Posted by Courtesy: Seattle U Athletics
On Wednesday June 5th, 2019 Seattle University star pitcher Jake Prizina was rewarded for his Redhawk career. Jake was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 31st round of the Major League Baseball Draft. What made it extra special was that the Priz was drafted during the middle of the 2019 Seattle University baseball banquet, when he was among his teammates and coaches. A perfect way to end his Redhawk career.
“THE MOMENT” you get drafted into the MLB. Naturally it had to happen right in the middle of our end of the year banquet! @jakeprizina @Orioles 👏 👏 👏 pic.twitter.com/03apRP7tpw
— Seattle U Baseball (@SeattleUBase) June 5, 2019
A perfect day to a tough season. We had our player awards today and during it – Prizina gets drafted by Baltimore. Regardless of our record – this was a GREAT group to work with and our most TALENTED Redhawk has a chance to play pro baseball. A perfect ending for his career.
— Coach Donny Harrel (@CoachHarrel) June 6, 2019
Jake had a spectacular 4-year career at Seattle University. He finished his career second all time in wins with 19, two behind Tarik Skubal who was drafted in 2018 by the Detroit Tigers. The Priz is also the Redhawk career leader in strikeouts with 241, innings pitched with 307.1, and starts with 45. Jake pitched in a total of 69 games in his Redhawk career, a remarkable career for the future Seattle University Hall-of-Famer. To top it off, he was awarded “Pitcher of the Year” for Redhawk baseball.
#Tigers Tarik Skubal was 🔥 in his latest start for Lakeland tonight:
▶️ 6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 8 K
This is the second consecutive start with 8 strikeouts for Skubal, who extended his scoreless streak to 11 innings. Skubal has fanned 8 or more five times in 2019. @SeattleUBase
— Emily Waldon (@EmilyCWaldon) June 8, 2019
Jake’s senior year started off strong, but it was a tough final season to close out his career. On opening day of the 2019 season he pitched a 9-inning complete game, beating UNLV on their home turf. It had been five years since the last 9-inning complete game for the Redhawk program. Jake would go 4-2 on the season before a serious spleen injury sidelined him in April for nearly a month. Priz would make it back in May and get into three more ballgames. He would finish his season with a 4-4 record with an ERA over four. Jake’s total strikeouts on the season were 45 while throwing 66 innings.
2019 season was a challenge for Jake, but he came out every night and pitched to the best of his abilities. Injuring his spleen in April was a not only huge loss for the Seattle University Redhawk program and Redhawk Nation, but it was a huge loss for the Priz. He didn’t want his career to end like it did, but things happen for a reason. The Baltimore Orioles got a steal in the 31st round taking Jake Prizina.
We at Seattle Sports Union want to thank the Priz for allowing us to watch him pitch over the last two seasons. It’s been truly a pleasure to witness such spectacular talent displayed on and off the field. Best of luck to you in your future Jake Prizina. Baltimore fans watch out! One day you might witness the greatest 31st round pick ever taken in the MLB draft take the mound for the Orioles at Camden Yards.
Thank you, Jake Prizina!
Go Redhawks!
Together We Soar!