Courtesy of GoXavier.com
Andre Jernigan Selected in 14th Round by Minnesota Twins
Senior shortstop Andre Jernigan was selected in the 2016 MLB First-Year Player Draft on Saturday, going in the 14th round to the Minnesota Twins.
With his selection, Jernigan becomes the 12th MLB Draft pick for the Xavier baseball program since head coach Scott Googins arrived in 2005. Xavier has now had at least one player drafted in each of the last three years and 10 of the last 12 years.
It’s the first time Xavier has had two players selected in the same draft since 2008.
“It’s an incredible feeling to be able to hear your name called,” said Jernigan. “I can’t really put into words how I’m feeling. I’m really just excited and want to thank the Minnesota Twins organization for allowing me a shot at a life-long dream. I have to thank all my coaches for everything they’ve done and how much they’ve helped me along the way. But like I said, it’s an awesome experience and a true blessing.”
A Louisville Slugger All-American and the 2016 BIG EAST Player of the Year, Jernigan was one of the nation’s top power-hitting shortstops in 2016.
The Ft. Wayne, Ind. native led the BIG EAST and ranked 45th in the nation with 14 homers, while pacing XU in doubles (17) and triples (4). Jernigan also led the BIG EAST slugging percentage (.557) by a wide margin and also stood out defensively for Xavier, as the Musketeers tied a school record for fielding percentage and ranked 31st nationally in doubles plays turned.
Jernigan was at his best in BIG EAST play, batting .274 with three homers and 15 RBI to go with a .382 on-base percentage. He helped the Musketeers rip off wins in 18 of their final 22 games, sweeping the BIG EAST regular season and tournament titles for the first time in program history.
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Dan Rizzie Taken in 13th Round by New York Mets
Senior catcher Dan Rizzie was selected in the 2016 MLB First-Year Player Draft on Saturday, going in the 13th round to the New York Mets.
With his selection, Rizzie becomes the 11th MLB Draft pick since 2005 under head coachScott Googins. Xavier has now had at least one player drafted in each of the last three years and 10 of the last 12 years.
“I’m just really excited to be able to join such a great organization and want to thank the Mets for the opportunity,” said Rizzie. “I was even more excited when I heard Andre [Jernigan] got taken too.”
After missing most of his junior season with a hand injury, the Orland Park, Ill. native came back strong and led the Musketeers with a .317 batting average in 2016. He earned All-BIG EAST First Team honors in 2016 and caught fire down the stretch, hitting .383 (36-for-94) as XU went 18-4 over its last 22 games. Rizzie’s hot bat helped lead XU to a sweep of the BIG EAST regular season and tournament titles for the first time in school history.
In seven postseason games this year, Rizzie hit .483 (14-for-29) with eight runs scored and eight RBI.
In the BIG EAST Championship, he had a career best 5-for-5 night against Creighton and was named the BIG EAST Championship Most Outstanding Player. In three games at the conference tourney, he hit .571 (8-for-14) with four runs scored and six RBI as XU went 3-0.
One of the best catchers in school history, Rizzie was named to the Johnny Bench Award Watch List in each of the last three seasons. An excellent defensive catcher, he gunned down 58 percent of attempted basestealers in 2016 (22-for-38).
He was at his best during two postseason runs, earning NCAA All-Region honors twice in his career.
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