Student-Athlete Spotlight: Jeremy Chapman

Sport: Baseball
Position: Pitcher
Year: Senior
Hometown: Waterford, Conn.
High School: Waterford
Height/Weight: 5-11/200
Major: Sport Management

Jeremy Chapman didn’t have any ambitions of playing baseball in college. But one phone call and four years later, he sits atop the national Division III leaders in both earned run average and hits allowed per nine innings.

Chapman, a senior left-hander and ace of the Mariners pitching staff, is enjoying the finest season of his four-year career. In five appearances he has posted a 4-0 record and allowed only three earned runs in 34.0 innings. As of Monday’s NCAA reporting deadline, his 0.79 ERA is the only sub-1.00 ERA in the country at the DIII level. He also ranks first in hits allowed per nine innings (4.24) and fourth in strikeouts per nine innings (12.18).

A graduate of Waterford High School, Chapman slipped under the radar on a talented Lancers squad that sent five players on to Division I programs. But a call from the Mitchell coaching staff brought him to New London, and he started his collegiate career by winning his first five starts. After going 6-2 and earning a spot on the CUNYAC All-Stars Second Team as a rookie, he was named CUNYAC Pitcher of the Year in 2008 while leading the Mitchell staff in ERA (5.04), complete games (5), innings pitched (50.0) and strikeouts (54).

Last season, Mitchell’s first in the New England Collegiate Conference, Chapman found himself struggling to maintain his success. His body was wearing down and his arm felt weak, and he pulled himself from the rotation late in the year. He finished the season with a 2-5 record and an ERA over 7.00.

“I knew that I was hurt last year because I didn’t do very much to prepare myself for the season,” said Chapman. “I wasn’t going to let that happen again this year. So over the summer, I hit the weight room hard and focused on my lower body and core. I also did a lot of cardio work to cut some weight and help my endurance.”

Chapman credits longtime friend and teammate John McGarry with keeping him motivated through the two-hour workouts they endured four days a week. The results have been evident, as Chapman has gone the distance in four of his five starts this season. He threw a one-hitter with nine strikeouts against Lyndon State College on March 27, and he fanned a career-high 15 batters in a seven-inning game against Southern Vermont on April 10.

With a fastball in the mid-80s and a change-up to keep batters off balance, Chapman has been cruising through lineups this spring. Opposing teams are batting just .133 and have yet to homer off him. Best of all, Chapman has the Mariners in the thick of the race for the top seed in the upcoming NECC Championship. Mitchell is currently tied atop the conference standings with Daniel Webster College with a 6-3 record.

Did You Know?

Jeremy was named the CUNYAC Pitcher of the Year in 2008 … his favorite food is chicken Caesar salad ... his favorite sports team is the New York Yankees ... his favorite athlete is Derek Jeter.

Q & A

Why did you choose Mitchell College?

I hadn’t given much thought to playing baseball in college. One day I got a call from the coach, and he suggested that this would be a good place for me. In enrolled in a few classes and it all started from there. I liked that the college was small and that it had a family-like atmosphere. With smaller class sizes, you get to know the professors and they get to know you as an individual. 

What are your career aspirations?

After graduation, I’d like to start a career in business or construction management—anything that keeps me from being indoors. 

Why do you play baseball? How did you get started?

I started playing ball in the backyard when I was three or four years old. I grew up across the street from (current Mitchell teammate) John McGarry. We’ve been playing ball together for a long time, from Little League through high school and into college.

What is your role on the team?

As a captain I try to lead by example. I’ve also tried to help teach some of the younger players what the college game is all about. And being the No. 1 starter, I feel like it’s my job to go out and set the tone in the first game of each conference series.

What has being on the baseball team meant to you?

I’ve always liked being part of a team, and the team here at Mitchell has a real family atmosphere to it. As a pitcher, I also like the challenge having a big responsibility on my shoulders. I always want to go out and prove what I can do and be successful for my teammates.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I enjoy extreme sports, four-wheeling, outdoor activities, bon fires and hanging out with friends. 

How do you and your team display good sportsmanship?

I try to make sure that we don’t throw helmets or act up in the dugouts. We also don’t talk back to the umpires and show respect to both them and the other team.