Getting to Know: Rascals' Jimel Judon

Myrtle native Jimel Judon made news upon his arrival in the BNA Bank Cotton States League. With his 6'6, 270 lbs. frame, he looks like all of the other athletes he is competing against, except for the fact he is still in high school.

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“With Jimel being one of the top 150 on the draft list for next year, we thought it would be a good thing for the league itself while giving him an opportunity to see where he compares to the college players while still in high school,” Rascals head coach Chris Basil said.  “He's a big kid and he has what the major league teams are looking for with his big frame. He's an incredible looking athlete, and he's a home grown boy, so we just wanted to give him an opportunity to play with these older guys and learn as much as he can.”

So far Judon has struggled with the adjustment to the wooden bat, as he is batting .167, but the Myrtle senior hopes to improve throughout the summer.

“I'm kind of struggling right now, but I'll pick it up,” Judon said. “With the wooden bats, you've really got to hit it square, and that's something I'm trying to adjust to right now.”

Being the youngest player in the field is not an issue for Judon, who looks at this as a great opportunity to play against some of the best in the area.

“There's pressure, but you have to learn to live with it,” Judon explained. “I hope to get better as a baseball player because I know playing in the competition will help make me a better player on top of what I've accomplished in high school, so this league is great for me.”

One of the most surprising things about Judon is that he is already committed to one of the premier college clubs in the south, Ole Miss, who he plans to play for after finishing at Myrtle.

“Coach Bianco is a great guy and I love him,” Judon said. “I'm really looking forward to going over there and showing what I've got, and if they like it, that's a plus. I'm just ready to go over there and give it my best effort.”

You can watch Judon and the Rascals all summer in the BNA Bank Cotton States League.