West Windsor, N.J. – Ryder Tallent only struck out 11 batters in 2020, before his sophomore season at Mercer County Community College (MCCC) was cut short by the national coronavirus pandemic.

Fortunately, the shortened season didn’t curtail his higher education and baseball dreams, as the left-handed pitcher committed to Rutgers University on May 7.

“Ryder was a great teammate, hard worker and excellent student. He was one of our captains and helped bring along a very young group this year,” said MCCC baseball Head Coach Fred Carella.

In addition to being named to the Fall 2018 Garden State Athletic Conference All-Conference Academic Team, Tallent is recognized by his teammates as one of the squad’s hardest workers.

“The growth he showed from his freshman to sophomore years was undeniable. I have no doubt he would have continued to grow into a dominant weekend starter for us this season,” Carella said.

This season, Tallent’s best outing came on March 1, in a double-header against the University of Connecticut at Avery Point. Through three innings he struck out six batters while posting a 0.00 ERA. That game, the MCCC Vikings walked away with a 6-5 victory and the team’s second win of the season.

Though Tallent is looking forward to playing baseball, making new friends and majoring in education at Rutgers, he is quick to note the impact Mercer had on his game and studies.

“My teammates, coaches, friends and teachers all taught me hard work is an important characteristic to succeed, both on the field and off the field.”

Return to Baseball

Return to Current News

MCCC Home Page

Ryder Tallent committed to Rutgers University on May 7 .