Washington Nationals draft Air Force son

  • Published
  • By Matthew R. Weir
  • 1st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (ACCNS) --  Robby Jacobsen has been his father’s little slugger since 1984. Now he is on the Washington Nationals farm team.

The Washington Nationals, the newest Major League Baseball franchise, drafted Jacobsen, son of Col. Kevin Jacobsen, Air Force Office of Special Investigations 2nd Field Investigations Region commander here, in the 22nd round of the MLB amateur draft Wednesday, June 7.

Right-handed pitcher J.J. Pannell was also drafted to the Nationals and pitcher Jason Mills was drafted to the Baltimore Orioles in the 48th round.

Jacobsen concluded a tremendous four-year career with the George Mason University Patriots this past season, playing 30 games in the outfield and 21 games as catcher. He was named to the 2006 All-CAA second team at the utility position, according to a GMU press release.

He was the only Patriots player to play in every game this season and led the team in every meaningful statistical category, as he batted .326 with 71 hits in 218 at bats. He had 11 homers, 16 doubles, 37 RBI and 42 runs scored. He was also 20 of 24 in stolen bases.

For his career, he finished all-time top 10 at Mason in games started, at-bats, hits, runs, home runs, RBI, doubles, steals and total bases. He made just three errors this season and only 14 in his career. He finished his career with a streak of 164 straight starts, dating back to his freshman year. He is one of two players in school history with 30 homers, 50 doubles, 50 steals, 200 hits, 150 runs and 100 RBI. He made just 14 errors in four seasons.

It was a long road to the draft. Jacobsen started with tee ball at age 5, and he gave up a lot of summers playing ball. But now, it’s all paying off.

“Playing in the major leagues was one of my goals,” said the 21-year-old. “My first was to play division one college ball, and now I’m going to play for the Nationals.”

Jacobsen will speak with officials from the Nationals this week to find out if he is headed to Vermont or Florida to start on a farm team.

“I just feel lucky being here,” he said. “As long as I’m healthy, this is what I will do. In 10 years, I hope I’m a big league player.”

When Patriots head coach Billy Brown scouted Jacobsen during the player’s senior year of high school, he saw a player with natural ability, speed and talent, but he had little idea how Jacobsen would prove himself in four years. Jacobsen holds a GMU record with 164 starts. For two years, he started every game as catcher.

“That is just a stunning number,” said Brown. “There is some good fortune – not getting injured, but most of it was Robby’s desire and determination. I don’t think I’ll ever see those kinds of numbers again – especially in such a demanding position as catcher.”

Jacobsen agrees with Coach Brown’s comment about good fortune.

“I lucked out not having any big injuries,” Jacobsen said, even though he felt his share of bumps and bruises. One of his fingers is still twisted from a break he earned at catcher. “I don’t like to complain. I want to help the team out any way I can, so the only way I’m going to sit out is if I can’t move.”

College coaches see hundreds of players throughout their careers, but players with heart and determination like Jacobsen’s stand out from the pack.

“You could tell his upbringing had something to do with it,” Brown said. “His father made it to as many games as he could and always seemed to be supportive.”

“My dad is my #1 role model, in baseball and in life,” Jacobsen said. “He still says the same things now as in t-ball, ‘Keep your eye on the ball. It’s just a game.’ He doesn’t put any extra pressure on me.”

“It is exciting, fulfilling to see these kids move on,” Brown said. “You see these great kids work so hard and put so much into our program. It is great to see them be able to move on with their careers.”

Everyone will keep their eyes on Jacobsen around here. It is always good to see a hometown hero make good.