On Thursday, April 9, 2026, Upper Moreland seniors Jimmy Murray, Jackson Townsend & Nick Simons were recognized for committing to compete in baseball at the collegiate level.
Jimmy Murray – Moravian University (Baseball)
Major: Finance
Final list of colleges: Moravian, Drew, Widener, Hood College
Reasons for choosing Moravian: “I liked the team chemistry within the team. I liked how close it was to home, and my parents will be able to come and watch me. I could also see myself
getting playing time there.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in baseball at the collegiate level? “When I was younger, I always thought I would play football in college, and then once I got older in high school – my sophomore and junior seasons, I really wanted to play more baseball. My junior season Moravian started watching me, and that’s when I decided that would be the right path for me.”
Upper Moreland coach Jim Fasano: “Jimmy Murray is a three-sport athlete and three-sport captain who was one of the culture drivers for us. Tough, competitive kid who will improve tremendously as he’s now focusing solely on baseball for the first time in his life. His future is bright.”
About Jimmy:
Favorite food: Chicken Wings
Favorite movie: Remember the Titans
Favorite artist: Lil Uzi Vert
Nick Simons – Holy Family University (Baseball)
Major: Exercise Science
Final list of colleges: Holy Family, Frostburg State, Goldey-Beacom, Misericordia
Reasons for choosing Holy Family: “They’re bringing in a lot of good people in next year, and I thought it would be a great program. They said that I was probably their top recruit for pitching, 
and that just made me fall love with the place. I heard they’re building a new stadium. They’re close to home, so I’ll get to see my family and be with my friends. It was really hard to choose between Holy Family, Frostburg State and Goldey-Beacom, but I just feel this was the best decision.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in baseball at the collegiate level? “Growing up I was never really good at baseball. I always played little league, but I always wanted to go far. I kept working and working, and eventually, I got put on the seventh grade baseball team. I showed myself by striking out 17 batters my first game. After that, I got better – I got to high school, and they kept telling me I was going to be the future. Freshman year I started on JV and halfway through the season, I got brought up to varsity. Sophomore year, I broke out, and junior year, I had talked to some D3 schools. End of junior year, I got a bunch of my offers. I just kept working, and I’m still working. I’m very excited to be going to Holy Family.”
Upper Moreland coach Jim Fasano: “Nick Simons was our #1 pitcher for three years and will be sorely missed. He’s a great worker, great kid, truly loves baseball and wants to pitch every inning of every game.”
About Nick:
Favorite food: Tacos
Favorite movie: The Sandlot
Favorite TV show: The Chosen
Favorite music: Country and R&B/Zach Bryan
Jackson Townsend – Alvernia University (Baseball)
Major: Sports Management
Final list of colleges: Alvernia, Pennsylvania College of Technology, DeSales, West Chester, Arcadia
Reasons for choosing Alvernia: “I think it’s the best opportunity I have to start playing my freshman year.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in baseball at the collegiate level? “Freshman year I really started to get into baseball, playing for four different teams in the summer. Throughout the school season, I’ve missed one game my whole high school career. I’ve always been in on baseball.”
Upper Moreland coach Jim Fasano: “Jackson Townsend is one of the best athletes I’ve ever seen at UM: He has quick feet, a strong arm, and he can absolutely fly and he has juice in his bat. He has an incredibly high ceiling and is going to play at a great program in Alvernia. The sky is the limit for him.”
About Jackson:
Favorite food: Muzzy’s Shack
Favorite TV show: The Office
Favorite artist: Lil Uzi Vert
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