By Nathan Keil | Sports Editor
Baylor senior outfielder Jessie Scroggins is headed to the next level.
The two time All Big 12 defensive team member and reigning defensive player of the year was drafted in the third round with the 15th overall pick by the Chicago Bandits in the 2018 National Pro Fast Pitch draft.
Scroggins said she was thrilled for the opportunity to compete at the next level.
“Thank you to the Chicago Bandits for giving me an opportunity,” Scroggins said. “I’m excited to start off this next part of my career with such a great organization.”
The Lakewood, Calif. native is a career .356 hitter, making 220 career starts for head coach Glenn Moore and the Lady Bears. Scroggins currently ranks seventh in the nation with a .468 batting average and recently became the program’s all-time leader in hits, breaking Lindsey Cargill’s record of 253 with a single in Friday’s 4-1 win over Kansas.
Moore said the entire Baylor community celebrates Scroggins and her accomplishment tonight.
“Scroggs is one of the most talented athletes I’ve ever coached,” Moore said. “This has been a dream of hers for a long time. Baylor Softball is very proud tonight.”
Scroggins’ selection is the ninth in program history and marks the fourth straight year that a Lady Bear has been drafted. Cargill was selected 22nd overall in 2016 by the Texas Charge, Heather Stearns was taken 32nd overall by the USSSA Pride in 2016 and Kaitlyn Thurmann was taken 32nd overall by the Dallas Charge in 2015.
Chicago opens its season on May 31 against the Cleveland Comets in The Ballpark at Rosemont in Rosemont, Ill.
