Charlotte, NC (June 26, 2023) – Sophomore Jairo Vasquez (Lawrence) has been named the NJCAA Division III National Pitcher of the Year as announced today by the NJCAA Baseball Committee. Vazquez becomes the first Northern Essex student-athlete to be named a national of the year winner since Colby Maiola was the Player of the Year in 2016.

The first team All-American selection and Pitcher of the Tournament at the NJCAA World Series, Vazquez led the nation in earned run average 0.93 and was tied for first in strikeouts with 121 over 68 innings pitched. In 14 appearances he was 8-0 on the season with one save.

His 16.01 strikeouts per nine innings also ranked second in the country.

"Jairo had a truly remarkable and record-breaking season.  His lead by example and maturity is what propelled our team to the NJCAA Championships.  Jairo has a work ethic and mindset that will follow him to the professional level.  I could not be any prouder of Jairo as the person he has become," stated NECC head coach Jeff Mejia

Vasquez and the Knights concluded one of the most successful seasons in the programs history as they finished with an overall record of 38-8 and a third-place finish in the World Series in Greeneville, TN. In their ninth all-time World Series appearance it was the third top three finish to go along with 2012 and 2016 (runner-up).