EXCLUSIVE: Jake Fincher Talks Draft & Career

In last week’s MLB Draft, NC State outfielder Jake Fincher finally heard his name called in the 29th round, with the Chicago White Sox taking him with the 862nd overall pick.

“It was a huge sign of relief to hear my name called,” Fincher said.  “I wasn’t ready to be done with the game just yet. It was a dream come true.”

There are a bunch of new experiences that await Fincher as he embarks on his professional career, but it won’t be without a few familiar faces.  Fincher’s former Wolfpack teammates Carlos Rodon and Brett Austin are both in the Chicago White Sox organization.  Rodan is in the starting rotation in the major leagues, and Brett Austin was just named to the South Atlantic League All-Star team representing the Kannapolis Intimidators (White Sox Single-A Affiliate).

“Carlos and Brett both congratulated me very soon after my name got called,” Fincher said. “I responded “the group is back together!” Seeing them above me in the organization gives me even more motivation to get reunited with my old teammates.”

Fincher earned 2nd Team All-ACC honors this season, and leaves NC State with many great memories.

“I will remember the postseason runs with my teammates the most. Every season except my junior year was extremely special, but Omaha is something my teammates and I will forever remember,” Fincher said. “Omaha was the best thing I’ve experienced in my baseball career thus far.  The only thing that could be better would be to make it to the big leagues.”

You can never sum up a single player’s career by a single game or a single play, but when we asked what three plays he would never forget while wearing the Wolfpack Red and White he mentioned his home run at the Florida Super Regional and his walk off single against Rice in Game 1 of the Supers.  But we all know what the third play is that he will never forget…because no NC State fan will ever forget it. It’s the catch that landed as #1 on Sportscenter’s Top Plays.

Fincher finishes his NC State career ranked 8th in career at bats (866), 10th in hits (255) and 6th in triples.  He is already out at the White Sox’s Spring Training facility in Arizona, and now he waits for his assignment.