Former Diamond Dawg Jordan Westburg earns late selection to MLB All-Star Game
After missing out on the initial All-Star selection former Mississippi State infielder Jordan Westburg has been named an MLB All-Star.
Westburg was initially a finalist for the All-Star game after the fan vote, but he missed out on the selection on Monday. His late entry was made possible by Boston Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers bowing out of the event due to shoulder soreness.
The selection marks the 29th time a former State player has made the All-Star game with Brent Rooker earning a spot a season ago. 13 different former Diamond Dawgs have earned All-Star selections with four of those currently active in the league.
Westburg might be a replacement in the ball game, but the former State great has earned his spot. After breaking into the league last season and making an impression with 17 doubles in 68 games played, Westburg is having a breakout campaign for the young and talented Baltimore Orioles.
The team’s second baseman, Westburg has been steady all year with his .281 batting average in 83 games. He he’s nearly doubled his production in hits with 90 on the year, has 20 doubles, five triples and 14 home runs while driving in 49 runs. Westburg has a on base percentage of .328, a slugging percentage of .506 and an OPS of .834.
At State, Westburg left his mark. Westburg batted a career .285 in 124 games with 113 starts. He had 127 hits, 38 doubles, two triples, 10 home runs and 102 home runs and he helped lead the Bulldogs to two College World Series trips in 2018 and ’19 before his junior season was cancelled 16 games in due to COVID 19 in 2020.
Westburg finished his last year on base to have his best year yet with a .317 average, 17 hits, six doubles and two homers.
Next week’s All-Star festivities will also allow the New Braunfels, Texas native to return home to the Lone Star State. The game will take place on Tuesday, July 16 at 7 p.m. inside Arlington’s Globe Life Field.
