Pat Kelly signing with Minnesota Twins
The Huskers dodged any significant losses in last year's MLB Draft, but they haven't been quite as lucky this time around.
After losing Aaron Bummer (19th round, Chicago White Sox) and recruit Monte Harrison (2nd round, Milwaukee Brewers), Pat Kelly announced Tuesday that he will sign with the Minnesota Twins, who selected him in the 12th round Saturday.
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"My last three years at Nebraska have been some of the best years of my life, but after talking with my family I have decided that it is time for me to pursue my dream of playing Major League Baseball," Kelly said in a statement.
A first-team All-Big Ten selection in 2014, Kelly hit .311 and led the team with four home runs and 55 RBIs. He leaves Nebraska ranked 20th in school history with 212 hits. Kelly hit .319 over his three-year career, starting 135 games and driving in 125 runs.
The second baseman was also one of NU's best defenders, posting a .990 fielding percentage and committing just three errors in 2014. He ranks seventh in school history with 468 assists. He is a native of Red Wing, Minn.
"It was an honor to be part of a special group of guys that put Nebraska back on the national baseball map this season," Kelly said. "The guys I played with were not only great ball players, but also friends that I will never forget.
"I can't say enough about the coaching staff at Nebraska. They have helped me become the player I'm today and wouldn't be in the position I'm without them."
Kelly will report to Fort Meyers, Fla., to join the Twins organization. He will then reportedly be assigned to Elizabethton, Tenn., joining the team's rookie ball club.
"I'm going to miss playing in front of the greatest fans in college baseball and the memories I made at Hawks Field will be something I'll never forget," Kelly said.