The Tyler ISD Athletic Department proudly announces the first inductee into the 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame.
Mr. Jarrod Bitter was recognized during halftime of the Tyler Legacy vs. Marshall football game on September 13 at CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium for his outstanding high school, collegiate, and professional baseball career. Bitter, a 1997 honor graduate of Robert E. Lee High School, played NCAA Division 1 college baseball at the University of Houston (U of H) for three years before being drafted in the Major League Baseball draft by the San Diego Padres in 2000. Bitter had the privilege to play three seasons with the San Diego Padres minor league system and spent time at every minor league level in the organization.
Bitter was a three-year varsity starter for the Tyler Lee Red Raider baseball team and was the only player his senior year to sign to play college baseball. He concluded his senior year with several accolades, including first-team All-State, first-team All-East Texas, District 12-5A MVP, and Team MVP, batting .457 with six home runs and 36 RBIs. Jarrod was a starter in the East Texas All-Star game in 1997 and played the summer after his junior and senior year with the Austin Slam Baseball Club, where he was a member of the 1996 AAU National Championship team.
From the moment he stepped onto the field at U of H in 1998, Bitter made an immediate impact, earning a spot on the Conference USA All-Freshman Team with a .331 batting average and five home runs. He was also named to the Commissioner’s Honor Roll in 1998, 1999, and 2000, highlighting his excellence both on the field and in the classroom. His summer stint with the Torrington Twisters in the New England Collegiate Baseball League further showcased his talents as he led the team in home runs, hits, doubles, RBIs, and slugging percentage, earning All-Star honors.
Bitter’s breakout season came in 1999 when he led Conference USA with a staggering .476 batting average in conference play, a mark that remains second all-time. He also led the team in hitting that year. His dominance at the plate continued as he topped the conference in on-base percentage at .552 and was named 2nd-Team All-Conference. That year, he also played a pivotal role in leading the Cougars to a Regular Season Conference Championship and was named to the Conference USA All-Tournament Team. In addition, that year, he was part of a unique NCAA record-setting game against Baylor that lasted 22 innings, and he caught every inning of that game.
In 2000, Bitter again led the team in hitting, and his leadership and clutch performances propelled Houston to Regular Season and Conference USA Tournament Championships, where he was named Tournament MVP. His excellence on the field was matched by his accolades, including being named to the All-America Team by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. He also played a key role in guiding the Cougars to a school-record 48 wins, a Regional Championship, and a Super-Regional host.
Bitter’s legacy is further cemented by his numerous school records and top rankings in multiple statistical categories, including 2nd all-time in RBIs, 3rd in career doubles, and 4th in batting average. Recognized for his achievements, he was named to the University of Houston Rayner Noble All-Decade Team in 2005, a fitting tribute to one of the most outstanding players in Cougar baseball history.
During Bitter’s three seasons with the Padres organization, he was a member of the Pioneer League champion Idaho Falls Padres in 2000 and the California League champion Lake Elsinore Storm in 2001. The 2001 Storm was named Minor League Team of the Year after the September 11 attacks ended their season early.
After his playing days ended in 2002, Bitter began coaching high school baseball at Bishop TK Gorman Catholic School in Tyler. After coaching for seven years, he transitioned to school administration and served Whitehouse ISD, Canton ISD, and Tyler ISD on the path to his current position as the Carthage ISD superintendent.
To be considered for the Athletic Hall of Fame, an athlete, coach, or contributor must be nominated. To nominate someone, visit the Tyler ISD Athletics website.
For more information on the Tyler ISD Athletic Hall of Fame, contact Greg Priest at 906-262-3080.