DENVER (KDVR) — Jumping in head-first is nothing new to Griffin Jax, the first Air Force Academy graduate to ever rise out of the farm leagues.
Sure, the 26-year-old has parachuted out of airplanes over 200 times; but pitching in a Major League Baseball game is not a big deal.
“Its truly unbelievable and Im shocked,” said Jax as he joined the Twins 40-man roster on June 5. “It just puts a smile on his face.”
In an 8-4 loss to the New York Yankees, Jax made history by becoming the first graduate of the Air Force Academy to appear in an MLB game.
Jax made his debut in the top of the ninth inning, giving up home runs to Gary Sánchez and Miguel Andújar, but he recorded his first strikeout in the same outing.
Minnesota drafted Jax in the third round of the 2016 draft and he continues to serve as a first lieutenant in the Air Force Reserve.
“The path I took to this point has been really unique and it helped formulate and mold me into a different type of person,” said the former Cherry Creek High School and Falcon pitcher. “Going through the service academy is not for everybody. It takes a different kid out of high school growing up, one that really understands more about themselves and one that’s more mentally mature. I’m truly grateful and excited to represent the Air Force in this capacity.”