Former Madera South Stallion and Fresno State Bulldogs standout Murf Gray was named the June Player of the Month for the South Atlantic League for the Greensboro Grasshoppers.
Gray has made quick work in his first full professional season. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the third round last year.
After Spring Training, he was sent to the Bradenton Marauders, the Pirates Single-A affiliate.
In 38 games, Gray hit .359 with eight home runs, 34 RBIs and 11 doubles. He was named the Florida State League Player of the Week on May 3.
On May 19, Gray was called up to Bradenton, the Pirates’ High-A Affiliate, in the South Atlantic League where he joined former Fresno State teammate Jack Anker.
Gray has done even better at Bradenton. Although his batting average dropped a little, to .314, he has 14 home runs with seven doubles and 34 RBIs in one game more than he had with Bradenton. He has 49 hits and has scored 34 runs.
In June, Gray hit .333 with seven home runs, 15 RBIs and six doubles to earn Player of the Month honors.
Gray has also made his way up the Pirates’ prospect list. He currently sits No. 17 in the system.
On Wednesday, Gray was 3-for-5 with a double and three runs scored in a 16-3 win over the Greenville Drive. He also celebrated the July 4 weekend with two home runs and four RBIs on Saturday and Sunday.