« Baseball 2014

Jeff Keller

School
Dartmouth College
Position
Outfield
Major
Economics
AVG
.294
R
25
H
37
FLD%
1.000
RBI
13

Classroom

Keller is an economics major with a 3.96 GPA. He was named Dartmouth’s first-ever Academic All-American in baseball in 2013, making the first team. He is a Rhodes Scholarship finalist, an early inductee in Phi Beta Kappa (top 20 in class) and a two-time Academic All-Ivy.

Character

From head coach Bob Whalen: “The fundamental essence of leadership, and having the respect of the people that matter to you the most, requires the ability to maintain integrity at all times and keeping the trust of those same people. Truly great captains and players are ones that possess the highest level of personal character, are the hardest workers in their attempt to constantly try to improve, while being one of the most talented. Jeff Keller combines all of these traits and more. He is one of the best captains and leaders I have ever coached while being a player that will own several Dartmouth Baseball records after he’s done playing. Jeff is the most respected player in our program and is admired by all of the coaches in our league.”

Community

Keller participated in Big Green Readers during his junior year, going once a week to local elementary schools to spend time with the children. Was also involved with Best Buddies, a mentor program for special needs kids in the Upper Valley region. He has also volunteered at the Riekes Center in California, a center for underprivileged children, handicapped veterans and others.

Competition

Keller was named 2014 Preseason Ivy League Player of the Year by both Baseball America and College Sports Madness. The two-time captain was named the best pure hitter and the hitter a team least wants to face by the Ivy League coaches in a survey by CollegeBaseballInsider.com. An All-America honorable mention from CollegeBaseballInsider.com, All-Ivy First Team, New England All-Star First Team and ABCA All-Region Second Team in 2013. He led Division I in doubles per game (0.53) and the Ivy League in doubles (21), triples (4), runs (39), RBIs (41), total bases (99) and slugging percentage (.702 - 5th nationally); also third in the league in batting (.369) and on-base percentage (.453), plus second in home runs (6); led Dartmouth to a school-record 32 victories (against just 9 defeats); ranked among top 10 in Ivy League in batting, on-base percentage and slugging as a sophomore as well.