James Taussig is not taking anything for granted with the White Sox

Following an impressive run at UTSA, James Taussig saw his dream come true shortly after the MLB Draft this summer. The talented outfielder signed his first contract with the Chicago White Sox after going undrafted. As Taussig begins the next chapter of his baseball career, he is not taking anything for granted. 

“ I was just happy to have an opportunity to continue to play,” Taussig said. “ I was hopeful that any organization would give me an opportunity, and I was grateful that the White Sox gave me a call. They were the first team to reach out. It is a great organization that does a great job at developing guys.” 

In his last college season, Taussig put himself on the map with a stellar senior campaign. In 54 games, the New York native posted a .344 batting average while driving in 65 runs. He also showed some power with 25 extra-base hits including 14 doubles. 

While Taussig had been a hits machine since transferring from Radford, he took his game to another level in his final college season. That was due to the coaches who have helped him along the way, including those at UTSA. 

"My first year at UTSA was kind of a transition, try some corner outfield, try some first base and see what happened," said Taussig." Hitting-wise, it was a total overhaul of the swing. The pitching was a step up from the previous conference. I got in the hitting cage every day to make those adjustments. My sophomore year was a development year, which I really needed to transition to the player that I became."

On top of adjusting to a new program and conference, Taussig had to learn a new position. He began his college career as a catcher but during his time as a Roadrunner he transitioned to the outfield.

“ It is funny because my sophomore year we only had two catchers,” Taussig said. “ When we traveled, I became the third catcher, catching guys flat grounds, which I enjoyed doing. Now that I’ve come fully accustomed to the outfield, I really do love playing in the outfield. It’s a little less taxing on the knees and my body. I think my body appreciates that a little bit more.” 

Now Taussig will join a White Sox system full of talent. As he looks to work his way to the majors, he brings a strong track record at the plate to the table. He finished his college career with a .315 batting average in 142 games. His aggressive approach is something fans should come to appreciate as Taussig looks to turn into the next White Sox star. 

"I try to be aggressive and attack pitches in the strike zone," Taussig said." I just try to put the ball in play hard, on a line. Defensively, I try to make every play. We were a really big hustle team this year, and that's an attribute I will carry with me throughout the minor leagues."