Charlotte, NC – San Jacinto’s (TX) Jackson Rutledge has been tabbed the 2019 Spalding® NJCAA DI Baseball Pitcher of the Year following a stellar sophomore season that resulted in a first-round selection in this year’s MLB Draft.
Rutledge, a transfer from the University of Arkansas, provided San Jacinto with an overpowering fastball and a variety of off-speed pitches that carried the right-handed hurler to a 9-1 record on the mound. Rutledge ranked second in the nation with 134 strikeouts while his impressive 0.87 ERA topped all NJCAA Division I qualifiers. Rutledge’s command on the mound limited the opposition to just one home run allowed throughout the year and achieved a 4.5/1 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
With a dominant season to show, Rutledge was named one of just 25 semifinalists for the coveted Golden Spikes Award, an honor designated for the top amateur baseball player in the United States. Rutledge became just the third NJCAA student-athlete to reach the semifinal round of voting since 2010, joining Bryce Harper and Phil Bickford.
Personal
- Position: RHP
- Height: 6-8
- Class: Sophomore
- Hometown: St. Louis, MO
2019 Statistics
- 9-1 record
- 82.2 IP
- 0.87 ERA
- 134 strikeouts
- 14.59 K/9
- 4 Complete Games
- .148 batting average against
2019 Accomplishments
- NJCAA Division I First Team All-American
- NJCAA All-Region 14
- Golden Spikes Award Semifinalist
- 17th overall selection in the MLB Draft (Washington Nationals)
San Jacinto’s head coach Tom Arrington on Rutledge
"On the day I saw Jackson throw his first bullpen of the year, I knew that he possessed the ability to be an MLB pitcher, and as time went on throughout the season it was apparent that he possessed so much more than that. Jackson's work ethic, professionalism, and selfless attitude towards the game, the coaches and his teammates is what sets him apart from most. Jackson is a player that makes those around him better players and better people.
Jackson is a student of the game and works extremely hard to perfect his craft, he sustained high velocity throughout the season and deep into his games, even touching 101 MPH. Along with his fastball, all of Jackson's off-speed pitches have also shown to possess the quality expressed at the major league level.
Outside of baseball, Jackson actively volunteered in several community service events including Shriners Hospital children's burn care unit in Galveston, San Jacinto College Children's Day Care, and North Shore Little League Challenger Division.
Jackson is a first round MLB draftee, but more importantly he is a first-round person."
Rutledge's Reaction
“My experiences this past year at San Jac have had a major positive impact on my life both on and off the field. I learned what it is like to truly be driven to get better and succeed. For example, the late night trips to the weight room after double headers and early mornings preparing meals for the day were not easy, but helped grow my determination and dedication to getting better with some help from my coaches and teammates. If I would have not made the choice to transfer to San Jac, I would not be the same person I am and would not have had the success that I have had. My year at San Jac is one that will be marked as a turning point in my early career that I will never forget.”
Next up for Rutledge
Rutledge was the 17th overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft by the Washington Nationals