June 23, 2025

Luke Fernandez named DI Baseball Pitcher of the Year

Charlotte, NC: Wallace State - Hanceville (AL) right-handed pitcher Luke Fernandez has been named the 2025 NJCAA Division I Baseball Pitcher of the Year.

The sophomore put together an incredible season for the Lions, striking out the second-most batters in the nation with 127 and holding a nation-leading 1.34 ERA. Fernandez also finished the season with six complete games and four shutouts. He finished the season with an 8.2 record and 80.2 innings pitched, and with a WHIP of .79.

"Luke Fernandez is the most complete pitcher I've ever coached. In my opinion, he's the most dominant pitcher the Alabama JUCO system has ever had. Congratulations to Luke on winning this most deserving award," Wallace State head baseball coach Randy Putman said.

"Over the time I have known and worked with Luke, I have consistently been impressed by his talent, discipline, and leadership both on and off the field. His command of the mound is matched by his unrelenting work ethic and commitment to excellence," said the assistant baseball coach Daniel Howard.

The Cummings, Georgia native led the nation in strikeouts per nine innings, 14.17, and had eight different appearances where he struck out over 10 batters.

In his two seasons at Wallace State, Fernandez has accumulated a career 2.99 ERA over 165.2 innings. This includes 227 strikeouts and a 10-6 record in 28 total appearances. He has been named the Alabama Community College Conference (ACCC) Pitcher of the Year each of the last two seasons and was named First-Team All-ACCC, too.

"Luke was the unquestioned leader of our pitching staff. He was a model of consistency and made everyone around him better. Although he is a great pitcher, I think his best attribute is that he an outstanding person," Wallace State assistant baseball coach Blake Miller said.

Fernandez has committed to continuing his baseball career at Purdue University.

"Luke is very determined and the jump I watched him make from his freshman year to year to sophomore was incredible. Every time he touched the mound this year I knew he was going to dominate. He has the character and determination to have a long career in this game. It was a pleasure to witness what he accomplished this year," Wallace State sophomore outfielder Jamie Howze said.

NJCAA Accomplishments

2025 NJCAA DI Baseball First-Team All-America Selection
Two-time ACCC Pitcher of the Year
Two-time ACCC First-Team All-Conference
National leader in ERA (1.34)
National leader in Strikeouts per game (14.17)
6 Complete Games
127 strikeouts