©2016 Scott K. Brown Photography, Inc.
When Jimmy Kerrigan left Temple University two years ago following its decision to dump baseball due to financial hardships, he wanted to attend a school where he could evolve as a player and a person, ultimately landing at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he feels he has “struck gold.” That figure of speech seems quite apt for the 22-year-old, who recently claimed the Hammer Strength All-American Award.
“I really love contributing to this team, so to win something for helping us to grow really blows me away,” the native of the 1700 block of West Moyamensing Avenue said from Richmond. “Coming here is the best move I could have made, and there’s still so much work left to do.”
Strength and conditioning coach Tim Kontos nominated the Marconi product for the honor that Hammer Strength, in partnership with the Collegiate Strength & Conditioning Coaches Association, uses to “recognize the most outstanding college athletes who exemplify the best of what it takes, on and off the field, to become an elite athlete.” The association’s website adds that victors attain acclaim through their “intensity, consistency of purpose, achievement, and teamwork.” That quartet of characteristics has long defined the young man, who intends to use the accolade to influence the drive to cap his collegiate playing career in the most productive manner.
“This is a blue-collar team that loves to play hard-nosed baseball, so I’m going to continue to go out there to try to put runs on the board and wins by our name,” Kerrigan confided of seeing the commendation as a confidence booster rather than a pressure inducer. “I’m not going to see this as a reason to force anything because then I doubt that much good will come from that.”
He also does not intend to obsess over the possibility of becoming a draft selection, as he certainly has had his name inserted in conversations about which bat wizards would make solid professionals. While the next phase of his journey has crossed his mind, he prefers the present, with the Rams sitting at 33-16 ahead of this weekend’s action at Presbyterian College.
“We had a bit of a rough start, but guys are settling in, so the rest of the season should be full of opportunities to show how much we’ve bonded,” the club’s leader in batting average, runs batted in, and stolen bases said. “We’re all about hard work and effort, and this is the time of year when those matter most.”
The committed contributor commenced his attraction to the diamond through the Delaware Valley Youth Athletic Association, 2840 S. 18th St. Extremely excited about the rejuvenation of the sport at Ss. Neumann-Goretti High School, 1736 S. 10th St., he chose to matriculate at the East Passyunk Crossing institution, a decision that fostered unwavering dedication to doing whatever he could to make adversaries miserable.
“Everyone there preached the value of sacrifice and loyalty,” Kerrigan stated of his secondary education formation. “I’ll carry those lessons wherever I go.”
“I have been using his name as an example to every kid that comes through the door at Neumann-Goretti and will use his name if I am still coaching in 25 years,” assistant coach Joseph Messina said of his admiration for the 2012 alumnus. “… He should be the blueprint for every kid that plays this game.”
Thanks to his devotion to the team concept, Kerrigan reveled with the Saints in ’11 and ’12 as they captured the Catholic League title. Having also scored All-League nods during the campaigns, he went on to give his alma mater further bragging rights by venturing to Temple. Two years at the North Philly-situated university bore great memories, and he knew he could not stew when then-Director of Athletics Kevin Clark told the baseball team and six other programs that the location could no longer field squads.
“I had a great opportunity at Temple, and it was definitely shocking to hear that news,” Kerrigan said. “I wanted to further my baseball identity, so I started to search.”
He adjusted to campus life at Virginia Commonwealth with ease yet did not immediately look to be a team leader, leaving that title to the seniors.
“I knew that would have to change,” he said of preparing for his swan song. “I wanted to become stronger in all aspects because there’s definitely the potential for us to be a terrible opponent for anyone we face.”
The Rams proved to be just that last season, winning the Atlantic 10 Tournament and the Dallas Baptist Regional of the College World Series, the latter yielding an All-Regional selection for the South Philly son, who stroked five hits, including four doubles, in four games. The Rams fell to the mighty Miami Hurricanes in the Coral Gables Super Regional, but Kerrigan did his part as a motivator and producer, collecting three hits in seven at-bats and making five putouts in right field.
“We knew that was in us, just like we know we could make a memorable run this time, too,” he said, validating every point that went into Kontos’ 500-word nomination essay.
With seven more regular season games left and the Atlantic 10 Tournament to follow, the Rams figure to butt in on talks about who will impress fans and prognosticators. No matter what, Kerrigan, who has one year to complete as an exercise science major but who will run out of athletic eligibility once this season ends, will continue to make his old stomping grounds proud, with Messina particularly eager for the future.
“I can’t wait to be at his first game when he makes it because I am confident it will happen,” the resident of the 2700 block of South Marvine Street said. “I would never bet against Jimmy.” SPR
Contact Editor Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
Jimmy Kerrigan continues to make South Philly proud through his Virginia Commonwealth University feats.
Photos provided by VCU Athletics
