Former SBVC Baseball Player Killed in Auto Accident

Former San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) baseball second baseman Jake Pilkerton (Lake Arrowhead, Rim of the World) was killed on Saturday morning, Aug. 3, in a collision on Highway 18. Pilkerton, 22, was a student athlete at SBVC from fall 2009 through spring 2011, after which he transferred to Cal State San Bernardino (CSUSB). In his sophomore year at SBVC, Pilkerton was named to the second team All-Foothill Conference, starting all 36 games that season. He led the team in runs scored (38) finishing second in Conference. He finished the year with a .297 batting average, 41 hits, 14 runs batted in, 57 total bases, a .413 slugging percentage, stealing seven bases in eight attempts, and a .957 fielding percentage. According to police reports, Pilkerton was on his way from San Bernardino to his home in Lake Arrowhead at the time of the accident. “San Bernardino police received a report of a collision on Highway 18, south of Upper Waterman Canyon Road,” County Sheriff’s officials said. “Pilkerton was northbound on Highway 18 about 8:30 a.m., approaching a curve, when his vehicle began to spin,” a news release said. “The car crossed the double yellow line and collided with a southbound semi,” Lt. Mike Madden said. “Pilkerton was pronounced dead at the scene.” At this time services are pending. Coaches and players who shared the field with Pilkerton are looking to honor him going into the 2014 SBVC baseball season. Any updates related to funeral services and team memorials will be posted on the SBVC Athletics social media network on Facebook and Twitter.