tampa, Florida – Tampa Bay Rays outfielder jake Mangum has quickly become a player to watch, showcasing remarkable resilience after overcoming an early-season injury. His journey to the major leagues is a testament to perseverance, family support, and unwavering dedication.

The Long Road to the Majors

Nearly 27 years after his father, John Mangum, concluded his NFL career with the Chicago Bears, Jake Mangum realized his own professional dream, debuting for the Rays on March 30 against the Colorado rockies. Surrounded by family and friends, the moment was especially sweet, marking the culmination of years of hard work and determination.

His mother Stacy, father John and 15 family members were in attendance to celebrate his milestone achievement.

A Debut to Remember

After going hitless in his first game, Mangum exploded onto the scene the following day against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He went 4-for-4,including a double,drove in two runs,and stole two bases. This historic performance made him the first player in the modern era (since 1901) to achieve at least four hits with an extra-base hit and multiple steals within his first two MLB games.

Adding to the importance, fellow Mississippi State alumnus Adam Frazier, then with the Pirates, retrieved and gifted Mangum’s first hit ball to his dugout.

“There’s just so many people that, genuinely, I would not be here without all of them,” Mangum said. “To celebrate these moments with them, it’s just been indescribable.”

Did You Know? Jake Mangum holds the SEC record for all-time hits with 383 during his college career at mississippi State.

Injury Setback and Mental Fortitude

just as Mangum was gaining momentum, a left groin strain sidelined him on April 23 during a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Instead of dwelling on the setback, Mangum chose to focus on recovery and maintain a positive outlook. This five-week stint on the injured list tested his resolve, but he leaned on his faith, family, and friends for support.

“Faith, family, friends,” he said prior to Tuesday’s game against the Rangers, his first at home since returning to the club in Houston on May 30, on what he leaned on while that big league was suddenly stalled. “(Injuries) are part of the game. I am not the first person to pull a muscle, and I won’t be the last person to pull a muscle.”

Baseball is like life,” said. “There are good days and bad days. Look at each day with what you got and attack it head on the best you can. When you fail, don’t be too hard on yourself.”

Pro Tip: Maintaining a positive mindset and focusing on controllable actions can substantially aid recovery from sports-related injuries.

Home Run and Family Support

on May 31, surrounded by his parents and friends who traveled from Mississippi to Houston, mangum hit his first major league home run. A Rays fan in attendance caught the ball and generously gifted it to his mother, Stacy, creating a cherished keepsake.

“I was happy my parents and friends made it,” said mangum. “I heard from former coaches, former teammates.It was cool. It was a special day and one I will not forget.”

Manager’s Praise

Tampa Bay Manager kevin Cash has consistently praised Mangum’s work ethic and versatility. Cash highlights Mangum’s ability to pressure pitchers, make consistent contact, and contribute both offensively and defensively.

“He is a player you could put anywhere in the lineup and know that you are going to get pressure from his at-bats, and contact,” he said. “He can beat you so many ways driving the ball, chuting balls the other way. He plays really solid defense and can steal bases as well. He is a really complete player.”

A Family Legacy of Athletes

The Mangum family boasts a rich athletic history. His father, John, played football at Alabama and for nine seasons with the Chicago Bears. His uncle, Kris Mangum, played tight end for ten seasons with the Carolina Panthers. His grandfather, John Sr.,played in the AFL with the Boston Patriots.

Despite the strong Alabama ties, Jake chose to forge his own path at Mississippi State. His sister Abbey is on the dance team at MSU, and another sister, Bailey, graduated from the school.

The ‘mayor of Starkville’

During his time at Mississippi State, Mangum earned the nickname “Mayor of Starkville” for his widespread connections and popularity. He played four seasons (2016-19) and became the SEC’s all-time hits leader with 383 hits, ranking fourth in NCAA history. Interestingly, he was not drafted out of high school but was later drafted by the Yankees and Mets before ultimately joining the professional ranks after his senior year.

“I understood why I was not drafted out of high school,” he said. “I was undersized, didn’t have power, slapped the ball around the yard.”

Seizing the prospect

The New York Mets drafted Mangum in the fourth round (118th overall) after his outstanding senior season. Following a canceled 2020 season due to the pandemic, Mangum steadily climbed the minor league ranks. After stints with the mets and Marlins organizations, he was traded to the Rays, where he excelled at Triple-A Durham, hitting .317 with 20 stolen bases. When Josh Lowe sustained an injury,Mangum received his long-awaited call-up to Tampa.

Since his return from injury, Mangum has continued to impress. As of June 5, 2024, he is batting .303 and has a perfect 10-for-10 record in stolen bases, contributing to the Rays’ impressive 12-3 record over their last 15 games.

“After being gone for a month, I was happy to be back in the clubhouse and super excited with how the team has been playing,” he said. “We have said since day one of spring training that we have guys that can hit, guys that can pitch, guys that can defend and we have guys that can steal bases. If you do those things well, you are going to win a lot of ballgames.”

Mangum’s Stats