Jay Selected No. 6 Overall by Minnesota Twins in 2015 MLB Draft
June 8, 2015 | Baseball
Illini Junior Closer Becomes Highest Drafted Player in Illinois Baseball History
Watch Jay Reaction | Press Conference | Twins Release | 2015 MLB Draft Central
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Fighting Illini junior LHP Tyler Jay was drafted sixth overall by the Minnesota Twins following Monday's Super Regional game with Vanderbilt. Jay becomes the highest drafted player in Illinois Baseball history and the second Illini to ever be taken in the first round, joining John Ericks who went 22nd overall to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1988.
In 2015, Jay had a school-record 14 saves and a 5-2 record with a 1.08 ERA in 66 2/3 innings over 30 appearances (2 starts). The Lemont, Illinois, native allowed only 40 hits and seven walks while striking out 76, holding opponents to a .177 batting average.
Jay ended his Illini career as the school record holder for ERA (1.68) and career saves (24). He went 10-6 in 128.2 innings pitched in 71 career appearances, which is tied for the sixth-most in school history.
Jay was named a Louisville Slugger first-team All-American and earned Big Ten Pitcher of the Year honors after helping Illinois earn a Big Ten regular-season championship and No. 6 national seed in the NCAA Tournament. The two-time All-Big Ten selection was a semifinalist for the USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award and NCBWA Dick Howser Trophy.
He notched a four-inning save in the NCAA Champaign Regional final last week that propelled the Fighting Illini into their first Super Regional in program history.
Jay is the fourth Illini to be drafted by the Twins, joining Creston Whitaker (1997), Matt Vorwald (2001), Toby Gardenhire (2005) and Corey Kimes (2011).
Congrats @TyJay_11! Special moment shared with his family & #Illini teammates! @MLBDraft No. 6 to the @Twins! pic.twitter.com/wZU9qKrtyb
— Illinois Baseball (@IlliniBaseball) June 9, 2015
NO. 6 OVERALL! @MLBDraft @Twins
@TyJay_11 becomes highest drafted player in #Illini baseball history! #MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/B6qGTadMv3
— Illinois Baseball (@IlliniBaseball) June 8, 2015
The #MNTwins are proud to select @TyJay_11 from @IlliniBaseball with the 6th overall pick in the 2015 #MLBDraft! pic.twitter.com/2YFIG4MzwR
— #VoteTwins (@Twins) June 8, 2015
With the 6th overall pick in the 2015 #MLBDraft, the @Twins select @TyJay_11, LHP from Illinois pic.twitter.com/iAqz5YioNC
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) June 8, 2015
With No. 6 pick in #MLBDraft, @Twins select LHP @TyJay_11, from U. of Illinois. @BowmanCards pic.twitter.com/uNRLCzolYV
— MLB (@MLB) June 8, 2015
Press conference with the highest drafted #Illini in school history! 6th overall pick to the @Twins. pic.twitter.com/4cndLOqyYF
— Illinois Baseball (@IlliniBaseball) June 9, 2015
Story: @IlliniBaseball's Tyler Jay (@TyJay_11) to Minnesota Twins w/6th pick in MLB draft http://t.co/063FqVVffA pic.twitter.com/DAS15q1mqE
— IlliniHQ (@IlliniHQ) June 8, 2015
Hey, @Twins fans: Get to know your newest draft pick, @IlliniBaseball's Tyler Jay. http://t.co/LAVA89NJ3v
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) June 9, 2015
Well said @TyJay_11. Thanks for an incredible #Illini career! pic.twitter.com/aDh99qefJV
— Illinois Baseball (@IlliniBaseball) June 9, 2015
Congrats @TyJay_11 pic.twitter.com/eMmjyS9mfT
— Dan Hartleb (@DanHartleb) June 9, 2015
