Former Bridge City and University of Texas standout Chase Shugart recently signed his minor league contract with the Boston Red Sox organization after being drafted in the 12^th round.

Shugart was a key cog in the Longhorns reaching the College World Series in June and helped them win the Big 12 regular season title.

Shugart will hone his skills at the Red Sox spring training facilty in Fort Myers, Florida and will eventually join the Lowell (Ma.) Spinners in short season Class A action.

Shugart decided to skip his final year of eligibility at Texas.

After thanking Longhorns fans, coaches and teammates, Shugart said via Twitter “it is time for me to hang up the burnt orange and start my career in the Boston Red Sox organization.”

Shugart started his career at Texas as a reliever but morphed into the No. 2 starter this season. He finished with a 5-3 record, posting an ERA of 4.36. Shugart struck out 58 batters while walking 35 in 84 2/3 innings.

The junior joins a trio of Longhorns pitchers who have decided against returning to Texas for a final season. Nolan Kingham will join the Atlanta Braves organization while Andy McGuire heads to the Toronto Blue Jays organization.