On Thursday, Nov. 14, 2025, Central Bucks South seniors Jacob Ruddell, Brett Barrett and Jake Yang were recognized for committing to compete in baseball at the collegiate level.
Coach Kevin Bray on his three captains: “These guys do a tremendous job of keeping the morale up, of keeping our guys on task. They translate a lot of what we talk to them about to the other players. I look forward to keeping a close eye on these guys as they progress into the next phase of their academic and playing careers.”
Brett Barrett – Ursinus College (Baseball)
Major: Political Science
Final list of colleges: Ursinus, Gettysburg, several PSAC schools
Reasons for choosing Ursinus: “Both of my parents went to Ursinus. Both my mom’s parents went there. We have a family history there, and as soon as I stepped on campus, I felt at
home. It was a very good feeling. I felt connected with the coach, and the environment there was really, really nice.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in baseball at the collegiate level? “Early on, I had a lot of Division 1 interest to pitch in college. It started pretty much my sophomore year. I got interest from Bucknell, George Washington, Georgetown – some good schools. I knew from a young age I wanted to play in college. As soon as I started to get that attention, that’s when it became real for me.”
Coach Kevin Bray says: “Brett is a three-year varsity guy for us. He’s going to Ursinus, and we think that’s a really good fit for him. Both of his parents are alumni, so that’s a cool story to continue on the Barrett legacy at Ursinus.
“As a sophomore, Brett threw really decent for us on the mound. Then he came into his own defensively last year as a junior, and his bat came around. We thought he could probably go wherever he wanted to, but ultimately, he wanted to be a two-way guy, and Ursinus was giving him that opportunity, and it’s a great institution, so we’re over the moon for Brett and his family. He’s another quality human being. He’s another one of our captains. It’s a pleasure seeing Brett’s development as well. He’s going to be doing really good things in the future.”
About Brett:
Favorite food: Steak
Favorite TV show: The Office
Favorite artist: Tame Impala
Jacob Ruddell – Gwynedd Mercy University (Baseball)
Major: Exercise Science
Final list of colleges: Gwynedd Mercy, Salem State, Thomas Jefferson, King’s
Reasons for choosing Gwynedd Mercy: “As soon as I got on campus, it just felt like home. The coach was awesome and super nice and obviously gave me the opportunity to go there. It
just seemed like a people place – the people there were super nice, and it’s close to home.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in baseball at the collegiate level? “I always wanted to play in college ever since I was in elementary school. It’s hard to gauge from that point what division I wanted to go to. I’m just glad I got the opportunity to go somewhere, whether D1, D2 or D3. It was an ever-evolving process where it was questionable in middle school, and then as I progressed through high school, I knew that it was definitely a possibility. I’m glad I was given the opportunity, and I’m looking forward to the next four years of college.”
Coach Kevin Bray says: “Jake’s value to the team is much more than just on the field. His leadership, work ethic and attitude provide a great example of what a Titan baseball player should be. He’s a tremendous player on the field. He’s our catcher. I think he caught every inning last year as a junior, and he’s slated to be the guy back there again. He’s got an excellent working relationship with our pitching coach, and he handles our pitching staff really, really well.
“We’re looking forward to seeing him at Gwynedd Mercy.”
About Jacob:
Favorite food: Ground beef & rice
Favorite TV show: Friends
Favorite music: Rap
Jake Yang – Northwestern University (Baseball)
Major: Economics
Final list of colleges: Northwestern, Pitt, Bucknell
Reasons for choosing Northwestern: “Just the great coaching staff – I love the plan they had set and the vision they have, and their academics is unbeatable.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in baseball at the collegiate level? “When I was younger, I was always small, I was always the little kid, and no one really believed
in me, but I just trusted in God, trusted the plan and just worked hard every day and believed in myself, and I am where I am today.”
Coach Kevin Bray: “Jake has been a four-year guy for us. His leadership qualities are through the roof. He’s an outstanding baseball player, but he’s a great person first and foremost. He’s dedicated so much time to the game of baseball, and that’s a testament to his family making sacrifices to get him here, there, practices, games all over the place. That was a complete family effort. Jake made the decision pretty early on that he wanted to play college baseball. I’m not surprised where he’s going – a Big 10 school, a high-end academic school like Northwestern. It’s going to be a good fit for him.
“Our coaching staff is definitely happy with where he started and who he’s become to ultimately what he is now, and there’s only going to be more good things down the road for Jake.”
About Jake:
Favorite food: Chicken
Favorite movie: Fast & Furious V
Favorite music: Hip Hop/Rap & Travis Scott
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