Photo Credit: Dave Knachel/Virginia Tech Athletics
Virginia Tech Baseball made a splash this weekend landing Texas Tech infield/third baseman transfer T.J. Rumfield this weekend.
Sometimes life throws you a curveball and you have to make an adjustment. Excited for the opportunity to continue my education and baseball career at Virginia Tech University. #gokies #BIIB pic.twitter.com/AUEmk7kUhe
— TJ Rumfield (@RumfieldTJ) June 26, 2020
Rumfield spent his last two seasons at Texas Tech, but only appeared in nine games after redshirting his first year and having his second year cut short with the shutdown of spring sports by the NCAA. He will have three years of eligibility remaining though it is unclear if he will be able to receive immediate eligibility.
During this past shortened season season, Rumfield collected ten hits in 24 at bats with three doubles. In his first collegiate start, he went 4-6 and scored three runs in a Texas Tech victory over Northern Colorado.
Rumfield should be able to come in and immediately push for a starting job whether that first on-field opportunity comes in 2021 or 2022 dependent on his ability to receive immediate eligibility.
He has some Virginia roots as he was born in Richmond, Virginia, while his father, Toby Rumfield, was playing for the Richmond Braves at that time. His father played fourteen seasons of professional baseball in the Atlanta, Chicago White Sox, Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals' systems.
The father-son duo teamed up in Texas at Temple High School where T.J. played four seasons under his father. His achievements included being named a three-time All-State selection and 2018 THSBCA All-State First Team. Rumfield recorded over a .450 batting average in in his sophomore, junior, and senior seasons.
While in high school, Perfect Game listed him as the #23 third baseman in the United States and #3 in Texas. He chose to go to Texas Tech over North Carolina, Duke, Baylor and Oklahoma State.
