Jason Armstrong joined the San José State baseball team as a volunteer assistant in fall 2013. He serves as the team's hitting coach and also assists the team's infielders.
Before joining the Spartans, Armstrong was an assistant coach for the UC Davis Aggies during the 2011-12 seasons, and the volunteer assistant hitting coach during 2013. He worked specifically with Aggie outfielders and hitters, and was the first base coach during games.
In four years as the Aggies' hitting coach, Armstrong transformed the Big West's worst offensive team in 2010 into a top-three team in batting average, runs, hits, doubles, RBI's, total bases in 2013.
Armstrong earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 2004 from Trinity (Texas) University where he was an NCAA First-Team All-American shortstop. In addition, he was the 2004 SCAC and NCAA West Region player of the year as a senior. Armstrong holds eight of Trinity's single-season and career records.
His playing career continued as a professional with the Toronto Blue Jays organization when he was drafted in the 25th round (747 overall pick) of the 2004 MLB draft.
Armstrong saw great success during the 2005 season when he batted .290 and was the offensive MVP for the Class-A Lansing Lugnuts. That same season, he was a Midwest League All-Star selection. Armstrong worked his way onto the Blue Jays' top-50 prospect list in 2006 before a shoulder injury ended his professional playing career.
Jason went on to earn a professional certificate for personal training from San Diego University for Integrative Studies in 2007. Additionally, he has a master's degree in recreation and sport sciences with a concentration in coaching education from Ohio University (2012).
Armstong's other coaching experience includes spending the summer of 2009 as the hitting coach for the Brewster Whitecaps of the Cape Cod League.
The native of Menlo Park, Calif., now lives in Atherton, Calif., with his wife Kristina.