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Former Senator Jake Knapp named National Pitcher of the Year by The College Baseball Foundation

Former Senator Jake Knapp named National Pitcher of the Year by The College Baseball Foundation
June 13, 2025

CHAPEL HILL, NC – When Jake Knapp was a starting pitcher on the Walters State baseball team, it was obvious the future was bright for him.

While there were some dark days following his time at Walters State, that future is now shining bright. 

On Friday, Knapp, now at the University of North Carolina, was named the NCAA Baseball Pitcher of the Year by The College Baseball Foundation. 

"I'm happy for Jake," Walters State pitching coach Sean Robinson said. "It's the bow on top of his collegiate career. His path was much different than most with multiple schools, injuries and a lot of school work. To see him bounce back for his last year of eligibility and put up the numbers he had was fun to watch. It's a testament to his parents and the type of kid he is. Again, I couldn't be happier for him." 

Following his time at Walters State, Knapp went to UNC and compiled a 5-4 record with a 5.04 ERA in 16 starts. Knapp carried that momentum into the fall of his senior season. However, adversity struck before the year could even begin when Knapp was forced to have Tommy John surgery and missed the entire season.

Using that as motivation, Knapp came back and dominated from the start in 2025. Knapp finished the season with a 14-0 record, which was tops in the country. Knapp had a 2.02 ERA, 88 strikeouts, just 16 walks and threw two complete games. Knapp threw 102.1 innings. 

Before his domination at UNC, Knapp did the same at Walters State. During his sophomore season in 2022, Knapp went 14-1, tying the school record for wins, and had an ERA of 2.12 in 80.2 innings pitched. Knapp had 111 strikeouts and a k/9 of 12.38. Knapp threw three complete games and was named an NJCAA DI Baseball Third Team All-American. 

During his freshman season at Walters State, Knapp went 7-3 and struck out 65 batters in 56 innings. 

In Knapp's two seasons as a Senator, Walters State went 121-14, won Region 7 and the Appalachian District twice, had a seventh-place finish at the JUCO World Series in 2021 and a third-place finish at the JUCO World Series in 2022.