NASHVILLE, Tenn. – For the second time this preseason, Vanderbilt’s JJ Bleday has received All-America recognition.
The junior standout is among three outfielders named to Baseball America’s first team, the publication announced Monday. Bleday, who was previously tabbed a second-team member by D1Baseball, batted a team-best .368 a season ago.
The Panama City, Florida, native ended the season riding a 28-game on-base streak. This summer, Bleday was presented the McNeece Outstanding Pro Prospect Award in the Cape League, an accolade voted upon by Major League Baseball scouts.
Bleday joins right-handed pitcher Drake Fellows as a two-time preseason All-American. Fellows was recognized by Collegiate Baseball and Perfect Game. Utility player Stephen Scott was also recognized by Collegiate Baseball.
Top-ranked Vanderbilt opens the season at the MLB4 Collegiate Baseball Tournament in Talking Stick, Arizona. The three-day event, running from Feb. 15-17, will put the Commodores against Virginia, No. 25 Cal State Fullerton and No. 19 TCU.
Outfield season tickets on sale
A limited number of outfield season tickets are now on sale for the upcoming campaign by calling 615.322.GOLD or by visiting VUCommodores.com.
All season ticket account holders will receive a mini desk helmet in addition to the first opportunity to purchase postseason tickets.
Tickets are priced at $99 – or $2.91 per game – for the Commodores’ 34 home outings including 19 nonconference tilts and 15 matchups against the Southeastern Conference. Vanderbilt is set to host 11 games against 2018 NCAA Tournament teams.
Vanderbilt Baseball Banquet tickets on sale
The program is set to host its annual team banquet on Saturday at the Omni Hotel in downtown Nashville.
Head coach Tim Corbin will introduce the 2019 players and staff and recognize the program’s 2018 award winners. The event opens at 5 p.m. with the start of the silent auction. Players are scheduled to sign team posters from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office in McGugin Center. For the fourth consecutive year, admission is priced at only $50 and includes a buffet-style dinner and complimentary valet parking.
