Video: Jason Groome highlightsProjected No. 1 pick ruled ineligible by NJSIAA.Jason Groome, the
Barnegat (N.J.) lefthanded pitcher who is regarded as the potential No. 1 pick in the 2016 Major League Baseball draft, has been ruled ineligible by the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association.
According to a
report on NJ.com, Groome was ruled ineligible because he did not sit out 30 days, the required amount of time, following his transfer from IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.). Groome began his high school career in his hometown of Barnegat, but transferred to IMG Academy for his junior season. He decided to return to Barnegat for his senior year.
Groome began the season with a 10-strikeout performance in his debut and had a 19-strikeout no-hitter against Central Regional in his second game. According to NJ.com, however, the stats for those games will be erased and Barnegat will be forced to forfeit those games.
Groome's ineligibility will not necessarily affect his draft status. Potential draft picks do not have to play for a high school team in order to be selected in the draft. Many mock drafts list Groome as the No. 1 overall pick, which is held by the Philadelphia Phillies.
Jason Groome struck out 29 batters in two outings this season.
Photo by Richard Ta
