Vinings Ballplayer Signs Letter of Intent With Tech

A Vinings resident and Pace Academy baseball player has signed a letter of intent to play college ball at Georgia Tech.

Jared Datoc, a senior at Pace, racked up an impressive slash line playing as the everyday shortstop during the 2013 campaign. In 22 games, Datoc hit .464, had an on base percentage of .578, and scored 23 runs. In addition, Datoc was used on the mound as a relief pitcher.

Both Datoc and fellow Pace standout senior Raphael Ramirez were named 2013 Perfect Game Pre-Season High School All-Americans, bringing them attention from scouts as two of the best young players in the game. During Perfect Game's National Showcase in June, 2013, Datoc registered the eighth strongest infield arm in the country, clocking throws across the diamond at 92 mph.

Ramirez, who is committed to North Carolina State, socked 10 doubles, three triples, and two home runs with a .435 batting average in his 22 games in center field. He also stole 15 bases.

During October's World Wood Bat Association's championship tournament in Jupiter, FL, Datoc's East Cobb Astros made it to the quarterfinals. This was the highest finish for any Georgia-based team, including Ramirez's Atlanta Blue Jays. Datoc's performance during the tournament earned him All-Tournament Team honors.

Datoc, Ramirez and the rest of the Pace Academy Knights will kick off the 2014 season on Jan. 13.