Toronto-born, Les Williams is a proud member of the Toronto Blue Jays organization

Les Williams was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 37th round of this year’s MLB draft. Immediately after signing, Williams joined the Bluefield Blue Jays for 14 games… in all of which he found success. But success is not unfamiliar for the young 22-year old, as, as Williams tells JaysProspects, he has found success during his journey with Birchmount Park Collegiate, Team Ontario, the Toronto Mets, Northeastern University, and now, the Toronto Blue Jays organization.

Finding success with the Blue Jays’ organization is something the right-handed pitcher admits he has always dreamed about. Raised in Toronto, Ontario, the Blue Jays won his heart immediately. He states, “Being drafted by my hometown was a dream come true. I always dreamed of wearing their uniform and I was overjoyed when I was given the opportunity.”

With Team Canada, Les Williams was powerful with the bat and on the mound. He explains that playing on the team was his favourite experience to date.

Highlighting his Canadian pride, Williams discusses that his favourite moment was not the incredible, two no-hitters he pitched with Team Ontario, but instead it was playing under Greg Hamilton with Team Canada: “Playing for Team Canada is by far my best experience of my life to date. Traveling to South America and Cuba to play the best amateur competition is amazing. There is no better feeling than having your country’s name across your chest and hearing, “Oh Canada,” before a game. Those moments will always be engrained in my memory.”

Also engrained in his memory, however, should be his high school achievements. In fact, in 2004, he led his team to state championships and was declared MVP of the tournament. As he reminisces, “The Prentice Cup (provincial championship) was an amazing experience. I pitched the championship game and we won a close one against a very good team. Our team was loaded with future National Team players and current professional players. Another moment I will never forget!”

What fans will not forget about Williams, however, is his versatility. Interestingly, his success has not only been on the mound, but also in the plate. In fact, in 2008, with Northeastern University, he started in six games as the designated hitter and consistently showed his power and even belted a commanding homerun. Discussing this skillset, the Canadian prospect announces, “I always would picture myself hitting a big home-run rather than striking someone out to end the game. But I enjoyed doing both in high school and decided halfway through college that pitching was my best option.”

With Northwestern University, Les Williams was honoured with the 2011 Herbert Gallagher Award

The Herbert Gallagher Award is just one award of many that Williams has been granted. When asked who should be given credit for his accomplishments, the young prospect answered, without hesitation: “God deserves the credit for where I am today. I’ve been blessed with this opportunity that many people can only dream of and He’s been looking out for me ever since I started playing at four years old.”

While he has found success at every level he has played, Williams has proven himself the most this year in 17 games with the Bluefield Blue Jays. He went 2-2 with a 4.46 ERA, showing good command of the mound, walking only 12 while striking out 26 in over 36 innings pitched. “I’m not a big strikeout pitcher so in order to get guys out I have to keep the ball down and let my defence work. There’s no way to defend a walk, so I really focus on not giving away free passes,” Williams states discussing his play this season, “Our pitching coach, Tony Caceres, showed me some things mechanically that would help me keep the ball down and on line with the plate,” and he concluded, “Overall, my summer in Bluefield was exciting. The Jays organization does things the right way and I couldn’t be any happier.”

While the 22-year old admits that the organization is doing things the right way, it should also be announced that he is as well as he is presented himself with class and proven himself at every level he has faced. When asked how he has been able to do so and what his best skill was would be his ability to hold runners. “Being a contact pitcher,” Williams announces, “I try to ensure that a double-play is possible with a runner on first.” He also adds, “And in case you are wondering – as for off the field skills, I am pretty computer savvy. I love playing around with computers, fixing them and enhancing them.”

In the offseason, however, Williams admits that instead of making computers better, he is going to make himself even better as the Canadian admits, “I was given the opportunity to play professional baseball and for this reason, I am going to do everything in my power to get better and reach my highest potential whatever it may be.”

JaysProspects wishes Les Williams the best of luck in the future while he journeys to reach his highest potential and thanks him kindly for his time.