We’re just at the start of MLB spring training, but the college baseball season is now underway. And on Wednesday, we got to witness arguably the most highly anticipated pitching debut in college baseball this season.
It didn’t disappoint either.
Mississippi State freshman Jurrangelo Cijntje is an ambidextrous pitcher who made waves as a switch-pitcher in high school, boasting 92-plus mph fastballs from both righty and lefty. In his first collegiate outing against Louisiana-Monroe, Cijntje was straight-up dominant. He went four innings of scoreless baseball and allowed just one hit and one walk with seven strikeouts.
Just look at this overlay video. He’s only 19 and already has near-identical release points with both arms. That’s going to be a nightmare for any hitter.
Jurrangelo Cijntje, 97mph Fastball (right handed) & 92mph Fastball (left handed), Overlay. pic.twitter.com/1S7CuHtJKs
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) February 23, 2023
And some more highlights from his outing:
Mississippi State freshman Jurrangelo Cijntje pitched with both his right and left arm in his college debut! pic.twitter.com/tm4m39wORF
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) February 23, 2023
Switch-pitchers have been around before. Pat Venditte, for example, had a five-year MLB career. But none project as highly as Cijntje who was drafted in the 18th round out of high school by Milwaukee.
On Wednesday, Cijntje was hitting 97 mph with the right arm and 92 from the left. Fans were also impressed with college baseball’s newest star.
This was how Twitter reacted
Mirror image! Unbelievable! #HailState https://t.co/0CKKct1mnZ
— David Randall (@azwakesk8er) February 23, 2023
Incredible. https://t.co/DWNZGWlRjr
— Stephen (@Stephen_Donden) February 23, 2023
This is just absolutely insane. Good luck hitters. https://t.co/dqfiUeqCWO
— Allan Etmanski (@allanetmanski) February 23, 2023
At least we have this. What a talent https://t.co/O3pW4zoaii
— Swindeazy 🏴☠️ (@swindeazy) February 23, 2023
This is Ohtani levels of impressive. Maybe even higher https://t.co/3hcIZa0t46
— barnicle MAN (@tsolgood) February 23, 2023
I can barely throw 65mph with my one good arm. What in the hell is this… https://t.co/6OK67wxjU5
— Jack Smith 🎙 (@jacksmithpxp) February 23, 2023
This is one of the most insane things I’ve ever seen. https://t.co/QlZjULCNUi
— Ben Bilotti (@BenBilotti) February 23, 2023
This is insane. 😳😳 https://t.co/cAs3uSmPLd
— Conor Harrington (@Conmander17) February 23, 2023
College Baseball is in your backyard and passed out https://t.co/l04I3raMQX
— local bIogger (@fergoe) February 23, 2023
Good luck to any hitter who has to face him. They’re going to need it.
