VCU’s Mathis is a marquee attraction
Fred Jeter | 5/4/2023, 6 p.m.
A.J. Mathis is both the leadoff man and the leading man for VCU baseball.
If the Rams are to make a run at another Atlantic 10 title and NCAA bid, expect the 5-foot-8 left-handed hitting centerfielder to lead the way.
Heading into this week’s games, here’s how the native Florid- ian ranks among the leaders in the 14-school conference.
• Runs scored: 59, first
• On-base percentage: .526, first
• Walks: 38, second
• Stolen bases: 15 out of 17, sixth
• Doubles: 13, eighth
• Batting average: .358, eighth
• Fielding percentage: 1.000, tied for first
VCU is Mathis’ third college address.
He began his career at Florida State and played one season at Eastern Florida State College before transferring to VCU.
From Tampa, as a senior he led Jefferson High (alma mater of Hall of Famer Fred McGriff) to the Florida state title while hitting .444 and stealing 47 bases.
VCU started this week 23-22 overall and 8-7 in the A-10.
With Mathis at the top of Coach Bradley LeCroy’s lineup, the Rams will have the homefield advantage for the A-10 tournament May 23-27 at the Diamond.
Mathis had a strong junior season but operated in the shadow of A-10 Player of the Year Tyler Locklear
(with Seattle Mariners).
This season, Mathis takes a back seat to no one.
