Jay is a left-handed starting pitcher who was drafted in the 34th round by the Texas Rangers out of Barry University of the Sunshine State Conference (IBC’s top-ranked NCAA II Conference).

In his first year of professional baseball, Jay threw 26 innings of relief work for the Rangers between Rookie and Advanced-A ball. He finished the season at 2-0 with 4 saves while holding down an era of 2.42 and striking out 24 to only 11 walks. He was then told by the Rangers that they “do not have a spot for him” and was released at the end of the 2015 season, his only season of affiliated baseball.

2016 brought another successful season of pro ball, this time in the Frontier League with the Traverse City Beach Bums. Jay finished the season with 3.00 era in 27 innings of relief work while striking out 30 and surrendering only 8 walks.

In 2017 Jay signed on with the Winnipeg Gold Eyes of the American Association and had two rough outings in seven appearances and was released. 

In 2018 Joe first took his career overseas to the Czech Republic and remarkably finished the season with a 1.81 era despite playing on the last place team. He has a similar season during the following winter playing in the very competitive Victoria Summer League in Melbourne, where he once again was a top pitcher from a last place team.

In 2019 Joe finally signed with a top team, this time in France and dominated the league, and also led them to the Challange de France championship where he came in to close out the final three innings of the championship game. As seen in this video:

Jay is a low angle lefty who likes to challenge hitters and has always had a good strikeout-to-walk ratio throughout his career. His cut fastball ranges in velo from 85-87 mph and sinker 87-92 mph, which are complemented by a slider and very good split change-up. Jay enjoys friendly competition against the other pitchers on his team, pushing each other to strive for bigger and better personal goals.

On his college bio he is described as a “Tough competitor that battles and shows great composure on the mound”, evident in his 2 complete games in college in 11 starts and 6 saves.

Jay has some experience as a pitching coach at the high school level and is open to being an assistant coach or pitching coach for any club which signs him. He is also comfortable working with players in the weight room.

Any club in need of a professional pitcher who has a successful history pitching at a high level is encouraged to reach out to Jay with any expressions of interest.

Pro/College Achievements

2015: AZL Rangers: 1.69 ERA with 14 k’s and only 2 walks in 16 innings

2015: Drafted by the Texas Rangers (Article)

2015: 1st player from his high school to be drafted (Article)

2015: Lead Barry in ERA (4.89), strikeouts (58), opponents batting average (.274), and saves (3)

2014: Lead Barry with most wins (4) and tied for most saves (2)