Jesuit’s Lance McCullers wins Jackie Robinson Award

Posted Aug 14, 2011 by Eddie Daniels

Updated Aug 18, 2011 at 02:50 PM

Just three days after being announced as a finalist, Jesuit pitcher Lance McCullers was named the winner of the Jackie Robinson Award.

The award is given to the Perfect Game National Player of the Year, who represents outstanding character, leadership, is involved in his community and embodies the values of being a student-athlete. The winner of this honor, named after former Brooklyn Dodge Jackie Robinson, the first black player to play in the majors on April 15, 1947, is deemed the top prospect in the nation.

McCullers is the third player from Hillsborough County to receive the honor. Former Plant pitcher/shortstop Mychal Givens earned the award in 2008 and former Hillsborough High standout Michael Burgess won it in 2006.

“Winning the Jackie Robinson Award is one of the most amazing things I have ever achieved and I am extremely honored,” McCullers said via text message. “This week at the Perfect Game Classic has been one of the best weeks of my life and I will never forget it.”

Being selected for the award typically bodes well for the recipient. Burgess was taken in the supplemental first round by the Washington Nationals, while Givens was selected in the second round of the 2009 draft by the Baltimore Orioles.

Last season as a junior, McCullers, who is also a shortstop for the Tigers, went 5-3 from the mound, posting a 2.02 ERA with 79 strikeouts. At the plate, McCullers hit .422 with 10 doubles, seven home runs and 46 runs scored.

McCullers, along with King’s Keon Barnum, will play Sunday in the 2011 Perfect Game All-American Classic in San Diego at PETCO Park.

Last season McCullers helped guide Jesuit to its second consecutive Class 4A state title game. The Tigers finished second in the state with a 27-7 overall record.