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6/12/2020
Congratulations are in order for Jared Shuster '17 after being drafted with the 25th pick in the first round of the MLB draft, by the Atlanta Braves, on Wednesday. Jared, a New Bedford native, came to Tabor as a sophomore in the fall of 2014 looking to challenge himself academically and athletically. Coach Ackerman said "Jared is a humble kid. During his time at Tabor, he never allowed his success to go to his head. In fact, he is still that gentle soul, who turns into an absolute beast when he’s on the mound.”
Upon graduation from Tabor, Jared went on to play baseball at Wake Forest University. He played three seasons (one shortened by COVID-19) for the Demon Deacons while making progress every year. Last summer, after Jared’s sophomore season, he was chosen to play for the Orleans Cardinals of the premier collegiate summer wood-bat league, the Cape Cod Baseball League, which features the best of collegiate baseball’s rising juniors.
Jared had an amazing summer on the Cape and was selected as a CCBL All-Star. His fastball velocity increased and the 6’1” 175lb. frame that arrived at the School by the Sea in 2014 had grown to 6’3” 210lbs. His fastball was consistently in the 92-94 mph range, topping out at 97mph. His best pitch, his changeup, had scouts drooling, as his whiff-rate on that pitch was the best in the NCAA.
The week before the baseball season was shut down, Jared faced the #3 team in the nation (Louisville). This may have been the performance that solidified his move up the draft board. Jared pitched 7.1 innings surrendering only 1 run on 4 hits and 1BB, while striking out 13 batters. Coach Ackerman said, “I watched that game at home on the ACC Network with my family and we all said, ‘He is a 1st round pick!’”. Coach Ackerman added that “Jared is one of the greatest teammates I have ever coached. He respects the game, his opponents, the umpires, and his coaches. You tell Jared to work on something to improve, whether it’s on the field or in the classroom, and he will do it.” Coach continued “His parents, Lori and Bennett, did an amazing job teaching him the important things in life. This moment is the result of his hard work, dedication, humility, and respect. I am very proud of Jared!”
Congratulations, Jared. We can’t wait to watch your continued success. Go Seawolves!
