2017 Gull J.J. Bleday Reaches Major Leagues
Published on July 27, 2022 under New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL) News Release
NEWPORT, RI - For a third time this season, a former Newport Gull has been promoted to the Major Leagues. After a decorated career at Vanderbilt University and less than three seasons in the minor leagues, outfielder J.J. Bleday received the call Saturday to make his MLB Debut with the Miami Marlins. In his first start with Miami, Bleday went 2-4 with a double.
A Panama City Beach, Florida native, Bleday joined the Gulls during the summer of 2017 after wrapping up his freshman season, in which he helped lead the Commodores to a NCAA Tournament Super Regional Appearance.
Bleday played 24 games in a Gulls uniform, hitting .232 with two home runs and 12 RBIs. The outfielder ranked second on the Newport team with nine doubles and connected on 11 extra base hits despite playing roughly half the summer season.
Following the summer of 2017, Bleday exploded offensively during his final two years at Vanderbilt. In 2019, the Commodores won the College World Series in large part to Bleday's memorable season. As a Junior, Bleday hit .349 with 27 home runs and 72 RBIs. During the Commodores' run to becoming National Champions, the outfielder was drafted No. 4 Overall by the Marlins and took home multiple postseason honors such as SEC Player of the Year.
"Definitely surreal," said Bleday after making his MLB debut. "Happy so many people have helped me get to this point in my life."
Just over three years since he was drafted, Bleday is the 30th Gull to play Major League Baseball. Welcome to the Show, JJ.
New England Collegiate Baseball League Stories from July 27, 2022
- Mainers' Strong Pitching Silence 'Skrats - Sanford Mainers
- Vermont Takes Governor's Cup Series with 3-2 Win over Upper Valley - Vermont Mountaineers
- 2017 Gull J.J. Bleday Reaches Major Leagues - NECBL
- The NECBL Daily Rundown - 7/26/22 - North Adams, Keene Win Big, Vineyard Pulls Closer to Newport - NECBL
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
