Jake Austin (2004) - Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame - Wake Forest University Athletics

Jake Austin

Induction:
2004

Jake Austin, who played baseball for the Deacons from 1989-92, was named to the ACC's 50th Anniversary Team 2002. A four-time All-ACC selection, Austin was Wake Forest's all-time leader in triples (13) and at-bats (919) entering the 2010 season. Austin held WFU's home run crown for 11 years with 55 in his career.

In ACC history, only 10 players have hit more home runs and only nine have collected more RBI (236). A lifetime .345 hitter, Austin also ranks among Wake's all-time leaders in sacrifice flies, base hits and runs scored. He was named a third-team All-American in 1989 by Baseball America.

Austin helped lead the Deacons to four straight 30-win seasons, something Wake Forest had accomplished just once previously. Following his outstanding college career, Austin was selected in the 17th round of the 1992 Major League Baseball Draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates. He played four years in the Pirate organization, advancing to Double-A in 1994 and compiling a .274 batting average in 431 pro games over his career.

Austin was a Freshman All-America pick by Baseball American in 1989 and was the only freshman on the All-ACC team that season. Austin was a member of the USA Baseball National Team in 1989. Drafted by the Boston Red Sox following his junior season, Austin turned down the offer to return to Wake Forest for his senior season.