Former Trojan Becker selected by Padres
Former NIACC standout Luke Becker was selected by the San Diego Padres in the ninth round of the 2018 MLB Draft on Tuesday.
Becker, who helped lead NIACC to the NJCAA Division II World Series in 2015, played three seasons at Kentucky (2016-18).
Becker, a second baseman, was the 261st pick in the draft.
In his three seasons at Kentucky, Becker hit .273 (148 career hits) with 31 doubles, 15 home runs and 96 RBIs.
At NIACC in 2015, Becker, who is from Fairmont, Minn., was a first-team all-NJCAA Region XI selection.
Becker, a switch hitter, hit .364 with 78 hits (T8 on school's single-season list) with 62 runs scored, 17 doubles, 12 home runs and 63 RBIs.
Becker is the fourth NIACC player to be selected in the MLB Draft.
Shortstop Robbie Glendinning was selected in the 21st round of the 2017 draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates and outfielder Malique Ziegler was selected in the 2016 draft by the San Francisco Giants.
Also, right-handed pitcher Steve Salas, who played at NIACC in 2005, was picked by the Los Angeles Angels in the 22nd round of the 2007 MLB Draft.