Jake Eliopoulos was drafted by the Blue Jays for the second time in his career in 2011 in the 43rd round (1309th overall). The left-handed pitcher has now been drafted three times over the past three years, twice to the Blue Jays in 2009 and 2011 then the L.A. Dodgers in 2010. He was most notably drafted by the Blue Jays in 2009 in the 2nd round but choose to pursue school instead of signing. Eliopoulos was born in Ukraine but was adopted at a young age by Jim Eliopoulos, a catcher for Canada’s team in the 1984 Olympics. He possesses an 89-91MPH fastball and compliments it with a curveball and changeup. He did not sign with the Blue Jays again this year.
With this being your third time being drafted, how does it make you feel that scouts are still high on your skills?
Jake Eliopoulos: I feel honored that people still have an interest in my ability to play the game of baseball.
Did you think that it would be hard to get noticed playing in the inter-county league?
Jake Eliopoulos: I currently play for Troy Jetbox located in Michigan. As for getting noticed, I always say if you have the talent and work hard, people will find you wherever you are.
Who are your greatest influences in the game of baseball?
Jake Eliopoulos: My greatest influence in the game of baseball would have to be my father. He has helped me tremendously over the years with baseball and life. He has taught me to be humble and how to work hard.
How did your parents support you in your endeavour to become professional athlete?
Jake Eliopoulos: My father caught me in our backyard whenever I needed to throw. He played in the 1984 olympics in Los Angeles as a catcher for Canada so he knows his stuff when it comes to baseball.
As a Canadian, what is the greatest thing for you about being drafted to the Blue Jays?
Jake Eliopoulos: I didn’t really have a favorite team growing up. I tried to watch all the teams whenever they were on TV.
What kind of pitcher would you best describe you?
Jake Eliopoulos: I would have to say I am a Cole Hamels type of pitcher. I use my changeup a lot in any count to get outs and when needed, I can ramp up my fastball or use my slider as an out pitch.
What do you feature in your repertoire?
Jake Eliopoulos: I throw a fastball (2-seam and 4-seam), a changeup and a slider.
Who did you idolize growing up?
Jake Eliopoulos: I guess you could say that I idolized any major league pitcher who was left handed. As a kid I would go out in the backyard and practice what I saw on TV until I perfected it.
If you could pick one player that you model yourself after, who would it be?
Jake Eliopoulos: I would model myself after Cole Hamels because of his out pitch being the changup and being able to use it in any count.
Are you close to signing?
Jake Eliopoulos: I’m just trying to focus on my summer ball right now as we are in the World Series here in Houston, TX.
JaysProspects would just like to thank Jake Eliopoulosfor the time and wish him the best of luck in the future.
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