Former Kansas State Star Has Memorable MLB Debut With Minnesota Twins

There are debuts in professional sports. 

And there was what happened for former Kansas State Wildcats baseball player Kaelen Culpepper. All he did Friday was homer in his second at-bat for the Minnesota Twins against the Milwaukee Brewers. It helped the Twins to an 8-6 victory. 

What makes it even more impressive is it happened on the same day Culpepper was called up from the minors. He was selected by Twins in the first round of the 2024 MLB Draft after a standout career in Manhattan. 

A shortstop, Culpepper started all 61 games for the Wildcats during his junior season. He hit .318 with a career-high 11 home runs. He was a second-team All-American that season. In the Big 12, he ranked fifth in RBI, sixth in hits and led the league in triples.

This could be a momentum-builder for Culpepper. His home run sparked a Twins comeback against the Brewers.

The Twins are back in action today against Milwaukee and expect Culpepper in the lineup once again. 

THREE PLAYERS MAKE 'WATCH' LISTS 

They were three of the Kansas State Wildcats chosen to represent the school at Big 12 Media Days last month in Frisco, Texas, so naturally Joe Jackson, Avery Johnson and John Pastore are getting some preseason love. 

All three made the cut for the national award "Watch" list at their respective positions. A senior quarterback, Johnson and Jackson (running back) were both on the Maxwell Award list. The honor is given annually to the nation's most outstanding player. Pastore was on the Outland Trophy list, which is reserved for the best offensive lineman in the country. 

WILDCATS ADD NON-CONFERENCE OPPONENT FOR 2029

The Kansas State Wildcats athletic department recently announced a new addition to the football schedule for 2029. 

The Wildcats will play host to Sam Houston State Bearkats Sept. 19 at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. This is the third time the Wildcats will host the Bearkats. 

MORE KANSAS STATE NEWS 

Wildcats QB Avery Johnson gets another slight

Kansas State women's hoops adds player from Greece

The Wildcats will play a Conference USA opponent in 2029

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Shandel Richardson is the publisher of KStateRoundtable. He can be reached at [email protected]