Drew Elliott played in 14 games last year with the GCL Blue Jays but only 4 games this year before obtaining an injury

Drew Elliott played in 14 games last year with the GCL Blue Jays and was in the midst of having a great season with the Bluefield Blue jays this year when the inevitable happened for a pitcher – a shoulder injury.  As his injury kept Elliot from playing the remainder of the season, the young 23-year old from South Carolina sat down with JaysProspects to share more information about his journey to the Blue Jays’ organization.

The first step of his journey was growing up in South Carolina – Braves country. Elliot admits that he grew up watching the Braves’ rotation of John Smoltz, Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux. “It was hard not to like them, they were so good” Elliot explains. “I also really liked David Wells when I was growing up. In fact, some people will even tell you I resemble him. That’s why I was given the nickname Boomer early in high school.”

In high school, however, Boomer did more than earn a nickname. As the ace of Bishop McNamera High School, Elliot led the team to a 28-6 record in his senior year. Discussing the experience, the young prospect stated, “The one thing that comes to mind about that year is how much fun we had. If baseball ever stops being fun, it is time to give it up.”

Elliott posted a 0-0 record and a 1.59 ERA in 2011 with the Bluefield Blue Jays

As he has yet to give up, one can only assume that Elliott has enjoyed his journey to professional baseball. Before getting injured this year, he played in four games with the Bluefield Blue Jays, finishing with a 0-0 record and a 1.59 ERA. In fact, in 5.2 innings pitched, Elliott allowed only one earned run while walking two and striking out six. When asked to elaborate on the reasoning for his success the left-handed pitcher responded, “Without a doubt my dad can be accredited for most of my success. He has always been there for me and has encouraged me every step of the way. He has driven to and sat through a lot of my baseball games. I would not be where I am today without his support.”

While his father has played a made a strong impact in his life, a lot of Elliott’s success should be directed towards himself. His coaches and teammates have always mentioned how determined and focused he is and have commented on his leadership abilities. This determination, however, was shown on the mound last year with the GCL Blue Jays, in his first year with the Blue Jays’ organization where he posted a 0-0 record in 14 games with a 3.24 ERA while walking eight and striking out 22. “That season was great,” Elliott states, reminiscing on the 2010 season. “My favourite moment that season would be when I got a 2-inning save for the first save of my professional career. It was a great feeling.”

There is no doubt that Elliott will experience many more great moments on the mound as well as many more saves. With that said, however, Elliott explains that his professional career could have gone differently. “Being left-handed, I played first base and pitched growing up and I was pretty good at both. I was not sure which position to play as I didn’t want to give either one of them up. The decision was made when I got to Junior College and my coach told me, ‘Put the bat away, I was a pitcher now.’

The shoulder injury Elliott experienced in 2011 with Bluefield, wasn't his first as he also endured rehab for an ankle injury earlier in the year.

He now admits that there is no doubt that he made the right decision as being left-handed has enabled him to become a strong and dominant left-handed specialist, thus striking out southpaws, he feels is his best skill on the mound. Off the mound, however, Elliott explains that his expertise is a little more broad, “I play a lot of Ping-Pong,” the 23-year old states: “I like to think I’m pretty good. I also do a lot of fishing. It is a great way to pass the time.”

Passing the time, however, is something that Elliott knows too much of. Having to cut his season short due to severe tendonitis in his shoulder, Elliott declares that it was unlucky, it was something he is already accustomed to “I had an ankle injury in March, so unfortunately one could say that I am used to the rehab experience to say the least. With that said, the rehab on my shoulder went very well; it just required a lot of rest. My shoulder is feeling great and strong now and I cannot wait to hit the mound again.”

Before he does hit the mound again, Elliott has returned to Greenwood, South Carolina to finish a degree at Lander University in Exercise Science. Here’s hoping for an educational, injury-free, and quick offseason!

JaysProspects wishes Drew Elliott the best of luck in the future and thanks him kindly for his time.