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NYPL Norwich Sea Unicorns

Drew Smith Proving He Belongs

August 15, 2015 - New York-Penn League (NYPL)
Norwich Sea Unicorns News Release


In his first season as a professional Drew Smith has been dominating hitters and was recently named to the New York-Penn League All-Star team. The 6'2" right-hander has a stellar 0.33 ERA in 27.2 innings pitched while striking out a phenomenal 33 batters.

Smith was drafted 99th overall in the third round of this years Major League Baseball Draft out of Dallas Baptist University. "I was at my house and it was just my parents and I. I had no idea the (Detroit) Tigers were going to draft me, they didn't even call beforehand," said Smith of the draft experience. "I was just sitting on my couch and I knew I was supposed to go pretty soon but it was a pretty cool experience especially not knowing I was going to get drafted then."

Getting adjusted to the life of a professional baseball player hasn't been too difficult for Smith who has taken the change in stride. "You have a game everyday so the routines a little different. Keeping your body ready and maintaining your body weight and lifting is a little bit more difficult. It's a lot more of a grind. It's a lot harder so staying with that is a big deal," says Smith.

Since Detroit selected him, Smith rapidly made his way through the Florida Gulf Coast League to the Connecticut Tigers and Short-Season Single-A baseball. Since joining the organization one coach, former major league pitcher A.J Sager, has been very influential on Smith's development. "AJ Sager has helped me out a lot when I was in the GCL. He was there every time I threw a bullpen and my first outing. He talked to me about a few mechanical things especially my curveball," says Smith.

Smith's role is yet to be defined by the club as he has had success as both a reliever and starter throughout his career. Asked on which role he envisions himself having down the road Smith said, "Well I like both. Whatever they choose to use me as is what I'm going to do. I feel like I can do both pretty well for the team. There are perks to both (but as) a reliever you can be on a faster track. With being a starter you can be more valuable so either one I'm okay with."

Since joining Connecticut, Smith who has worked exclusively out of the bullpen, has been one of the most effective pitchers on the staff. He currently ranks second in the league amongst relievers in both strikeouts per nine innings with 10.7 and batting average against at .155.

The league has certainty taken notice of his dominance and he will join two other Tiger pitchers Tyler Alexander and Spenser Watkins along with catcher Will Allen and outfielder Victor Padron at the All-Star Game.

Speaking of the All-Star Game nod Smith said, "It's a really good honor especially in my first season. It's something that was a goal and its really good to have but its not everything and I got to keep going and keep doing what I've been doing and continue to pitch well for the team."

Smith is clearly far from satisfied and will look to improve upon his command as the season progresses. He said, "As a pitcher you can improve on command no matter how well you are throwing the ball. You can always cut down on walks, focus on pinpointing your pitches better. And I'd like to improve (my) changeup as well, just having a third pitch would be really good."

The Tigers seem to have drafted an extremely valuable, effective, and capable pitcher whose success in the minors may be a forecast of great things to come.

The Connecticut Tigers are the New York-Penn League affiliate of the Detroit Tigers and play a 76 game schedule that runs from mid June through early September. 2015 season tickets, group tickets, mini plans, individual game tickets, and team merchandise are now on sale! The front office and ticket office is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and can be accessed in person or by calling 860-887-7962.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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