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WATCH: Ivan Melendez provides initial reaction to being selected in 2022 MLB Draft

275133747_4796292347117549_592518599057046758_nby:Jonathan Wagner•07/18/22•

Jonathan Wagner

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Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images.

Texas Longhorns first baseman Ivan Melendez put up a historic season this past season, one of the best offensive years in recent college baseball memory. On Sunday night, Melendez’s strong campaign paid off when he was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2022 MLB Draft with the No. 43 overall pick.

Following his selection, Melendez was asked about what being taken in the draft means to him. He struggled to find the words, but he ultimately said that he has been waiting for this moment his entire life.

“This is super special,” added Melendez. “I’ve been dreaming of this ever since I was a little kid. It’s just a dream come true. I’m speechless at this moment. So I’m just very fortunate and blessed to be in this situation.”

For the past couple of seasons, Melendez worked with Troy Tulowitzki at Texas. Tulowitzki was a star shortstop throughout his MLB career, and he brought some valuable experience to the Longhorns. That was felt throughout the roster, but Tulowitzki’s advice really came into play for Melendez on draft night.

“Nothing, just soak it all in,” Melendez said of Tulowitzki’s advice. “I was kind of over-recruited, had to go the junior college route. I was drafted last year and he told me to come back and it was probably the best thing for me. So I trusted his word and it worked out.”

Melendez is one of the best bats in this year’s draft

Right after being drafted, Melendez made sure to give a shoutout back to hometown of El Paso in Texas. He used his spotlight as an opportunity to spotlight his community, and gave them some words of encouragement as he begins to prepare for his professional career in the MLB.

“We’re kind of slept on out there,” he said of El Paso. “It’s kind of a little island out there. But just ignore the critics. Hard work pays off and it’s going to show sooner than later. I wish the community and kids back in El Paso the best.”

This past season, Melendez won the Golden Spikes Award, which is given annually to the top player in college baseball. He set the Texas single-season record for home runs with 32 long balls, driving in 94 runs along the way. With the MLB Home Run Derby set to take place on Monday night, Melendez went ahead and penciled himself in for the event in the near future.

“Yes ma’am, hopefully in a couple of years,” Melendez said. “Let’s do it.”