Andrew Baseball's Jordan Holt Named NJCAA Div. I Gold Glove Winner; Third in a Row For Blake Williams's Tigers

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Andrew College's Jordan Holt was named a 2018 ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove Award winner as an outfielder. The prestigious award is sponsored by the Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, and award winners are selected by coaches in the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) in honor of the best defensive player at each position, for nine divisions of amateur baseball. The ABCA, founded in 1945, is the primary professional organization for baseball coaches at the amateur level. Its over 8,000 members represent all 50 states and 25 countries. Since its initial meeting of 27 college baseball coaches in June 1945, Association membership has broadened to include eight divisions: NCAA Division I, II and III, NAIA, NJCAA, Pacific Association Division, High School and Youth. 

Holt, a sophomore from Ellenwood, GA and Jonesboro High School, put together a tremendous sophomore campaign in Cuthbert, at the plate, on the base paths, and in centerfield. In 52 games, he batted .301, banging out 52 hits, including 10 doubles 2 triples and a home run, scored a team-leading and single season record 46 runs, and drove in 21, primarily from the lead off spot. On the base paths, Holt was a terror, setting the single-season record for stolen bases with 35, which also led the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association (GCAA) by a wide margin. He set the table for the Tiger offense, stealing at least one base in 21 games, multiple bases in 11 games, and recorded a team-high 4 stolen bases against Enterprise State CC on Feb.18. Holt flashed the leather in center field, ranging far to his left and right to rob would be doubles and triples, handling 110 put outs, along with 5 assists, and no errors.

Holt has committed to play next year at Valdosta State University, a NCAA Div. II power in Valdosta, GA. The Blazers play in the Gulf South Conference.

It was Head Baseball Coach Blake Williams' s third Rawlings Gold Glove Winner in a row with center fielder Mike Warren in 2016 and catcher Chris Schwarzer in 2017 . He commented on Holt, "Jordan is a phenomenal athlete that saved us multiple times with his ability to cover ground in the outfield. It wasn't all about his speed though as he was a smart centerfielder who was able to position himself batter to batter to tendencies; and he always seemed to know where to go with the ball and understood the smaller things of being a complete outfielder. I will miss Jordan's leadership and we will have a tall task in replacing him in centerfield next year."

Click HERE for the ABCA announcement. 

Click HERE for the NJCAA announcement. 

Click HERE for the Andrew College Baseball Record Book.