As a sophomore on the Illinois State University baseball team, Jay Molina hit a respectable .299 with 6 home runs and 30 runs batted in. But what stands out more is that he played five different defensive position and earned a base for being hit by a pitched ball a Missouri Valley Conference leading 21 times. Those are two big reasons why he is the 2004 Raymond W. Fairchild Memorial Award winner for Redbird baseball.
The Fairchild Memorial Award is a scholarship named for former Illinois State president Raymond W. Fairchild, who led the university from 1933 to 1954. It is presented annually to a junior baseball player.
Molina, who played catcher, first base, second base, third base and left field for the Birds--and, on occasion, was the teams designated hitter--pleased Redbird head coach Jim Brownlee with his versatility and work ethic.
Jay is primarily a catcher. Thats where hell play for us next year and thats where his future lies in professional baseball, but he has played everywhere weve asked him to play over his first two years, said Brownlee. He doesnt let little things bother him. I think Dr. Fairchild would appreciate his attitude. Hes a good student and a hard worker who comes to play.
A 2001 graduate of Moline High School, Molina spent his first college year as a redshirt freshman at Notre Dame before transferring to Illinois State. He appreciates the recognition of the Fairchild Award, and is looking forward to better days for Redbird baseball.
Its an honor. I want to thank coach Brownlee for giving me a chance to play and recommending me for this award, said Molina. Next year is going to a big year for us as a team. We have a solid foundation of guys coming back and some good players coming in who will be geared toward winning. Im looking forward to it because were going to turn this program around.
The Fairchild Memorial Award is one of 12 endowed scholarships available to Illinois State student-athletes which are funded by private donors. Though not one of the six fully-funded endowed scholarships at Illinois State University, the Fairchild Memorial Award provides significant support.
For more information about supporting this, or other Illinois State University endowments for student-athletes, call The Redbird Club office at (309) 438-3803.
