South Effingham High School retires Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher J.B. Wendelken's No. 14 jersey
GUYTON — J.B. Wendelken admitted being a little nervous when handed a microphone to speak at a ceremony in the South Effingham High School gym on Dec. 14.
The Mustangs were honoring their Major League Baseball pitcher by retiring the No. 14 that he wore proudly as a prep star.
“I can play in front of 50,000 without nerves but put me in my high school gym …,” Wendelken said smiling, now at ease in the school hallway as friends waited their turns to offer congratulations.
The Arizona Diamondbacks’ 6-foot-1, 242-pound righty reliever has never forgotten where he got his first start. And the 28-year-old is back in the area, working out in Statesboro, to sharpen his skills during the MLB owners lockout.
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In parts of five major-league seasons, Wendelken is 8-5 with a 3.72 earned-run average. He fought through a torn oblique but finished 2021 on a career high after getting an opportunity with a struggling team. The D’backs were 52-110 last season, but Wendelken went 2-2 with a 4.34 ERA and registered his first two career saves after being picked up from waivers.
In a memorable outing, he pitched a one-two-three ninth inning to record a save against the Atlanta Braves.
“That was a dream come true right there and it was a save,” Wendelken said. “I never had an opportunity for a save (before 2021). It was fun.
“It wasn’t a great year, but I could handle it. Coming off a torn oblique, it was about getting back out there and having fun. I feel very confident (going into the 2022 season). I put myself in a good situation. I showed what I could do and the team wanted me back, and that’s all you can ask for.”
Reddick and Wendelken in MLB
SEHS wanted Jeffrey Benjamin Wendelken, a 2011 graduate, back, too. Few schools put one athlete in professional sports, but the Mustangs have two who seemingly followed in a parallel universe.
Wendelken is six years younger than Josh Reddick, who has played in the majors for 13 seasons. Both went to Middle Georgia State. Both were drafted by the Boston Red Sox — Wendelken in the 13th round in 2012, Reddick in the 17th round of 2006.
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When Wendelken was called up from the minors by Oakland in 2016, Reddick was the Athletics' right fielder.
They were almost teammates again in Arizona, but the team released Reddick a week before picking up Wendelken.
“I know him personally, but I haven’t talked to him in a long time,” Wendelken said. “Following in his footsteps was always an honor. When guys come from this (SEHS) program and get drafted, make it to the big leagues or play ball anywhere, it’s impressive. I’m glad we had a root system to start from and be able to build up.”
Wendelken played two years for coach Tony Kirkland and two years for coach Ron Womack. As a senior, Wendelken went 11-3 as a pitcher and hit more than .400 while earning All-Greater Savannah baseball team honors.
Womack introduced Wendelken to the SEHS crowd at halftime of the Mustangs' basketball game with Statesboro.
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“(Wendelken) had an extreme amount of talent, but it takes the intangibles to get where he is today,” Womack said. “Hard work, the drive, the dedication. … He helped us win a lot of ball games.”
Wendelken’s rise to the big leagues continues to make an impression on youths. He missed the entire 2017 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, but returned with his fastball in the upper 90s intact.
“It’s unbelievable, just the sheer fact that (South Effingham is) willing to put my name out there (as an example of) the future for other guys,” Wendelken said. “Me and Reddick have been there and done that, and it shows them their dreams aren’t impossible.”
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher JB Wendelken high school jersey retired
