Sports

Tech alumnus signs for the Rockies

Former Tennessee Tech, three time Collegiate Baseball All-American, Jason Hinchman, takes a swing at the minor leagues after recently signing with The Colorado Rockies rookie affiliate team.

Hinchman originally signed in October to the Glacier Range Riders, a team associated with the independent baseball league called the Pioneer League. However, when the opportunity arose to join the Rockies, Hinchman swung for the fences and scored on January 25 as he signed to Colorado’s rookie team. 

The four-year Tennessee Tech starter finished his college career in June 2022 with a career batting average of.310, on base percentage of.426, and slugging percentage of.668. He was also named an All-American by Collegiate Baseball and earned All-OVC First team honors. Hincham is Tech’s and the OVC’s career home run king, with 70 home runs total, 26 of which are in his senior year alone. It is safe to say, the Colorado Rockies will add some power at the plate this season. 

When asked how Tennessee Tech has prepared him for the minor league, Hinchman responded: “It sounds cliché, but Tennessee Tech has prepared me with all the adversity it’s brought me. Without getting into too much detail, I came into TTU starting as a freshman. I ended up getting 27 at-bats, and I burnt my red shirt. Sophomore year, I was a top home run hitter in D1 baseball and wasn’t invited to the College Home Run Derby or the Cape Cod League (the best summer league in college baseball). Next, we lost a season because of COVID-19, and I was on track to be one of the greatest hitters in college baseball that season. Then, my junior year, I had a terrible year statistically, and that was my “prime” year to get drafted. I ended up not getting drafted that year and I didn’t get drafted this last year, my senior year, despite putting up a.372 average with 26 home runs. Regardless of all this, I have always bounced back from it and responded by putting up great numbers. These things have given me a chip on my shoulder, and it’s exactly what I’ll need to reach my goals in professional baseball.”

Hinchman holds high standards for himself and has many goals for his career. Jason then said, “My primary goal, not only for the ACL Rockies, but for every team I’ve ever played for and for every level I’m at in pro ball; is to be the best hitter. Being the best hitter in the league means a lot to me. Personally, I want to spend as little time as possible in the minors, so I can get to the Big Leagues as fast as I can. I want pitchers to be afraid of me, and I want to make my presence be known. I feel as though I’ve always been an under-the-radar player, and my first goal with the Rockies is to show everyone what they missed.”

Not only will the Colorado Rockies be adding a great batter to their roster, they will add a great teammate. Hinchman was an honored and loved member of the Tennessee Tech baseball team. Current Tennessee Tech outfielder, junior Austin Turner, described his former teammate as, “Jason was a great teammate and was always fun to be around. He was very sarcastic and always kept the spirits high in the room. As a player, he is the best hitter I have ever played with. He hit against everyone we played, no matter if it was SEC or OVC. I’m very proud of him, and now he will be in the major leagues one day.” 

The Rockies ACL 2023 season will take flight in Arizona at the Peoria Sports Complex on March 30 against the San Diego Padres at 3:10 p.m. You can catch Jason Hinchman in the outfield of The Rockies rookie team during this rookie season for Hinchman.