GAMES
RANKINGS
Cypress Ridge High School alumnus Kyle Gruller follows his pitch in a game against Cypress Creek High School. Gruller signed as an undrafted free agent with the Houston Astros after completing his collegiate career at Houston Baptist University and Wharton County Junior College.
Cy Ridge alum signs with Houston Astros following 2020 MLB Draft
June 24, 2020—Cypress Ridge High School alumnus Kyle Gruller signed with the Houston Astros as an undrafted free agent on June 18 following the conclusion of the 2020 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.
MLB revamped the draft due to the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing the event from its typical 40 rounds to just five on June 10-11. The plan also allowed baseball teams to sign an unlimited number of undrafted players for up to $20,000 each. Gruller agreed to terms with the Astros on June 15 and signed three days later.
He's among 13 draftees and undrafted free agents signed to the Astros as of June 23.
"It's surreal and it's definitely an experience to know you're going to live your childhood dream of playing professional baseball," said Gruller, adding he received the news while eating breakfast. "The scout called me from the Astros and basically said he was going to offer me. I said 'Let's do it.' I've been a fan and it's the hometown team."
A 6-foot-3, right-handed pitcher, Gruller recently completed his collegiate career at Houston Baptist University. He posted a 2.40 ERA in two seasons and earned All-Southland Conference third team honors in 2019. Gruller played his first two seasons at Wharton County Junior College.
At Cypress Ridge, Gruller earned All-District 17-6A second team honors as a junior in 2015 and honorable mention in 2016.
"Our district has a ton of talent so I really tried to work hard and be the best," Gruller said. "I wasn't the biggest guy but I worked hard."
2020 VYPE Awards Senior Shoutouts
What a night it was as the VYPE Awards presented by Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine were held virtually on Sunday.
A special part of the show was a celebration of the Class of 2020! VYPE reached out to a number of people to help us honor the seniors during this especially tough year.
VYPE surprised everyone watching the show with senior shoutouts from ESPN 97.5's John Granato, Strake Jesuit alum Matthew Boling, Second Baptist School Athletic Director Mike Walker, Frassati Catholic Athletic Director Chris Meredith, John Cooper School Athletic Director John Hoye, Astros broadcaster Steve Sparks, Houston Astros legends and Hall of Famers Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell, Cy-Fair ISD Athletic Director Ray Zepeda, 93Q's Tim Tuttle, Mix 96.5's Sarah Pepper, Fox Sports Southwest's Ric Renner and VYPE Media CEO Shane Hildreth.
Seniors this is for you! Enjoy.
This Content is Sponsored by Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine!
Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine is Houston's leading provider of orthopedic services, from sports medicine to joint replacement. Houston Methodist offers comprehensive diagnostic, treatment and rehabilitative services with a high standard of excellence for elite athletes, active adults and student athletes. Houston Methodist serves as the official health care provider for the Houston Texans, Houston Astros, Rice Athletics, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™, Houston Ballet, Houston Symphony and Houston Grand Opera.