Iowa's Own Jim Sundberg Leads Texas Rangers Draft Legends
When the Texas Rangers evaluate their greatest draft picks in franchise history, an Iowa Hawkeye stands at the very top of the list. Jim Sundberg, who chose to return to the University of Iowa for another season before signing, headlines the five best draft selections in Rangers history. As the Rangers front office prepares for the upcoming MLB draft, the legacy of players like Sundberg proves that smart scouting and patient development are the true foundations of a winning ballclub.
How did Jim Sundberg become a Rangers legend?
Sundberg was a cornerstone of the Rangers franchise for over a decade. Texas actually selected him twice, starting with the eighth round in 1972. Sundberg opted to go back to Iowa for another year, forcing the Rangers to select him again in the first round of the 1973 secondary phase. That patience paid off for both sides.
He needed only one minor league season before reaching the majors. Sundberg finished fourth in the 1974 AL Rookie of the Year voting and became synonymous with the franchise. He was a two-time All-Star and won six AL Gold Gloves from 1976 to 1981. Long before Ivan Rodriguez arrived, Sundberg was the standard behind the plate in Texas. In 12 years with the Rangers, he slashed .252/.330/.345 with 60 home runs and 480 RBI.
Sundberg was eventually traded to Milwaukee in a rare four-team deal in 1984. He later joined the Kansas City Royals and helped them win their first World Series in 1985. He remained a respected voice in baseball for decades as a television commentator and front office executive.
Who are the other best draft picks in Rangers history?
Beyond Sundberg, the Rangers have found incredible value in the draft, from late-round gambles to top-tier talent. Here are the four other players who round out the top five draft picks in franchise history.
Kenny Rogers (39th round, 1982)
Kenny Rogers might be the greatest draft value the Rangers ever found. Nicknamed