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Breaking News: CMU's Jeff Popick Assigned to Grand Junction Rockies

by Claire Brandon

Story Created: Jun 9, 2012 at 3:16 PM MDT

Story Updated: Jun 9, 2012 at 10:57 PM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.--Grand Junction Rockies general manager Tim Ray confirmed to NewsChannel 5's Claire Brandon that Colorado Mesa outfielder Jeff Popick officially signed his contract with the Rockies on Saturday.

"Just that dream from being six years old in the backyard, tossing up balls and hitting them over the fence," Popick said. "All that stuff just came true."

The RMAC Co-Player of the Year has been assigned to the Rockies' rookie team in Grand Junction and will return to the same field he played at during his four years at Colorado Mesa.

"I'm just really excited to be coming back up," he said. "I'm familiar with the stadium and the city, so it's a really good situation for me to be in to begin professional baseball."

Grand Junction Rockies assistant general manager Mike Ruvolo said he was very excited to receive the news, because they'd originally been told that the Rockies planned to send Popick to Tri-City, the short-season Class A affiliate.

"I got a text message right from our owner right when he said he was coming out here," he said. "The whole organization is just excited right now."

The All-American left fielder finished his senior season hitting .424 with 17 doubles, three triples, and seven homers. He also led the Mavericks with 65 RBIs and 31 walks.

The Denver native was drafted by the Rockies in the 16th round of the 2012 MLB draft.

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