Strong Called Up to Major Leagues

Tampa, Fla. -- Outfielder Jamal Strong became the 19th former Husker to reach the major leagues, as he was called up by the Seattle Mariners before Tuesday's game at Tampa Bay. The former Husker made his major league debut in his first game with the ballclub, pinch running for Edgar Martinez and scoring a run in the Mariners' 10-8 win in 11 innings. Seattle is 81-57 and one game ahead of Boston in the race for the American League Wildcard.

"It's a dream come true," Strong said. "I don't care what number I'm wearing (it's 36), just as long as I have a uniform to wear."

The 25-year-old overcame a separated shoulder suffered while sliding into third base in spring training to make it to the Major Leagues for the first time. Strong said he was told at the time of the surgery that he probably would miss the entire season. But after a strenuous rehab, he joined the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers in late June, playing in 58 games. He batted .305 with two home runs - both against the Omaha Royals - and 19 RBIs, while stealing 26 bases in 37 attempts.

"When it happened, I was told I was done for the year," Strong said. "That just made me work harder. The first month back was tough, but the second month things seemed to get better."

A sixth-round pick of the Seattle Mariners in the 2000 First-Year Player Draft, Strong played two seasons with Nebraska, batting .322 with 69 career stolen bases, while helping the Huskers to an NCAA Regional in 1999 - NU's first NCAA appearance in 14 seasons - and a school-record 51 wins en route to a Super Regional finish in 2000.

Strong is one of five former Huskers currently in the major leagues, joining Darin Erstad (Anaheim), Troy Brohawn (Los Angeles), Ken Harvey (Kansas City) and Todd Sears (Minnesota).

Career Stats at Nebraska

Year       Avg   GP-GS     AB    R    H   2B   3B   HR  RBI   BB   SO   SB-ATT
1999....  .346   53-50    217   66   75    9    4    0   32   26   21   34-39
2000....  .301   59-58    236   59   71    4    0    0   29   37   18   35-42
TOTAL...  .322  112-108   453  125  146   13    4    0   61   63   39   69-81