Jason Patty became just the fifth El Dorado High School baseball player (and the first in 25 years) to play professional baseball when he was drafted in the 20th round of the 2001 draft by the Texas Rangers. Jason played his first season with the Rangers Rookie team in Pulaski, Virginia of the Appalachian League. Playing SS, 2B, OF and DH, Patty had an 18 game hitting streak which was 2 shy of the Rangers Rookie team record. The next year he played Single A ball for the Savannah Sand Gnats in Savannah, Georgia of the South Atlantic League. His career Minor League numbers were a .252 average, 5 doubles, 5 home runs, 6 stolen bases and 33 RBIs. He also had a one inning appearance on the mound.
Jason lettered 3 years in baseball for El Dorado High School. Patty was a two-time All Ark Valley League shortstop. His senior year at EHS, he hit .423 with 33 hits, 27 RBIs and 3 home runs in 20 games. His hit total ranks 4th in the EHS record book dating to 1969 and his RBI total ranks 6th. His career batting average of .407 ranks third and his .593 slugging percentage ranks 7th. His senior year, he was also named to the Kansas Baseball Coaches All-State team as a designated hitter.
Patty also played 4 years of American Legion baseball for Post 81. In 1997, he pitched and played shortstop for the Post 81 team that won the Zone Championship and went on to play in the State Championship.
Jason received a scholarship to Cowley County Community College. As a freshman, Patty played 2B, OF and DH. That season the Tigers finished 54-9 and won the NJCAA World Series. His sophomore year, he was the starting shortstop and was named First Team All Jayhawk Conference. His career numbers at Cowley were a .404 batting average, 10 home runs, 20 stolen bases and 51 RBIs.
From Cowley, Jason received a scholarship to Fort Hays State University. His junior year, Ft. Hays finished 54-12 and was runner-up at the NCAA Division II World Series and Jason was named to the All-Tournament Team at shortstop. Both years at FHSU, Patty was named First Team Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference shortstop and in 2001, he was named RMAC Co-Player of the Year. His senior year, he also received the Busch Gross Award for the top student athlete at FHSU and was named to the NCAA Division II All West Region Team. His career numbers at FHSU included a .356 average, 34 doubles, 33 home runs, 37 stolen bases and 113 RBIs. He currently ranks in the top 10 in career doubles, home runs, hit by pitch and assists.
In the summers between college seasons, Jason played in numerous NBC World Series games for the El Dorado Broncos, Nevada Griffons and Derby Twins. After his professional career, Jason went on to coach at Circle High School for 5 years. Jason continues to reside in El Dorado with wife Elizabeth, daughters Brennan and Isabel and son Jace.
