Courtesy of Norfolk State Athletic Communications


NORFOLK, Va. – Norfolk State redshirt junior James Deloatch was named this week as the preseason HBCU Div. I Pitcher of the Year by the web site Black College Nines.

Deloatch earned third-team All-MEAC honors in 2021 while helping the Spartans capture their first-ever MEAC title. Deloatch went 7-3 with a 2.88 ERA in 13 appearances last season. He struck out 66 hitters in 72 innings while allowing just 56 hits and a .216 opponents' batting average.

Deloatch pitched three complete games last year, including a four-hit shutout in the winners' bracket final of the MEAC championship against North Carolina Central. Deloatch tied for second in the MEAC in wins while ranking third in ERA, innings pitched and opponents' average.

The Spartans open the 2022 season at home with a three-game series with Marist Feb. 18-20.