Published: June 26, 2009 10:08 am      

College Baseball: Brundridge signs with the Mariners

After helping the Texas State baseball team win its first outright Southland Conference championship and play in the NCAA Tournament in 2009, Bobcat relief pitcher Tyler Brundridge was signed as a free agent by the Seattle Mariners.

“This came as a surprise to me,” Brundridge said. “I received a call from a scout with the Mariners and he told me ‘they wanted to sign me.’ It has been a dream of mine since I was a kid to play professional baseball and it’s just crazy how it all came true.”

As a senior, Brundridge helped Texas State finish the 2009 season with a 41-16 overall record. He also was named to the Southland Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll in 2009.   

“There is no doubt in my mind that we would not have had enjoyed the success we had without Tyler Brundridge,” Texas State head coach Ty Harrington said. “He pitched to his abilities and exceeded my expectations heading into the year. He is very deserving to have the opportunity to play professional baseball.”

Last season, Brundridge pitched in 33 games for the Bobcats and compiled a 3-1 record with a 3.86 ERA. He had 44 strikeouts in 53.2 innings. Brundridge pitched in 16 games as a junior and finished the season with 18 strikeouts in 16 relief appearances.

A native of Fredericksburg, Brundridge came to Texas State from Navarro College and also lettered three seasons at Fredericksburg High School as a pitcher and third baseman. He earned All-District First-Team and All-State honors as a high school senior.

“I was a starter my entire life until I came to Texas State when they had me pitching in relief,” Brundridge said. “I struggled a little as a junior, but worked on some things that coach Harrington wanted me to improve on last summer. I was able to correct some things, had a great fall and threw well in the spring.”

Brundridge has reported to the AZL (Arizona League) Mariners and could pitch as early as Friday for the team.

• Texas State press release/photo