Award given in recognition of qualities exhibited that reflect the courage and perseverance of Jackie Robinson

From www.atlantic10.cstv.com

April 16, 2007

[Editor's note: Derek Haese went 1-2 with a 2.45 ERA in five relief appearances for the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts in 2005]

George Washington's senior right-handed pitcher Derek Haese was presented with the 2007 Jackie Robinson Award Thursday night at "The First," an event to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's landmark integration of African American players into major league baseball.

The award is given in recognition of qualities exhibited that reflect the courage and perseverance of Jackie Robinson.

Haese began his career at GW in 2004 and, despite pitching in just one inning that year, he continued to work hard and by the following season, he had earned a spot in the team's bullpen. In 2006, Haese tied for the team lead with six wins and finished with a 2.09 ERA, on of the best in the country.

His defining moment came in the 2006 Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament. Facing elimination against Rhode Island, GW trailed 5-0 after five innings before scratching together enough runs to tie the game in the ninth. Headed into extra innings, Haese entered in relief and pitched the final nine frames. He constantly battled his way out of jams, as the Rams put runners in scoring position in the 11th, 13th, 14th, 16th and 17th innings. The game remained knotted at five until a home run in the 17th gave the Colonials the 5-4 win. In his nine innings of work, Haese struck out five and allowed just six hits.

The event also featured Major League Baseball's first African American manager, Frank Robinson, who received the inaugural GW Jackie Robinson Society Community Recognition Award for his contributions to baseball, Washington, DC, and our nation.

Copyright 2007.