Jacob Hurtubise is making the most of the unique opportunity he has been given to play professional baseball.
The second-year Chattanooga Lookouts outfielder graduated in 2020 from the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York, as a commissioned second lieutenant in the Army. Soon after, Hurtubise became the first service academy athlete to sign a pro baseball contract since Defense Secretary Mark Esper endorsed a policy in 2019 to permit cadets to delay active duty while playing pro sports.
"Basically what that policy said was, as long as you are providing positive exposure to West Point, to Army, our service academies and military, and you have a professional contract, we will allow you to play," Hurtubise said. "I am super grateful to have this opportunity to represent West Point. There are so many who would love to have the opportunity I have been given."
Hurtubise became an Army baseball legend as he rewrote several records for the college program with his aggressive base running and consistent approach at the plate. The left-handed hitter owns Black Knights records for stolen bases (105) and walks (142), and he was well on track to breaking the program mark for runs scored as he was only 11 off the record (174) before the coronavirus pandemic shut down his senior season in 2020.
In a breakout junior season, the Indianapolis native hit .375 with 69 walks compared to 26 strikeouts while posting a .986 on-base plus slugging percentage to go with 45 stolen bases and 71 runs scored in 61 games.
While speed was obviously an asset for Hurtubise, he never hit a home run in college and had just one over his first 492 minor league at-bats in his first two seasons in the Cincinnati Reds' system in 2021 and 2022.
Now, though, he has turned on the power, leading the Lookouts with three home runs over his first 53 at-bats heading into Wednesday's Southern League game against the visiting Birmingham Barons at AT&T Field. He also entered leading Chattanooga in runs scored (18), RBIs (11) and stolen bases (6) — plus a more painful category, having been hit by a pitch seven times.
"I am trying to put a little less pressure on myself," said Hurtubise, who has shined in the leadoff spot, where he is 15-for-45 (.333)."Mentally, I have come to the realization you can't play this game pressed. You have to be relaxed and remember it's just a game.
"This offseason I worked through Driveline baseball, and we used weighted bats. I was trying to increase my bat speed and the production I am able to bring to the plate. So far it seems to be working. I just keep making adjustments because it's a chess match out there against pitchers."
Hurtubise has caught the eyes of people in the Reds organization this season with his more relaxed approach and newfound pop, which is a nice bonus to his speed and ability to get around the bases. He is 22-for-25 on stolen bases with Chattanooga in two seasons and is fourth in the Southern League this year with a .443 on-base percentage.
He also takes pride in continual work on the small elements of his game, from pregame bunting to baserunning drills.
After playing for a state championship his senior season at Zionsville Community High School, Hurtubise had one only Division I offer, from Army; the rest were from Division III programs.
"Once I learned about the opportunities West Point could provide, it was a no-brainer," Hurtubise said. "It fit my personality. After my visit and meeting the people there, I was like, this is the place for me. The same things that helped me while I was at Army are helping me today. My grit, determination and perseverance. Because of what I learned at West Point and the things I had to endure there, it makes you realize you can handle any challenge that is put in front of you."
Only two players in West Point history have made it to the major leagues: pitcher Chris Rowley (2017-18) and outfielder Walt French (1923-29). If Hurtubise can continue his upward trajectory, he has a chance to make the exclusive list of Black Knights.
"Jacob has been a huge part of our baseball program and will be remembered as one of the greats in program history," Army baseball coach Jim Foster said in a statement released after Hurtubise was signed by the Reds. "He has been the definition of what we want in a player and more importantly, a person and a leader."
Hurtubise hopes to continue to make West Point proud.
"My mentors at Army poured into me and helped create the person I am today," Hurtubise said. "Character and leadership are huge to me. I am trying to spread positivity and energy to the people around me."
Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com.