Xavier University Athletics
Andre Jernigan Selected in 14th Round of MLB Draft by Minnesota Twins
06.11.16 | Baseball
Senior was one of nation's top power-hitting shortstops in 2016
CINCINNATI - 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.Â
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, I can't really put into words how I'm feeling," said Jernigan. "I'm really just excited and want to thank the Minnesota Twins organization for allowing me a shot at a life-long dream. I also have to thank all my coaches for everything they've done and how much they've helped me along the way. It was funny because I was sitting watching and listening with my family when we heard Dan Rizzie's name called. Anyone watching would have thought he was related to us with how ecstatic we were. Having been one of my roommates for the past four years, I consider him, Dave [Morton] and Austin [Lane] brothers for life. 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.
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.Â
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, I can't really put into words how I'm feeling," said Jernigan. "I'm really just excited and want to thank the Minnesota Twins organization for allowing me a shot at a life-long dream. I also have to thank all my coaches for everything they've done and how much they've helped me along the way. It was funny because I was sitting watching and listening with my family when we heard Dan Rizzie's name called. Anyone watching would have thought he was related to us with how ecstatic we were. Having been one of my roommates for the past four years, I consider him, Dave [Morton] and Austin [Lane] brothers for life. 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.
Players Mentioned
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