A childhood dream came true for former Mississippi State outfielder Jake Mangum over the weekend. After roughly five years in the minor leagues, Mangum was finally called up to make his MLB debut.
On Saturday, the Pearl native was notified by his now-former Durham Bulls manager that he would be suiting up for the Tampa Bay Rays the next day. The switch-hitter went on to be announced as the starting right fielder in the third game of the Rays’ opening weekend series against the Colorado Rockies.
“You’re never, ever out of the fight.”
Yesterday was a dream come true. We’re so proud to be a part of your story, Jake. pic.twitter.com/lQTjdqjJBo
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) March 31, 2025
Then, on Sunday, the popular jingle, “Josie’s on a vacation far away…” played in George M. Steinbrenner Field as Mangum stepped up to the plate to his walk-up song, “Your Love” by The Outfield. Mangum, in his first game in the big leagues, made four plate appearances and reached base once after having been walked. The Rays went on to defeat the Rockies 6-2.
“God is good. He was with me every step of the way through the good and bad,” Mangum posted on X after finding out that he had been called up. “Even on the days when I didn’t feel His presence. Thank you everyone who has helped me get here today. Can’t even begin to tell y’all how many people that is.”
Among those in attendance for Mangum’s big day were his parents, fresh off celebrating their 33rd wedding anniversary, and a fellow professional athlete from Rankin County, Gardner Minshew, who is now backing up Kansas City Chiefs superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
The storied Bulldog leader made two College World Series appearances while at Mississippi State and earned the honor of being the SEC’s hit leader. He posted a .357 batting average during his college days, with 73 doubles, 10 triples, five home runs, and 126 RBI.
After being drafted by the New York Mets in 2019, Mangum was a force in the farm system. After being traded to the Miami Marlins organization in 2022 and then to the Rays in 2023, the Mississippian finally found his strongest footing as a pro. He batted .429 with three doubles, two home runs, and nine RBI in 15 spring training games with Tampa Bay this year.
Ahead of opening the minor league campaign as a member of the Triple-A Durham Bulls, Mangum was called up to the big leagues, where he will look to make yet another impact on the diamond.
