Derrick Chung was the second Hornet taken in the 2012 MLB draft.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Senior catcher Derrick Chung, who broke the school's career runs scored record in his final season, was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 31st round (No. 955 overall) of the 2012 Major League Baseball draft.
Chung, who played both shortstop and catcher for the Hornets, was drafted as a shortstop by the Blue Jays. Fellow senior, closer R.J. Davis, was also drafted, going to the Tampa Bay Rays in the 20th round.
"We are very excited that both Derrick and R.J. are getting an opportunity to extend their baseball careers at the professional level," said Sacramento State head coach Reggie Christiansen. "Both worked incredibly hard but also put our program first and now they are being rewarded as individuals."
Chung is the 18th Sacramento State player taken in the MLB draft since the program moved to Div. I in 1990. Outfielder Tim Wheeler, a first round pick by the Colorado Rockies in 2009, is the highest ever selected.
Chung made 72 career starts at short before going down with an injury early in his junior year. After recieving a medical redshirt for the 2010 season, Chung was asked to move to catcher due to a lack of depth on the roster and shined in his new role.
He tallied the best season of career in 2012 as a senior. He was second on the team and third in the Western Athletic Conference with a .340 batting average to go with 14 doubles, two triples, two home runs, 31 RBIs and a .401 on-base percentage. He led the team with seven stolen bases in 10 attempts. He was a first team all-WAC selection following the season.
His outstanding senior season was recognized nationally as Chung was named a Johnny Bench Award semifinalist, making him one of the top-12 catchers in the NCAA.
Due to an injury to starting shortstop Scotty Burcham in the first game of the WAC Tournament, Chung moved from catcher to shortstop mid-game and started the last three contests as the Hornets advanced to the WAC Tournament title game. Once again he handled the transition flawlessly as Chung was named to the all-WAC Tournament team.
With a two-run home run to left to help the Hornets sweep Hawai'i on May 13, Chung broke the program's career runs scored record and finished with 141.
The Artesia High School graduate joins former Hornets Gabe Jacobo and Blake Crosby in the Blue Jays' system. Jacobo, who was selected by the Angels in the 10th round in 2008 but moved to Toronto in the Rule 5 draft, is hitting .341 in 30 games with Single A Dunedin. Crosby is a scout for the organization.
