American College Connection: Baseball

Everyone knows that baseball is America's favorite pastime and despite the fact that it is the 4th most popular high school sport, more and more colleges are eliminating baseball from their athletic departments. The number of baseball players is increasing while the number of college opportunities is decreasing.

Consider These Facts:

(450,513*) - Total number of high school baseball players

(113,000) - Approximate number of graduating high school seniors every year

(1,098) - Approximate number of baseball scholarships offered each year by Division I and II programs to incoming freshmen

(1 in 100) - Your chances of receiving a full baseball scholarship

How are you going to improve your chances?

Jay Kirkpatrick, Director of Baseball

As an experienced baseball player and coach, Jay Kirkpatrick can help student-athletes ready to play on the collegiate level realize their dreams. His many years of playing experience include the honors of a Division III 1st team Academic All American and 1st All American catcher in 1991 for Methodist College. The next 11 years Jay spent playing professionally with the Los Angeles Dodgers farm system, the Northern League, and the Chinese Professional Baseball League in Taiwan. Throughout this time, he walked away with the titles of league MVP and Triple Crown winner, and he still holds several single season records. Jay has also managed two professional seasons. Through his years of playing baseball, Jay has acquired an eye for the game and knows what it takes for student-athletes to play on the next level.

"I can relate to the high school ballplayer that needs both exposure and a chance, because I was that student. I want to help these students and parents find the right opportunity that will allow them and their child to grow as a scholar and an athlete."
-- Jay Kirkpatrick, Director of Baseball

*According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, 2001