Former NSR baseball prospect, Jordan Schwartz, drafted by Oakland A’s

Former NSR prospect and Niagara University Purple Eagle, Jordan Schwartz, was selected last week by the Oakland Athletics in the fourth round with the 132nd pick of the 2014 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.  Jordan, a 6’2″ right-handed pitcher and outfielder from Hornell, N.Y., is the second highest drafted player in NU’s history.  Schwartz was the ace on the staff during the 2014 season, leading Niagara in ERA (3.12), starts (14) and complete games (five).  He also led the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) in strikeouts with 109, including a league-best 31 strike-outs by looking. He finished the season fifth in the conference with a 3.12 ERA and third with an opposing batting average of .217.  Jordan made 38 starts in the outfield as well, batting .258 for the season with 31 hits, three doubles, 20 RBIs and scoring 13 runs.  He earned All-MAAC Second Team honors as a pitcher and was named First Team All-MAAC by College Sports Madness. Jordan was also selected to the 2014 Gregg Olson Award watch list which recognizes college baseball’s breakout players across the nation.

When asked why he chose Niagara coming out of high school, the two-time All-MAAC performer replied, “Niagara’s academic and athletic opportunities seemed to guarantee the chance to fulfill my goals.  Coach (Rob) McCoy was a big factor.  He presented Niagara academics and baseball with promise, pledging to build the team and the players to the highest level.”

In response to Jordan’s being drafted, Coach McCoy said, “”I am extremely proud of Jordan and few deserve it more than him.  He worked extremely hard and made himself what he is today. He’s a perfect example of what can be achieved when using trials and struggles to get stronger and tougher, instead of getting consumed by them. I look forward to him growing even more as a pro.”

Jordan’s NSR scout was Tom Sydeski.