June 15, 2005

Fresh after a strong finish to the 2005 season, the Plainsmen got some other great news on Sunday. Six-foot seven inch right handed pitcher, Jake Harrington, signed a contract with the New York Mets Organization. Harrington is the second Plainsmen in the last three years to sign with a Major League Club. John Wilson was a 9th round pick by Boston in the 2003 MLB draft. Jake, a sophomore from Bayfield, CO, was drafted by the Mets in the 36th round of the 2004 draft. The Mets opted to have Harrington return to NJC and improve upon his potential before signing him to a contract.

Coach Shepherd had these comments on his pitcher signing his pro contract. "Jake has a lot of sink to his fastball, and a great baseball body, this is what the scouts look for, and Jake showed them what they needed to see. Several times a draft pick is not just about numbers, but more about the potential or ceiling a player has to improve upon. Jake has put in the time to get to this point, and we are very proud of Jake and certainly wish him the best in his pro career." Jake will report to spring training some time in June, and so his professional career will begin.