Pearl River's Jacob Keys named ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glover

Dylan Dunaway - PRCC Sports Information Director

POPLARVILLE, Miss. — The American Baseball Coaches Association and Rawlings announced the 2025 NJCAA Division II Gold Glove team Wednesday afternoon and Pearl River baseball's Jacob Keys (Brandon) took home the honor at the catcher position.

Keys becomes PRCC's fourth-ever Gold Glove winner, joining Blaise Breerwood (2023), Luke Lyon (2023) and Dalton Cummins (2021).

"This is an incredible accomplishment and a true testament to Jacob's consistency, toughness and commitment to excellence behind the plate," head coach Michael Avalon said. "No position touches the baseball every game more, and to be recognized as the best defensive catcher in the country is something truly special.

"What made Jacob so valuable wasn't just his ability to block, throw and receive — it was the way he managed our pitching staff. His leadership, trust and feel for the game gave our pitchers confidence every time they took the mound. That relationship was a huge part of our success this seaosn. We're proud of the player and teammate Jacob is. This award is well-earned and well-deserved."

Keys didn't just win the award — he ran away with it. At a position where he touched the ball on nearly every play, Keys managed perfection in the 2025 season. Through 454 total chances, Keys did not make a single error.

Additionally, he had an incredible .375 runner caught stealing percentage and allowed just six passed balls. The Southeastern Louisiana signee only allowed 25 stolen bases on the year.

He was equally as valuable on offense, ending his lone season as a Wildcat with a .333 batting average, a .490 on-base percentage and a .582 slugging percentage. He tacked on 73 runs, 50 RBIs, 38 walks, 17 doubles and 10 homers. His 73 runs were the third most in a single season in PRCC history.

The award is yet another to cap off a fantastic season as Keys has already taken home First Team All-MACCC, All-Region 23 and NJCAA Second Team All-America.

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