David Herbek (2026) - JMU Athletics Hall of Fame - James Madison University Athletics

David Herbek

Induction:
2026
Class:
2012

David Herbek was a steady hand at the key position of shortstop across one of the best four-year stretches in program history for the Diamond Dukes, which included the program's only two league championships in its history as a freshman in 2008 and as a senior in 2011. He started 191 of his 210 career games and hit .344 with a .591 slugging percentage and .431 on-base percentage while also posting a .953 fielding percentage at shortstop. At one time, Herbek was JMU's career record holder with 55 times hit by pitch and 25 sacrifice flies. He is second in career doubles (62) and was the first player in JMU history with two 20-double seasons. He's also fourth in career RBIs (189), fourth in total bases (439), sixth in games (210), sixth in home runs (35), seventh in runs (189), sixth in defensive assists (506) and 10^th in at bats (745). Herbek paired with Hall of Fame catcher Jake Lowery for the best statistical one-two punch in program history in 2011. Protecting Lowery batting third behind him in the lineup, Herbek earned All-America selection from four different organizations, including First Team from the National Collegiate Baseball Writers of Association. He hit .368 in that senior campaign with 20 doubles, three triples, 15 home runs, 76 RBIs and a JMU season record 10 sacrifice flies. The 76 RBIs were second most in program history, trailing only Lowery's 91 the same 2011 season. He was twice named a semifinalist for the Brooks Wallace Award as the nation's best shortstop and was one of 36 semifinalists as a senior for the Dick Howser Trophy for national player of the year. JMU went 141-85 in Herbek's four seasons with CAA Championships in 2008 and 2011 along with a regular season title in 2010. NCAA appearances in 2008 and 2011 included JMU earning a runner-up finish in the Chapel Hill Regional in 2011. Herbek was a 15^th-round selection (471 overall) in the 2011 MLB Draft by the Chicago White Sox, reaching as high as Double A in three pro seasons with a .253 average, 44 doubles and 12 home runs.