The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1190316
JANUARY 2020 ■ 23 TRACKING THE PACK TREA TURNER Baseball Alum NC State fans without a vested interested in rooting for the Houston Astros were un- doubtedly pulling for the Washington Nationals in this year's World Series because of one player — Wolfpack legend Trea Turner. The starting shortstop for the Nationals helped Washington prevail in a thrilling seven-game series. While batting in the leadoff spot throughout the postseason, Turner hit .215 with a homer and three runs batted in. He also scored 10 runs, includ- ing four in the World Series, and stole a base. During the regular season, Turner hit .298 and tied his career best with 19 homers despite only playing 122 out of 162 games. He scored 96 runs while driving in 57 and was 35 of 40 on stolen base attempts. Turner finished 10th in the National League in batting average and second in stolen bases. A year ago, he led the majors with 43 bases swiped. Turner also became a Wolfpack folk hero after he donned NC State helmets during the traditional champagne-spraying celebrations in the locker room following series- clinching wins. However, he chose not to wear a helmet for the coin toss when he was named the honorary captain for NC State's home football game against UNC Nov. 30. During the first quarter, he was honored with his old baseball coach, Elliott Avent (left), wife and NCSU AD Boo Corrigan (right), while the crowd celebrated his World Series triumph. — Matt Carter/Photo courtesy NC State Media Relations wolfpacker spotlight