FSU’s James Tibbs is aware of ‘God is sweet’ as San Francisco Giants draft him No. 13 general
By Kevin Mercer Jul 15, 2024
Former Florida State outfielder James Tibbs III runs to first base, March 12, 2024. (AP Photograph/Gary McCullough)
Wanting so as to add a strong bat to their lineup, the San Francisco Giants selected outfielder James Tibbs III from Florida State with the No. 13 general choose within the 2024 MLB Draft on Sunday night time.
Tibbs, who was named the ACC Player of the Year and a first-team Academic All-American this season, spearheaded the Seminoles’ 49-17 record and journey to the 2024 School World Collection. His selection at No. 13 makes him the very best Seminole drafted since Buster Posey (who was additionally drafted by the Giants, at No. 5 general in 2008, and performed his complete profession there).
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Congratulations to the latest member of the #SFGiants group, @JamesTibbsIII pic.twitter.com/P8M9fGoMyT
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) July 15, 2024
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 📞@JamesTibbsIII | #MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/MKlWjHM9bu
— FSU Baseball (@FSUBaseball) July 15, 2024
Tibbs, 21, is broadly thought to be one of the most MLB-ready position players to be drafted within the first spherical. Hopes are excessive that his energy and plate self-discipline will translate to skilled baseball, and he’ll find yourself within the majors sooner fairly than later.
In his three years in Tallahassee, Tibbs posted 208 hits in 616 at-bats, good for a .338 batting common, 55 house runs and 170 RBIs. Final season, nonetheless, he really vaulted himself into the dialogue as among the best gamers in faculty baseball. He batted .363 with 91 hits and 28 homers, and he drew a powerful 58 walks whereas solely placing out 37 instances.
In his closing sport at Dick Howser Stadium, Florida State’s house subject, Tibbs launched three homers to assist the Seminoles defeat UConn in their Super Regional matchup and advance to the School World Collection.
As soon as in Omaha, Tibbs and Florida State had been one of the last four teams standing earlier than being eradicated by eventual national-champion Tennessee.
But even after falling wanting reaching his aim of being a university baseball nationwide champion, Tibbs took the chance at his final collegiate postgame press conference to speak about all of the methods his Father in Heaven has been good to him.
“Oftentimes we see folks give glory to God within the good instances, however I’m going to provide glory to God within the robust instances, too,” Tibbs said. “He’s blessed me with the chance to be at the very best college within the nation, and He’s blessed me with the chance to play with a bunch of nice guys and an amazing coach, one which I consider in and one which I consider will get it executed.
“In three years, this program has seen fairly the flip. It’s been laborious. It’s been enjoyable and it’s been the whole lot in between. I’ll by no means be capable of thank Coach (Hyperlink Jarrett), the teaching workers, and all of the people who have made this potential sufficient for believing in me and for permitting me to be part of it. The verse I’ve been preaching all yr is Proverbs 16:9 (ESV). And it says, ‘A person plans his path, however the Lord establishes his steps.’ This isn’t fairly how I assumed it could go. However I’m so blessed to be part of this workforce and this yr.”
Tibbs describes himself as a “Believer” on each his Instagram and X accounts, and his X banner picture reads, “religion over concern.” He’s been identified to publish quotations of Bible verses and speak about his religion in God on social media as nicely.
God is sweet… Noles are Omaha certain! Thanks to everybody who has supported us this entire yr! See y’all in Omaha!!!! Let’s gooooo
— James Tibbs (@JamesTibbsIII) June 8, 2024
This previous season, Tibbs additionally wore an arm band displaying “2 Corinthians 12:9,” a Bible verse which reads, “However he mentioned to me, ‘My grace is adequate for you, for my energy is made excellent in weak point.’ Due to this fact I’ll boast all of the extra gladly about my weaknesses, in order that Christ’s energy could relaxation on me.”
Tibbs is aware of God has been altogether good to him, within the joyful instances in addition to the tough ones. Now as he stands on the precipice of his skilled baseball journey, he can make certain that regardless of the Lord has in retailer for him within the years forward, it will likely be for his final good.
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