Jim Newlin

From Shawnee Mission South High School in Overland Park, Jim Newlin was Wichita State’s first bullpen closer. He found his confidence in the role as a sophomore in 1988, saving seven games in 31 appearances. Following that season, Newlin found even more confidence with the Harwich Mariners in the prestigious Cape Cod League.

In 1989, Newlin had one of the great seasons in Shocker history. His overpowering fastball and dominating slider led to a nation-leading 18 saves and a 5-0 record. He posted saves in three of WSU’s five wins during their national championship run. Newlin was named to the College World Series all-tournament team.

All told, Newlin struck out 86 batters in 75 innings in 1989 and set Shocker records in appearances (38), earned run average (1.08), fewest hits per nine innings (5.2) and saves. He was drafted by the Seattle Mariners and went on to a seven-year professional career, reaching Class AAA with the Mariners and Florida Marlins’ organizations.

Newlin was inducted into the Shocker Hall of Fame in 1997.