Rutgers University Athletics

Why Rutgers? "I chose Rutgers because of the academic reputation, strong coaching staff and excellent competition in the Big Ten."
 
Head Coach Steve Owens: "Hugh is one of the top players in Canada at his position and continues to develop. He is a very good left-handed hitting catcher with soft hands and plus arm strength. In addition to catching, he is athletic enough to also play corner outfield."

2024 (Sophomore): Drew a walk, hit-by-pitch and scored twice at St. Joe's (2/27).

2023 (Freshman): Picked up three hits in series at Minnesota, including a three-run double in series finale (5/18-20) ... went 2-for-4 with an RBI single in series finale against Illinois (5/14) ... 4-for-10 in sweep of Penn State, driving in a run and scoring another (5/5-7) ... had hits in all three games at Purdue, going 3-for-10 with two runs scored in series (4/28-30) ... went 4-for-10 with three doubles in sweep at Northwestern (4/21-23) ... 2-for-3 with an RBI and run scored in win at Monmouth (4/18) ... 3-for-8 with an RBI double and run scored in series against Michigan (4/14-15) ... 5-for-9 with three runs, two RBIS and a double in series against Michigan State (3/31-4/2) ... 1-for-3 with an RBI and run scored in win over Rider (3/20) ... 3-for-11 with two runs scored in series at Mercer (3/17-19) ... 3-for-12 with three runs scored and three RBIs in sweep at Georgia Southern (3/10-11) ... 5-for-14 with two runs, three RBIs and two doubles at UNC Greensboro (3/3-5) ... was 1-for-3 with two runs scored and an RBI double in win over St. Joe's (3/1) ... had hits in all three games of Swig and Swine Classic, going 5-for-14 on the weekend with three runs scored and an RBI triple (2/24-26).

Prior to Rutgers: Ranked No. 5 overall prospect in Ontario and No. 1 catcher by Prep Baseball Report … ranked No. 20 overall prospect in Ontario and No. 1 catcher by Perfect Game … played baseball, basketball and football at Silverthorn Collegiate … member of the Canadian Junior National Team since 2021 … played travel ball for Diamond Jacks Baseball and Terriers Baseball … selected to play in the 2019 Tournament 12 Showcase … Honour Roll student.
 
Personal: Son of Charlene O'Connor and Colin Pinkney … father played rugby and mother competed in swimming and water polo … has a younger sister, Aoife … great uncle, Bob Pinkney, played professional football.