I've had to earn every level.
I didn't have a college offer until my senior year of high school. I knew that if I was going to play professionally, I'd have to do certain things right, and I'm still learning what those are.
The long way around
High school
No offers
I started training seriously in ninth grade, when I realized pitching was my best shot at a scholarship. I threw weighted balls before most people thought they were a good idea, and made my own plyo balls out of tennis balls filled with loose change.
Junior college
Cut, then a second chance
I got cut from my first junior college, and got a second chance at a different junior college.
Dallas Baptist
Learning what I do well
In college I found out I had a unique release point, and I was able to leverage that in my favor. Despite only throwing 89 to 93, I got good results by leaning on what I knew I was good at.
2019
Drafted in the 33rd round
By the Seattle Mariners, in a round that doesn't exist anymore.
Pro ball
Low-A to Triple-A
With the Mariners from 2019 through 2024, then the Pirates in 2025 and 2026. Along the way I pitched in the Arizona Fall League in 2023. Through the years, pro ball has taught me key techniques that have let me command up to seven pitches at any given time.
Always updating
At every level, I've had to update my game and refine it to play at the next one.
“If I'm going to do it, it can't be by accident. It has to be incredibly intentional.”
From “A man who has embraced the conditions,” MiLB.com, 2023
Embracing the conditions
One rainy night in Spokane I came in for a six-out save on the worst mound I've ever pitched on, close to a mud pit. I took it as an opportunity: if I'm ever pitching a meaningful game in the rain, hopefully in the big leagues, I'll have one more rep at it than everyone else. That's how I try to look at most things.
Read the MiLB.com story ↗Remote coaching: open now, 5 spots
Why I coach
I really believe the next generation of pitchers is going to be better than mine, and I want to be part of that. I'm excited to pass down what took me the long way around, so you can get there faster.
And I want you to enjoy it along the way. This game is good for the whole person, not just the player.