The NCAA Men's College World Series is where baseball dreams take shape, and the athletes who shine in this collegiate tournament often go on to achieve greatness in Major League Baseball. This year, we see several notable players who have left their mark in the NCAA World Series now making significant contributions for the Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks. Let's take a closer look at these baseball stars and their journey from college diamonds to the MLB.

Texas Rangers

1. Jordan Montgomery – South Carolina, 2012

   • Jordan Montgomery's college journey with the South Carolina Gamecocks culminated in the 2012 NCAA World Series championship. Now with the Texas Rangers, Montgomery is bringing his experience and left-arm prowess to the big leagues. He has appeared in five games so far this postseason and boasts a 2.16 ERA with 17 strikeouts.

2. Josh Sborz – Virginia, 2014 and 2015

   • Josh Sborz was a key figure for the Virginia Cavaliers during their back-to-back NCAA World Series appearances in 2014 and 2015. His clutch performances continue in the MLB as a vital part of the Texas Rangers' pitching staff. He had appeared in eight games this postseason with a team-leading 1.04 ERA over 8.2 innings.

3. Josh Jung – Texas Tech, 2018 and 2019

   • Josh Jung's time with Texas Tech in the NCAA World Series showcased his hitting prowess and defensive skills. He now carries those talents to the Texas Rangers, where he is becoming a rising star on the infield. Jung has appeared in all 12 games so far with 13 hits and three home runs.

4. Marcus Semien – California, 2011

   • Marcus Semien's college days at the University of California, Berkeley, set the stage for his successful MLB career. As a Texas Ranger, he provides leadership and a steady bat in the lineup. He has appeared in all 12 games, scoring eight runs and drawing six walks.

5. Josh Smith – LSU, 2017

   • LSU's Josh Smith was known for his clutch plays in the NCAA World Series. Today, he's showcasing his defensive skills for the Texas Rangers, making incredible plays in the infield. Smith has appeared in one game so far this postseason for the Rangers.

6. Travis Jankowski – Stony Brook, 2012

   • Stony Brook's Cinderella run in the 2012 NCAA World Series is still remembered, and Travis Jankowski played a significant role. Now, he's patrolling the outfield for the Texas Rangers with his speed and defensive prowess. Jankowski has appeared in four games with two at-bats and a hit. 

7. Dane Dunning – Florida, 2015

   • Dane Dunning represented the Florida Gators during the 2015 NCAA World Series. In a Texas Rangers uniform, he's demonstrating his pitching talents and contributing to the team's success. Dunning has appeared in two games this postseason with five strikeouts.

Arizona Diamondbacks

1. Pavin Smith – Virginia, 2015

   • Pavin Smith, another NCAA World Series champion from Virginia, has found his place in the MLB with the Arizona Diamondbacks. His hitting abilities are a valuable asset to the team. Smith is currently returning from injury and has appeared in seven games with three hits.

2. Christian Walker – South Carolina, 2010, 2011 and 2012

   • Christian Walker, who played a pivotal role in South Carolina's three consecutive NCAA World Series appearances, now calls the Arizona Diamondbacks his home. His power at the plate continues to shine. Walker has appeared in all 12 games this postseason and has drawn a team high 11 walks. 

3. Kyle Nelson – UC Santa Barbara, 2016

   • UC Santa Barbara's Kyle Nelson was a dominant force in college. He brings his pitching prowess to the Arizona Diamondbacks bullpen, providing a strong arm for late-game situations. Nelson has made two relief appearances this postseason and has only given up one hit so far. 

4. Merrill Kelly – Arizona State, 2010

   • Merrill Kelly, with his experience from Arizona State's NCAA World Series run, has become a dependable starter for the Arizona Diamondbacks. His consistency on the mound is a valuable asset. Kelly has made three starts this postseason with a 2.65 ERA. He has 19 strikeouts over 17 innings of work.

5. Kevin Ginkel – Arizona, 2016

   • Another Arizona product, Kevin Ginkel, continues to shine in the MLB with the Arizona Diamondbacks. His pitching skills and tenacity are vital to the team's success. Ginkel has been a key to the Diamondbacks run this postseason. He has eight appearances over nine innings and has yet to allow a hit.

The NCAA Men's College World Series has served as a springboard for these talented athletes, propelling them to the highest level of baseball. As they now don the jerseys of the Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks, they continue to make their college and MLB fans proud. Watch out for these former college stars as they aim to lead their respective teams to glory in the MLB World Series, showcasing the enduring impact of the collegiate baseball experience.