Outfielder Jacob Hurtubise made headlines when the Cincinnati Reds promoted him on May 13 to replace the injured TJ Friedl, marking him as the second graduate of the United States Military Academy to play Major League Baseball. This 26-year-old undrafted free agent from Zionsville, Indiana, clinched his first big-league hit against Dodgers' ace Walker Buehler in Los Angeles, one of three hits the Reds managed in a 4-0 loss.
In a noteworthy move, Hurtubise signed with the Reds after the pandemic-shortened 2020 MLB draft, becoming the first West Point player to defer military service under a new professional athlete exemption policy. This policy allows him to delay his service obligation and continue his baseball career as long as he maintains a professional contract and provides positive media exposure for the Army.
Here's a glimpse of his journey and achievements:
- Minor League Success: In January, he was named the Reds' Minor League Position Player of the Year, boasting a .330 batting average with an OPS of .961 in 2023, including seven home runs and 45 stolen bases across 119 games between Double-A Chattanooga and Triple-A Louisville.
- College Records: At Army, he set Patriot League records for career stolen bases and walks and earned several accolades, including Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year and CoSIDA Academic All-American honors.
- Draft History: Hurtubise was a 39th-round pick by the Seattle Mariners in 2019 but chose to complete his senior year at West Point and earn his degree in operations research.
Despite a shoulder injury that limited him to nine minor-league games this season, Hurtubise made a strong comeback. He hit .250 in 12 plate appearances for Triple-A Louisville and homered during a rehab stint with High-A Dayton.
Not only did Hurtubise excel on the field, but he also impressed his coaches and mentors. C.J. Gillman, a former Air Force Academy assistant coach and Reds' minor-league hitting coordinator, noted how challenging it was to face Hurtubise's speed and aggressive playstyle. Gillman, who now works for the Mariners, played a key role in convincing Hurtubise to sign with the Reds.
Hurtubise's military background also played a significant role in shaping his character and approach to the game. "A big part of who I am starts with my experience at the West Point Military Academy," Hurtubise shared. "I learned a lot about resilience and grit."
The Reds' official Twitter/X account extended a warm welcome to Hurtubise, reflecting the excitement surrounding his promotion. Army West Point director of athletics Mike Buddie and baseball head coach Jim Foster also expressed their pride and confidence in Hurtubise, emphasizing his hard work, determination, and leadership qualities.
Jacob Hurtubise's journey from West Point to the MLB is not just a testament to his athletic prowess but also his dedication and resilience, making him a role model both on and off the field.
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