June 9, 2009

Jackson Highlight Video

BERKELEY, CALIF. - University of California junior center fielder Brett Jackson became the fourth-highest draft pick in Golden Bear baseball history when he was selected in the first round by the Chicago Cubs, and was the 31st pick overall, during the opening day of the 2009 Major League First-Year Player Draft on Tuesday, June 9. Jackson is the third first-round pick for the Golden Bears since 2000 under head coach David Esquer.

Jackson, from Orinda, Calif. (Miramonte High School), trails only right-hander Brandon Morrow, who was the fifth pick overall by the Seattle Mariners in 2006; shortstop/outfielder Ted Parks, who was the 16th pick overall by the Baltimore Orioles in 1966 and first baseman David Cooper, who was the 17th pick overall by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2008; as Cal's top draft picks. Jackson and Cooper were teammates on the Bears NCAA Regional team in 2008.

An outstanding left-handed hitting center fielder, Jackson was All-Pac-10 this past spring, batting .321 with 17 doubles (6th in Pac-10), six triples (2nd in Pac-10), eight home runs and 41 RBI. He was a 2009 first-team preseason All-American by Baseball America and was Cal's first, first-team preseason All-America selection since outfielder Brennan Boesch in 2006. He is tied for fourth on Cal's career triple list (11) and is tied for fifth on the Bears' single-season triple list (six in 2009).

A talented fielder with a strong arm and above average speed, Jackson started the 2009 season on a career-high 18-game hitting streak (31-for-76, .408, 8-2B, 3B, 4-HR, 14 RBI) and had a spectacular game May 12 versus Sacramento State, going 4-for-6 with an RBI single, a three-run triple and a grand slam for a career-high eight RBI. His eight RBI tied a Cal record for single-game RBI with Dan McInerny in 1979 (versus Saint Mary's) and Brian Horwitz in 2003 (versus Texas-Pan American). At Miramonte High School, Jackson was a 2005 All-CIF shortstop, batting .385 with seven doubles, six triples, four home runs and 34 RBI. Majoring in art at Cal, he is two-time honorable mention Pac-10 All-Academic selection as well.

Jackson's Notables:

11 Triples tied for fourth (with Warren Lavorel, 1955-57) on the Cal all-time list

Six Triples in 2009 tied for fifth (with six others) on the Cal single-season list

Eight RBI in single game is tied for first (with Dan McInerny and Brian Horwitz) on the Cal single-game list

Jackson's Career Statistics
YEAR	AVG	G	AB	R	H	RBI	2B	3B	HR	BB	SO	SB
2007	.230	43	61	13	14	4	1	1	0	12	20	4
2008	.307	56	202	36	62	40	7	4	4	24	36	12
2009	.321	53	218	42	70	41	17	6	8	29	61	11
Total	.303	152	481	91	146	85	25	11	12	65	117	27

Career Bests
Most Hits: 4, twice, last time May 12, 2009 vs. Sacramento State (4-for-6, 3B, HR, 8 RBI)
Most Runs: 3, Feb. 23, 2008 vs. Utah Valley
Most RBI: 8, May 12, 2009 vs. Sacramento State (4-for-6, 3B, HR)
Career Grand Slams: 2, last time May 12, 2009 vs. Sacramento State
Longest Hitting Streak: 18, Feb. 20-March 21, 2009 (31-for-76, .408, 8-2B, 3B, 4-HR, 14 RBI)