Bryan Longpre is presently a RHP for the Vancouver Canadians. Unfortunately, however, because he went undrafted in 2010 when he signed with the Toronto Blue Jays, few people know much about him. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to talk to the young 24-year from California and find out more about him.

In 2010, Longpre posted a 2-1 record and had nine saves

Longpre played in just 20 games last year with the Toronto Blue Jays organization. He split his time between the Bluefield Blue Jays and the Dunedin Blue Jays, where he posted a 2-1 record and had nine saves. The big right handed pitcher, also maintained a 3.12 ERA, allowing only 27 hits and nine earned runs in 26 innings pitched. He also had an impressive walk to strikeout ratio, striking out 28, yet walking only 10.

This year, with the Vancouver Canadians, Longpre has continued to shine. In 17-games this season, he has posted a 4-2 record, with a 1.42 ERA. Even more amazing is that in over 31 innings pitched, he has allowing only 23 hits, has struck out 29, has only walked 11, and has yet to allow a homerun. Being from California, Longpre was asked how he has enjoyed his summer so far in Western Canada. Longpre replied, “Vancouver is an amazing place to play baseball. After spending last season and some of this year in the humidity of Florida, it feels great to get back to the West Coast. I have fallen in love with the city of Vancouver and the fans at Nat Bailey Stadium are incredible. This has been one of the best summers I have ever had and a dream come true just to be out on the diamond every day.”

Now having people admire his performances, Longpre was asked who he himself admires. To that, he stated: “Growing up I was a big Tim Salmon fan. My dad took me to my very first MLB game to see the California Angels (now the Los Angeles Angels) and I have been a Tim Salmon fan ever since. I admire Stephen Strasburg of the Washington Nationals. I was lucky to have the opportunity of playing with him for a short stint as a walk-on at San Diego State. He is a hard worker and a very humble person amidst so much fame and success. As a pitcher your arm will only take you so far, it’s the intangibles that I admire most about Strasburg.”

After having impressive seasons in high school, college, and now with the Blue Jays organization, the next question for the right-handed pitcher was whether he had a favourite moment on the mound. Longpre certainly did, explaining, “My favorite moment on the mound would definitely be throwing a no-hitter in high school. I’ve pitched in a lot of pressure situations, but nothing comes close to the nerves I felt stepping on the mound in the last inning of a potential no-hitter. The relief and joy afterwards was surreal and something I will never forget.”

Having not only the skill, but also the composure, to throw a no-hitter, proves Bryan Longpre has talent. When asked what he would indicate his best skill is on the mound, Longpre admitted, “I would have to say my intensity on the mound. I may not always make perfect pitches or feel my best every night, but I leave everything I have on the mound when I pitch. At the end of my career I want to know that I gave everything I had with no regrets.”

There is no doubt that Bryan Longpre has ambition. Interestingly, it is not only for baseball. Longpre graduated from his high school, Crescenta Valley, with a 3.83 GPA and was a three-sport letter winner as he ran cross country and was a member of both the basketball and baseball teams. Furthermore, he graduated from Grossmont College with a 3.7 GPA, earning his degree in business. Discussing the value Bryan holds on education, Longpre announced, “Education is extremely important to me. I spent as much time in the library as I did on the baseball field during high school and college. Education has given me a great foundation but my teachers have taught me so much more about life than just textbook knowledge. I’m really glad I was able to get my degree before signing with the Jays” and he also added, “I would also love to get my Master’s Degree one day as well.

While his degree was in business, one would be surprised to find out it wasn’t in communications as Longpre has become a great communicator on Twitter (via his handle, @BryanLongpre). Discussing the power that social media can have for athletes such as himself, Bryan added, “I think social media can be a great tool to connect fans and players. It can be a place for us to vent, and sometimes a place for people just to see a more personal side of athletes. I use Facebook as a way to stay connected with close friends and family, but I use Twitter primarily to stay connected with people in the baseball community and Blue Jays family.”

If you want to find out more about RHP Bryan Longpre, or become part of his ‘family,’ be sure to add him to Twitter. If you have any other questions (or don’t have a Twitter account) include your question for Bryan below and we will get it answered in the next Q&A with the Vancouver Canadian.

JaysProspects would like to thank Bryan Longpre for his time and wish him the best of luck in the future.