Zachary’s Simpson pegged as Pitcher of the Year

Former Zachary High School standout, Jesse Simpson has received his highest honor as a college baseball player. Last week the Southern Conference selected Simpson as their preseason Pitcher of the Year.

Simpson enters his senior season with expectations of playing in the big leagues in 2010 and looks to be well on his way. After a breakout junior season, the former Bronco has been named preseason Pitcher of the Year.

In 2009 Simpson led the Cougars with an impressive 9-3 overall record that included an 3.88 ERA. Simpson also recorded six saves and led the Cougars with 23 starts last season as well. Simpson struck out 83 batters in 72 innings of work as the hitters he faced averaged a meager .254 batting average.

The College of Charleston Cougars play in the Southern Conference and the team is expected to contend for conference honors this season. The Cougars were picked third behind Elon and Georgia Southern. Late last year Simpson picked up another preseason honor for his efforts on the diamond.

Simpson was named to the “Brooks Award” watch list. The Brooks award is given out each season to the nation’s top baseball player. “We are extremely excited about having Jesse on this list,” said College of Charleston first-year coach Monte Lee in a university press release.

Lee went on to heap more praise on his star pitcher. “It is a great individual honor for him and we expect him to have a tremendous year for us. He is one of the best pitchers in the Southern Conference, and to be on the Wallace Watch List is great for our program as well.”

The Cougars open the 2009 season this Friday Night as they play host to Miami of Ohio. Simpson is looking to have another banner year before moving on to Major League Baseball. Simpson is the son of Don and Brenda Simpson and he is a Communications Major at the College of Charleston.