4 of his teammates playing pro ball — including Toronto Blue Jays 2015 first rounder, John Harris. The only thing missing from his accomplishments was trip to College World Series in Omaha, but hey, no one’s perfect.

If anyone is, Burger is the closest one to it, with the director of scouting for the White Sox, Nick Hostetler, giving him the ultimate praise, and rightfully so:

“Unbelievable kid. Makeup is off the charts. Coaches love him. His teammates are infatuated with him… Big time leadership.. Very positive… An infectious personality.”

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When asked about his strengths, Burger called himself a plus-plus hitter — and not a typical power guy — where he walked more than he struck out, while hitting 22 home runs in the process. He has a strong arm, good hands, and any talks of him moving from third base are ludicrous.

I watched Jake Burger for his entire career at Missouri State — having season tickets on the third base side, with media access as well. His fielding is superb, with that rocket of an arm to go with it. Remember, Burger won the Gold Glove at third base in 2016.

More importantly, Burger was always a standup guy, and always available for interviews — win or lose. Following the loss to TCU in the Super Regionals, Burger wore his heart on his sleeve, not able to hold the emotions back after an incredible collegiate run.

“Be Jake Burger, that’s good enough.”

“Burger” puns blew up on social media after his selection, no doubt making him chuckle in the process.

The puns were just getting started…

We saved the “best” for last, with the White Sox themselves joining the party.

In a small sample size in the Minor Leagues to end 2017, Burger had his ups and downs, but the flashes of greatness shone brightly. Jake Burger has his sights set on Spring Training, where he will no doubt look to make a lasting impression. If he can work on laying off the off-speed stuff low and away, and adjust to the Big League cutter, Burger will truly become something special for the Chicago White Sox.

Next: Seinfeld Festivus for the rest of us: Airing our MLB grievances

Keith Guttin is not done stockpiling talent, with 2018 draft-eligible shortstop, Jeremy Eierman waiting in the wings. Will the Chicago White Sox select the projected top-five pick, bringing a return to the “Dirty left side“? Man, I sure hope so!