HOUSTON -- The way Don Kessinger remembers it, his grandson’s first word was “ball.” That’s not surprising when you consider Grae Kessinger grew up with a grandfather who played 16 years in the Major Leagues, an uncle who was a big leaguer and a father who was drafted by the Cubs and played professional baseball.

The Astros drafted a third-generation Kessinger when they took Grae, a junior shortstop out of the University of Mississippi, in the second round (68th overall pick) of the MLB Draft on Monday. He hit .336 as a junior with 60 runs, 46 RBIs, 18 doubles and five homers. He had more walks (37) than strikeouts (31) and was 16 of 19 in stolen base tries.

“We appreciate the Astros giving him an opportunity,” Don Kessinger said. “You just want what’s best for your kids and grandkids and all that. It was important to Keith, my son, and he got his cup of coffee and got an opportunity. Grae’s had a good career here and I’m just happy for him to have his chance.”

Don Kessinger was a six-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner for the Cubs as well as an All-American shortstop (1964) and head coach (1991-96) at Ole Miss. He was also a player-manager with the White Sox and a huge influence on Grae’s career.

“Just an awesome career,” Grae said. “Hopefully I can be right there with him one day, but more than that he played the game the right way. He was a team guy. He must have been awesome.”

In his 16-year career with the Cubs (1964-75), Cardinals (1976-77) and White Sox (1977-79), Kessinger amassed 1,931 hits -- 254 doubles, 80 triples and 14 homers. He was known for his glove and played on the same infield as Hall of Famers Ernie Banks and Ron Santo. He has fond memories of playing in the Astrodome, including the 1968 All-Star Game. He started at shortstop for the National League.

“I was very fortunate to play for quite a while and had great memories and would like that for my own family, as well,” Kessinger said.

Grae is expected to sign with the Astros, forgoing his senior season at Ole Miss, which plays in the NCAA Super Regional this weekend.

“There’s a lot of unfinished business here, but ultimately pro ball has been my dream forever,” Grae said. “It’s what I always wanted to do and now that I have that opportunity, I can’t wait. It’s going to be awesome getting to do what I love every day. I can’t think of anything better.”