WC's Fortenberry NJCAA DI Pitcher of Year

Sophomore Robert Fortenberry of Weatherford College has been named the National Junior College Athletic Association Division I Pitcher of the Year.

This season for the Coyotes, Fortenberry had a 2.19 ERA with 75 strikeouts and a 13-0 record with 74 innings played. His 13 wins were second in the nation, while his 2.19 ERA was 13th.   

“Robert Fortenberry exemplifies excellence in every facet of life,” said Jud Kinzy, WC pitching coach. “Whether on the field or off, he consistently shines and embodies the spirit of a champion in all he undertakes. When it’s a Bob start day, you can count on his relentless effort and unwavering determination to get a win, regardless of the situation.  

“He stands as one of the most remarkable players to don a Coyote uniform. I’ll miss giving him the ball and watching him take the mound, but I look forward to what his future holds. It’s been an absolute privilege to know him both as an athlete and as a person.”

Fortenberry, from Frisco, had a two-year record of 23-1 for the Coyotes, helping them to a 98-26 record. This included a 53-11 mark in 2023 that was highlighted by a third-place finish at the NJCAA Division I World Series in Grand Junction, Colorado, followed by a 45-15 record in 2024.  

“This is a well-deserved honor for Fortenberry,” said Jeff Lightfoot, Coyotes head baseball coach. “This is a guy that shows up every day for work and competes his tail off. Robert left his mark on our program and leaves behind an example of what being a Coyote is all about.”  

Last season for Weatherford, Fortenberry had a 2.74 ERA with 79 strikeouts and 10 wins in 75.2 innings played.

“Robert Fortenberry’s selection as the 2024 NJCAA DI Baseball Pitcher of the Year is no surprise,” said WC President Tod Allen Farmer. “This national award is indicative of the excellence of our baseball program and our athletic programs in general.”  

The NJCAA DI Baseball All-American will continue his academic and athletic career at Mississippi State next year. 

Other 2024 accomplishments for Fortenberry include:

• NJCAA DI First Team All-America. 
• All-Northern Texas Junior College Athletic Conference. 
• Co-Conference Pitcher of the Year. 
• First Team All-Region V. 
• Two-time NJCAA Region V North Pitcher of the Week.