Former Washington Wild Thing Chris Smith Heads to the Majors!
Washington, PA – September 28, 2016 - The Washington Wild Things announced that former pitcher Chris Smith has been called up to the Major League roster of the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Kentucky native paved an interesting path to his professional career, playing collegiately as a two-way star at Kentucky Wesleyan. Following graduation, Smith dedicated his efforts to pitching full-time and began his journey in the Frontier League. After failed stints with Lake Erie and Traverse City, Smith made four starts in the Pecos League before joining the Washington staff in late 2011.
In 2012, Smith blossomed with the Wild Things, making 19 starts and striking out 116 batters in over 129 innings pitched with an ERA under 3. During the winter of 2013, the Wild Things’ front office received a call from the New York Yankees looking to purchase his contract. He was playing overseas in Australia and warranted a lot of attention from scouts with a fastball over 90 MPH and a standout slider. That excitement, however, soon became somber, as the 2013 season was a complete wash for Smith; a season-ending arm injury derailed his year. Battling through the rehab process, Smith returned to the Yankees Spring Training in 2014 and earned a spot with their Charleston affiliate.
Fast forward to 2015 and yet again another hurdle was presented. On the last day of Spring Training Smith was ecstatic to learn of his assignment to AA Trenton. The day of his planned trip from Florida to Trenton, he was called in to their offices and released. Smith remained in Florida, working out for teams, and was subsequently re-signed by the Yankees a few weeks later when a need became available. He made 20 appearances between Tampa and Trenton before once again…his dreams were cut short and the Yankees released him. This is when the Toronto Blue Jays called on and signed Smith to complete the 2015 season with them.
In 2016, Chris split time between the respective AA and AAA affiliates of the Jays, New Hampshire and Buffalo. In 47 appearances, 81 batters were retired on strikes in over 60 innings of work and Chris posted a sparking 1.93 ERA.
“We are happy to celebrate the perseverance of Chris,” said Wild Things’ General Manager, Steven Zavacky. “He has reached his goal of playing Major League Baseball, and our organization is proud to have been a part of his journey. It is our mission to get these players noticed by scouts so they can achieve their goals, and seeing Chris as the third Washington Wild Thing to make it to the Big Leagues is gratifying.”
Tom Cochran and Vidal Nuno are the other two Wild Things’ players who advanced to Major League Baseball in the team’s 15 year history.
