Texas A&M to big leagues: Former Aggie pitcher makes MLB debut for Chicago White Sox
The Texas A&M baseball program had its 65th player in program history make their Major League Baseball debut, as a former Aggie pitcher stepped on the mound for the Chicago White Sox on Saturday afternoon.
Left-hander Jake Palisch became the first player to represent the program in their big league debut this year, as he pitched the eighth inning in relief for the White Sox in Game 2 of the road series against the Toronto Blue Jays. Palisch's call-up on Friday was part of multiple moves by the franchise to freshen up a depleted pitching rotation.
His contributions during the Aggies' College World Series run can't be overstated, as he notched five saves and 73 strikeouts in 60 1/3 innings. Palisch also earned the Collegiate Baseball National Player of the Week honor during a weekend series against Arkansas, where the Richardson, Texas, native struck out 13 batters in 9.1 innings pitched.
After his lone season pitching for Texas A&M, he signed with the White Sox as an undrafted free agent. In 15 appearances with the MiLB's Birmingham Barons, the lefty struck out 35 batters and recorded a 1.19 ERA in 53 innings of work.
All the hard work and dedication to hone his craft paid off in the form of his MLB debut on Saturday in front of 41,488 people in Toronto. Although the lefty gave up two runs on three hits in his first appearance for the White Sox, he was taking it all in and enjoying the moment that he had worked for his entire life.
According to Chicago Sun-Times reporter Mitchell Armentrout, Palisch expressed his feelings about his debut to the media following the 7-1 loss to the Blue Jays.
"It's certainly intense," Palisch said. "I'd like to say I was feeling it, but I think I may have blacked out a little bit at first. You kind of lose track of everything that's going on, other than just that pitch and working through it."
Once Palisch can settle into his role with the franchise and develop over time, he will be rocking and rolling on the mound in the pinstripes in no time. For a franchise that so desperately needs pitchers at the moment, he will likely be inserted to relieve more frequently for the White Sox moving forward.
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Dylan on X: @dylanmflippo.
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