NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Vanderbilt right fielder JJ Bleday has been named National Collegiate Baseball Wristers Association District III Player of the Year, the organization announced Friday.
Bleday was one of two SEC players to be recognized, joining Missouri starting pitcher TJ Sikkema (District 6). The recognition was the latest for the junior who is also a finalist for the Golden Spikes Award and the Dick Howser Trophy.
Bleday was selected fourth overall in the first round of the Major League Baseball draft by the Miami Marlins on Monday night. The Panama City Beach, Florida, native leads the nation in home runs (26) and paces the SEC in slugging percentage (.739) and total bases (178).
The junior was named both SEC Player of the Year and SEC Tournament MVP after helping lead the Commodores to their first conference regular season championship since 2013, first league tournament title since 2007 and eighth super regional appearance in the last 10 seasons.