J.W. Mitchell (2013) - JMU Athletics Hall of Fame - James Madison University Athletics

J.W. Mitchell

Induction:
2013
Class:
1983

J.W. Mitchell was a three-year starting shortstop for the Dukes from 1976-78, helping lead the program to a 94-32 record in his three years in Harrisonburg. He led the team to a second-place finish in the 1976 NCAA Division II South Atlantic Regional, earning Regional All-Touranament Team honors and the first of his two JMU Most Valuable Defensive Player awards, with the other coming in 1978. A career .386 hitter, Mitchell had nine home runs, 13 triples, 30 doubles, 119 RBIs and 25 stolen bases in his career. He is still ranked fourth on JMU’s career batting average list and fourth in career triples. Following the 1978 season, Mitchell was drafted in the 16th round (#403 overall) and signed with the Chicago Cubs organization and played numerous seasons in their minor league system. His daughter Emma is currently a pitcher at the University of Virginia.