Posted: Jan 30, 2020
JAMESTOWN - Left-handed pitcher Shaun Holyfield, a member of the Jamestown Community College baseball team, recently signed his National Letter of Intent to continue his collegiate baseball career at Norfolk State University.
The road has been a long one for the Fluvanna, VA native, stepping foot on three different campuses in just under two years.
“It’s been a long journey for me,” said Holyfield. “I started playing collegiate ball at George Washington University. After a semester there, I decided that I wanted to play elsewhere, to get an opportunity to play.”
Holyfield moved on to Patrick Henry Community College where he played under current JCC head baseball coach Jordan Basile.
“I went to play at Patrick Henry to get a better opportunity and that was where I met coach Basile and we hit it off,” said Holyfield. “Once I heard he took the job at Jamestown Community College, I knew I had to go with him.”
For the Patriots, Holyfield appeared in nine games while making one start on the mound. Holyfield was able to get 10 strikeouts over 12 innings of action.
Basile was impressed with Holyfield’s drive to be better. “Shaun came to me at Patrick Henry and you could tell he really wanted to work on some of his pitches,” said Basile. “He put in the work at Patrick Henry and during the summer before playing fall ball at JCC. He’s been unbelievable for us.”
When deciding to play ball at the next level, the decision was simple. “I’ve always liked Norfolk State. It’s close to where I live now and I have a lot of friends on the team,” continued Holyfield. “Norfolk State has a great program and great facilities. I’m excited to be a Spartan.”
Basile was asked about Holyfield playing in the junior college ranks and he believes it has helped him greatly.
“I think it’s important for everyone to start out at the junior college level. It’s affordable and it’s a stepping stone for a lot of these athletes,” said Basile. “The class sizes are small and the kids have a great opportunity to play right away. In Shaun’s case, he’s going to be pitching in a lot of innings during JCC’s spring season.”
Norfolk State, competes in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in the NCAA Division I ranks.
Pictured: Shaun Holyfield (left) with JCC baseball head coach Jordan Basile