The Rattlers baseball team’s record may be humble, but Jarryd Reid’s performance is far from it.
Florida A&M has not seen much success this season, evident by its 6-30 overall record. But judging by Reid’s individual statistics, his team’s shortcomings have had no sway on his production – which has turned him into a professional prospect.
Reid, a senior outfielder from Tampa, has produced 31 hits in 85 at bats on the season, which is good for a team-leading .365 batting average. In the process, the 5-foot-11, 198-pounder tallied 12 RBIs, seven doubles and three triples.
Defense is also a noteworthy part of Reid’s game: he has a .953 fielding percentage.
Reid said key factors behind his leading performance are his work ethic and preseason training.
“I just practice hard every time I step on the field,” said Reid, who earned preseason All-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference honors. “I practice everything full speed, and I’m really coachable.”
Reid continued, “I also did a lot of lifting and hill running before the season started. That helped get my legs in shape and my knee drive on track.”
Head coach Willie Brown said Reid’s leadership is a treasure to the team, adding that Reid is one of the best players he has ever coached.
“Jarryd is a good leader and a great role model,” Brown said. “He leads by example when he is on the field and when he is in the dugout. I don’t think I’ve seen a man like him. He’s a man of God, a man of faith.”
Brown also said, “He’s a top-notch player all around, and he is the best player I’ve ever had the pleasure of coaching.”
Although Reid received a full scholarship to make waves on the field, he said he cherishes his financial aid because it led to a college education.
“I appreciate the fact that my education was paid for just to play baseball, the game that I love,” Reid said. “So it’s a win-win situation whether I get drafted or not.”
Corey Franklin, a senior catcher/outfielder from Jacksonville, said Reid’s selfless demeanor makes him a favorable teammate.
“I think Jarryd is an excellent teammate, an excellent friend and a great person to be around,” said Franklin, who also earned preseason All-MEAC honors. “Jarryd is the leader of this team, and he is trying to pass his skills on to some of the other guys because this is his last season.”
Sports Editor Brandon Lee contributed to this article.