Wilkinson earns NJCAA Baseball DI Pitcher of the Year
Charlotte, NC - Central Arizona's Matt Wilkinson has been named the 2023 NJCAA Baseball DI Pitcher of the Year.
Head Coach Anthony Gilich on Wilkinson- "Tug had an unbelievable year for us, but he has been doing that his whole life. He is a special pitcher who has high-level command, ride on his fastball, and an elite competitiveness that is unmatched. He is very deserving of this award."
This season for the Vaqueros, Wilkinson had a 1.07 ERA with 136 strikeouts and 10 wins in 84 innings played. His 136 strikeouts were second in the nation while his 1.07 ERA was third. He was also fifth in the nation in strikeouts per game (14.57).
Pitching Coach JoJo Howie on Wilkinson- "Tug was dominant every outing of the season, even when he didn't have his best stuff. He was so fun to be around every day at practice with a sense of humor, and a determination to get better. He loved his teammates, wanted to win for them, and is as selfless of a superstar as you will ever find."
Last season for Central Arizona, Wilkinson had a 1.87 ERA with 85 strikeouts and 5 wins in 53 innings played. His freshman year pitching helped lead the Vaqueros to a National Championship title.
Athletic Director Shelby Davis on Wilkinson- "Matt exemplifies what Central Arizona College Athletics is. He is an elite athlete as well as an upstanding person. Matt is deserving of his reward and has committed himself to being a top-tier pitcher. Our college is honored to have our student-athlete represent our community. We extend our congratulations to Tug."
Wilkinson is currently playing summer ball for the Chatham Anglers of the Cape Cod Baseball League. He will be continuing his academic and athletic career at Arizona State University next year.
Player Profile
- Position: Pitcher
- Class: Sophomore
- Height: 6'1"
- Hometown: Ladner, BC
2023 Statistics
- 16 appearances
- 2 complete games
- 84 innings played
- 1.07 ERA
- 136 strikeouts
- 10 wins
2023 Accomplishments
- 2023 NJCAA DI First-Team All-America
- 2023 ABCA/Rawlings Pitcher of the Year
- First Team All-Conference
- First Team All-Region
- ACCAC Pitcher of the Year
