Sabino junior shortstop and outfielder Jacob Wiltshire has only played nine varsity games in his career, all of them this season, which was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The lack of exposure at the varsity level did not prevent New Mexico State from actively pursuing the Class of 2021 talent. Wiltshire’s raw talent mixed with the Aggies’ deep interest in him resulted in him committing today to the Las Cruces, N.M., program.
I am extremely excited to announce that I have verbally committed to play baseball and further my education at New Mexico State University! #aggieup @NMStateBaseball pic.twitter.com/XYVPWrqhVS
— Jacob Wiltshire (@Jacobwiltshire1) April 24, 2020
Despite his lack of experience at the varsity level, Wiltshire has an extensive background playing with Baseball’s Next Level, a local baseball training organization that has sent hundreds of players to the college and pro levels.
Wiltshire was batting .538 with six stolen bases in only 26 at-bats this season for the Sabercats.
Wiltshire’s brother Tyler, who also played at Sabino, was a sophomore infielder this season at Minot State in South Dakota.
AZ WC Championships 2021 of Jacob Wiltshire BNL 16 u Blue athlete runs 4.06 on bunt for a hit takes good routes in of. @BaseballsNextL 🌵 pic.twitter.com/Ltv6EZA7eq
— Prospect Wire (@ProspectWire) June 9, 2019
New Mexico State has been a good haven for Southern Arizona players to excel in baseball recently.
Former Cienega player Nick Gonzales became one of the nation’s top batters and home run hitters over the last two seasons for the Aggies. Other Southern Arizona standouts on New Mexico State’s roster this season include pitcher Kevin Jimenez of Nogales, infielder Tristan Peterson of CDO, pitcher Brendon Rodriguez of Sahuarita, pitcher Aldo Fernandez of Buena and pitcher Chris Barraza of Sahuarita.
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ALLSPORTSTUCSON.com publisher, writer and editor Javier Morales is a former Arizona Press Club award winner. He is a former Arizona Daily Star beat reporter for the Arizona basketball team, including when the Wildcats won the 1996-97 NCAA title. He has also written articles for CollegeAD.com, Bleacher Report, Lindy’s Sports, TucsonCitizen.com, The Arizona Republic, Sporting News and Baseball America, among many other publications. He has also authored the book “The Highest Form of Living”, which is available at Amazon.
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