American Hero on Hill at Mattick

Chris Rowley (EDDIE MICHELS PHOTO)

Right-hander Chris Rowley a USM A grad got back on the mound Tuesday during the first day of the Blue Jays Instructional League camp at the Mattick Complex.  Rowley, who is on leave from the US Army where he serves as an artillery officer, was signed as a non drafter free agent in 2013 by Toronto.  The one season (2013) he played pro ball Rowley went 4-0 over nine games with the GCL Blue Jays posting a 1.10 ERA.  Rowley had a bit of a story to tell about another Toronto signee Alex Azor who was a USNA grad and a 10th round pick by Toronto in 2012.  It seems according to Rowley that while pitching for West Point against Annapolis he threw a one hitter.  That one hit he gave up was to Azor.  Azor, also a First Lieutenant now in the US Marine Corp, spent time at the Mattick Complex prior to spring training this year before returning to active duty when his leave was up.

Chris Rowley (EDDIE MICHELS PHOTO)

others in action at Mattick…

Below, RHP Conner Greene throws his first bullpen of instructional camp after working his way from extended spring training to Double-A in 2015.  Sent to Lower-A Lansing to start the season as a fill in, Greene impressed the staff and was eventually promoted to Upper-A Dunedin and near the end of the season he was again promoted to Double-A New Hampshire.

Cooner Greene (EDDIE MICHELS PHOTO)

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (EDDIE MICHELS PHOTO)