After helping Pearl River Community College reach the junior college world series this year, Kosciusko High School graduate Jerod Meggs will continue his baseball career at South Alabama. Maybe.
He was waiting to see if his name was called in the major league draft held this week, after The Star-Herald went to press. The Colorado Rockies have shown an interest.
Professional ball is his goal.
“Absolutely. I would really like to do it this year. But if not, after (college),” he said.
Used exclusively as a reliever for the Bobcats, Meggs, a 6’2” right hander, was 2-3 with two saves, a 2.03 ERA and 38 strikeouts in 44.1 innings.
PRCC head coach Michael Avalon believes Meggs could play at the professional level.
“He was electric out of the bullpen, very tough on right handed batters. He was able to come in in crucial situations and finish the game,” said the coach, who believes Meggs has a bright future. “He’s very projectable. If he continues to get better, I would not be surprised to see him get the opportunity to pitch professionally in the near future.”
Meggs had an outstanding senior year at Kosciusko in 2017, with an 8-0 record, 2.51 ERA and 51 strikeouts in 44.2 innings, while holding batters to a .160 average.
He had offers from several Mississippi junior colleges, but chose Pearl River because, “It felt like home,” he said.
He was used sparingly as a freshman, which he attributed to a lack of consistency. Avalon pointed out that Colby White was the team’s closer that year. With White now at Mississippi State, Meggs assumed that role in the bullpen.
“You have to know that you are better than the batter,” he said of entering game in a crucial situation.
His best pitch is a fast ball that has been clocked at 94 miles per hour on the radar gun. With relief pitching assuming a greater role in the majors, teams are always on the lookout for kids who throw hard.
Meggs was convinced to sign with South Alabama by his PRCC pitching coach Anthony Izzio, a South Alabama grad. If he does go there, he plans to study business.
