MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Former West Virginia University All-American shortstop Jedd Gyorko is going to take a stab at managing.
 
The veteran Major League infielder was named manager of the West Virginia Black Bears in its inaugural season in the new MLB Draft League. The 32-year-old Gyorko appeared in 42 games last year for the Milwaukee Brewers during a COVID-19 shortened 2020 season. The Morgantown native hit .248 with nine home runs and 17 RBI.
 
His best season came in 2016 with the St. Louis Cardinals when he hit a career-high 30 home runs with an OPS of .801. He drove in a career-best 67 runs a year later in 2017, and socked 65 home runs in four seasons with the Cardinals.
 
Drafted by the San Diego Padres in the second round following his junior season at West Virginia, Gyorko spent three years with the Padres where he hit 23 home runs and drove in 63 runs during his rookie season in 2013.
 
He also played 24 games for the Los Angeles Dodgers during an eight-year career that included 121 home runs and 370 RBI in 846 games, all spent in the national league.
 
"It's only fitting to have someone who has meant so much to baseball in our region lead our hometown team in our first year in the MLB Draft League," Black Bears general manager Matt Drayer said. "Jedd has played the game the right way and will be bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to lead our young squad of MLB hopefuls."
 
Gyorko was the most prolific hitter in WVU history playing for former coach Greg Van Zant. The University High product owns the school record with a career .404 batting average. Twice he hit better than .400 for a season and he also ranks among the school's in home runs, runs scored, RBIs, doubles and total bases.
 
In 2010, Gyorko batted .381 with 19 home runs and was named a first team National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) All-American and a second team Louisville Slugger All-American.
 
He capped the year by winning the Brooks Wallace Award as college baseball's top shortstop.
 
Last year, Gyorko was inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame.
 
"I am thankful for the opportunity and look forward to gaining managerial experience, especially in my hometown, where I'll be able to spend more time with my family."
 
Gyorko becomes the fifth manager in Black Bears history and their first under this new setup. Open Day for the Black Bears this year will be Monday, May 24, at Monongalia County Ballpark against the Mahoning Valley Scrappers.
 
According to the organization, announcements for the rest of the Black Bears coaching staff and 2021 team roster are forthcoming.