Ex-Delbarton Pitcher, NJ Native Shawn Rapp Making Waves at North Carolina

When it comes to recent graduates of Delbarton’s top baseball program, fans might think of pitcher Jack Leiter (current Texas Rangers top prospect) and shortstop Anthony Volpe (New York Yankees’ No. 1 prospect/Somerset Patriots).

But then there is North Carolina pitcher Shawn Rapp, who graduated from New Jersey’s Delbarton School in 2019.

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound sophomore, who resides in Mendham, N.J., has posted a 4-0 record with a 3.98 ERA with 56 strikeouts to 22 walks in 43 innings of work through May 28th.

The soon-to-be 22-year-old Rapp, as a freshman, appeared in eight games for the Tar Heels, all out of the bullpen. He threw 7.1 innings, including a season-high 2.1 against Elon (2/18) in his collegiate debut. The Livingston-born lefty finished with a 1.23 ERA while recording six strikeouts.

Perfect Game had Rapp ranked as the No. 1 left-handed pitcher and No. 18 player as a high school senior, in New Jersey. The two-time captain at Delbarton led the Green Wave to a NJ state title and a runner-up finish. He registered a 10-1 mark with 109 punchouts and a sub-2.00 ERA over his junior and senior seasons. He also attended the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.

It seems as if Rapp is ticketed for an MLB Draft Day call in the not-so-distant future. He is certainly a baseball player to eye going forward.

— Jerry Del Priore

Photo: North Carolina Tar Heels Athletics.