Grandson of former resident drafted by Red Sox

Jake Herbert, grandson of former Jeff Davis County resident Roy Herbert, was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the June major league baseball draft.
The George Jenkins (Fla.) senior catcher, who has family members still living in Jeff Davis County, was chosen with the last pick in the 18th round — the 557th overall pick. The 6-3 Herbert, who hit .590 with six homers and 41 RBIs, was signed to play at State College of Florida in Bradenton, Fla. He bats right and throws right and has blasted 15 homers during his prep career.
“I’m going to pursue my professional career,” Herbert told the Lakeland (Fla.) Ledger, which chose Herbert as the 2019 All-County Hitter of the Year. “It is a dream come true. It’s surreal and I am excited and my family is ecstatic ….. this is my dream. College could have been awesome and I would have been at a great school, but playing professional baseball was my ultimate goal.
“They have so many resources there to help you get better and excel your game, and that is really what I am looking forward to.”
Herbert was a four-year starter at George Jenkins, three at catcher. He reported to the Red Sox team in the Gulf Coast League in Ft. Myers, Fla.
He was a main cog in leading the Eagles to their second consecutive Class 8A state tournament appearance.
“He is just a phenomenal talent with rare ability, said his George Jenkins Coach Alex Angulo. “The ball explodes off his bat. He was clutch for us all season and always came through when we needed it.”