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Skoug to Join USA Baseball This Summer

TCU's sophomore catcher will be a part of the national team, the first Frog to earn that honor since 2013.

By Melissa B. Triebwasser
Melissa Triebwasser

The list is illustrious:

Jake Arrieta.

Kyle Winkler.

Josh Elander and Andrew Mitchell.

Riley Ferrell, Brandon Finnegan, and Preston Morrison.

They are some of the best to come through Fort Worth, and many are either well on their path to Pro success, or waiting in the wings for an opportunity that lurks just around the corner. Now, one of the brightest stars on the 2016 roster will have his chance to shine, as sophomore catcher Evan Skoug received the call to participate as a member of USA Baseball's  Collegiate National Team.

Skoug, who has scorched opposing pitching to the tune of a .309 batting average and 39 RBIs, will join Danny Wheat - the team's head athletic trainer - in representing TCU on the national stage. Coach Jim Schlossnagle took his turn at the helm of the squad in 2006, and this year's edition will be led by Oregon's George Horton.

“This is one of the highest honors that an amateur baseball player can achieve,” said head coach Jim Schlossnagle. “Evan is truly deserving and has worked hard to improve his entire game. I have no doubt that he will represent his family, TCU and the United States at the highest possible level as he travels the world this summer.”

Skoug came to TCU in 2014, and started behind the plate immediately in the 2015 season. As a true freshman, he managed a staff that saw all three weekend starters, a closer, and several bullpen arms drafted into MLB at the close of the team's World Series campaign. He has picked up where he left off, albeit with a much younger pitching staff to work with, and has become a much better hitter to boot. Skoug will be tasked with working with some of the best arms in the country, and expected to contribute offensively for Team USA. The number three hitter for the Frogs, he as the versatility to hit at any spot in the order, flashing power (a team-leading seven home runs) and surprising speed (he leads the team and the conference with 12 doubles). Often overlooked is his defensive prowess - Skoug has a .988 fielding percentage and has thrown out 14 would-be base stealers on the season.

Congratulations to the Skoug for this incredible opportunity to see the world and play some great baseball!

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