MTN Sports Director
Murfreesboro- DJ Wright made a strong presence in his first season for MTSU by proving what he is capable of on the field and at the plate. The “JUCO Bandit” found his way back home to play Division I baseball in his own backyard.
Wright graduated from Blackman High School in 2017. The former Blaze decided to take his baseball talents to Jackson State Community College where a strong freshman season caught the eye of bigger schools. Wright rallied up a .340 batting average in his first college season and brought in 43 RBIs with his 52 hits.
“I would give all that to my coaches from Jackson,” Wright said. “They brought me there to hit.”
After a strong career at Jackson State, Wright received the offer that was impossible to decline, to play baseball as a Blue Raider in his hometown of Murfreesboro.
“I’ve just been grinding to earn a spot on the team and hitting is where I stood out the most this past Spring.” Wright said.
On February 20, MTSU hosted Bradley University for the home opener at Reese Smith Jr. Field. After getting swept by North Carolina the weekend before, a win would provide momentum before four straight home games for the Blue Raiders. It turned out to be a huge game for DJ Wright.
In the bottom of the fourth of a scoreless game, Wright walked to the plate hoping to start something for the Blue Raiders. He contacted on an inside pitch and sent it flying high. Wright started running to secure at least a double from the deep ball, but managed to bounce it off the top of the left-center wall to bring himself home with a solo home run.
“My mom was only able to see me hit one home run in JUCO,” Wright said. “She was there, my brothers and sisters were there too so it was pretty awesome.”
After Wright’s bomb, MTSU went on to score four more runs in the next two innings to complete a 5-0 win to complete the perfect welcome home story.
“He was just getting started when the season was cut,” teammate Fuasto Lopez said. “He’s a natural baller and is relaxed in big situations. I can’t wait to watch him continue it next year.”
Wright says he is blessed to call MTSU home and already has his eyes on baseball’s return next season.