Brad McElroy has been with the Blue Jays organization since being drafted in 2008, having played on the GCL Blue Jays, the Lansing Lugnuts and the Dunedin Blue Jays.

Brad McElroy has been a member of the Toronto Blue Jays organization for four seasons. During this time he has been a critical member of the GCL Blue Jays, the Lansing Lugnuts and the Dunedin Blue Jays. Despite this fact, many people still do not know a substantial amount of information regarding McElroy’s path to the Majors. For this reason, the young Canadian prospect participated in an interview with JaysProspects to highlight his journey.

Being from London, Ontario, McElroy initially discussed how great of a feeling it was to be drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 25th round of the 2008 MLB Draft. “I used to watch every Toronto Blue Jays game growing up, so when I was drafted by Toronto it was a great feeling. I had always wanted to be drafted into professional baseball, so when it turned out being that Toronto drafted me; it made it that much better.”

McElroy highlighted his Toronto Blue Jays’ pride, acknowledging that he grew up idolizing the game play of Roberto Alomar. “It’s funny how I became an outfielder and he was an infielder, but I loved the way he played and I loved always watching him on the highlight reel,” the Canadian told JaysProspects. “My brother and I collected as many of his baseball cards as we could get our hands on.”

McElroy further highlighted his Canadian-pride stating that while he did love baseball growing up, he, much like every other young Canadian, also loved hockey as well. When asked if he believed it was harder to pursue a career in baseball than hockey in Canada, McElroy said, “There is no denying that baseball an extremely difficult career path as it is not as popular in Canada and we do not have the coaching like some southern States do.” While he added, “It definitely does not help that it is cold half the year with snow, which only limits the amount of quality reps you can have outdoors.”

Despite being limited due to the weather, McElroy never ceased to find success. In fact, success was also found during the two years he spent at Kellogg Community College. “When I first found out that I had to go to Kellogg Community College, I will admit that I was a little disappointed. The reason was because I thought I was a good enough player to be in a division-1, four-year College, down south.” McElroy indicated, discussing his time at Kellogg, “With that said, I quickly realized that it was the perfect spot for me, because I was able to play every day and I needed the reps. The program was unbelievable and the coaching staff taught me not only baseball, but life. The guys on the team were like a family.”

In 2006, at Kellogg, McElroy led the team in stolen bases, a skill that he has kept with him now with the Blue Jays’ organization as he has successfully stolen 71 bases while only getting caught 11 times. When asked how speed impacts his game play, the prospect admitted, “The funny thing is, I don’t think I am even that fast, I just know how to read the game. I used to play first base when I was growing up and I think that helped me with reading pitchers’ moves. Also, I have always worked on my first step quickness because I believe that it is one of the most important things in all sports. My first step quickness is extremely important in my overall game.”

At UNCC, McElroy wasn't only stellar in the outfield, but also with the bat. In two years at Charlotte, he scored 120 runs, 114 RBI and 42 doubles.

What also helped his overall game was the experience he gained at North Carolina Charlotte, where he was named an All-American and set the team batting record with a .401 average. In two years at UNCC, he had scored 120 runs, 114 RBI and 42 doubles. “Much like at Kellogg, UNCC was a great experience. I learned so much about my game and what kind of player I had to be to become successful in the game.”

But stating that McElroy found success at UNCC is putting it mildly, as in 2007, the Canadian prospect recorded a 29-game hitting streak. “The hitting streak I had going there was kind of funny because I didn’t even know I had one. I never really paid attention to it. Our team in Charlotte was all about winning and making each other better and that’s what we cared about. The numbers took care of themselves.” McElroy announced to JaysProspects.

The numbers also spoke for themselves when he was playing for the London Majors of the Inter County Baseball League (IBL), where, in 2006, he was the runner-up to the player of the year. If asked whether there were big differences between the leagues in which he has played, McElroy indicated, “The difference from the IBL to college to professional baseball is the talent of the players and the speed of the game. The players who can adapt the quickest will continue to succeed at the next level. The game doesn’t change; it only gets faster with the players making fewer errors.”

What also must have gone fast was McElroy’s first year with the Blue Jays’ organization as he admits it was an eye-opening experience: “I went from playing in a college regional tournament to playing in front of three fans in boiling hot day games. I also found it very difficult changing from metal bats hitting 88 MPH pitching to wood bats, hitting 95 MPH pitching. It was a difficult transition.”

In 52 games with the Lansing Lugnuts in 2010, McElroy posted a .330 average with 14 doubles, four homeruns, 22 RBI and 12 stolen bases.

Despite the transition, he still found success, as in 24 games with the GCL league, the left-hander batted .241 with three doubles, a triple, a homerun and eight RBI. Interestingly, his favourite moment of the season is very unique: “I will never forget one game in the GCL when I forgot all of my baseball stuff.” McElroy reminisced: “We were loading up the bus for an away game and I even helped a guy with the team equipment, but I forgot to include my bag. When we pulled up to the field I realized what I had done and started freaking out. To make a long story short, I was so mad at myself that I had one of the best games of my professional career. Using another player’s cracked bat, a helmet that was too small, cleats that were two sizes too big, an infielders glove in the outfield, and no batting gloves, I went 4-5 with two stolen bases.” He concluded, laughing, “It was certainly a crazy day!”

One can be certain that many more crazy days have certainly occurred since this time as he has been an integral member of the Lansing Lugnuts and the Dunedin Blue Jays. This past season with the Dunedin Blue Jays, McElroy posted a .295 average with 24 doubles and 42 RBI.  When asked how he has been able to find such success, the Canadian announced that his ability to adapt and change his approach in each level has helped him to find success.

To find further success, McElroy states he is going to spend his offseason getting even stronger for the 2012 season. With that said, there is one other thing that you may find him doing if he is not working out or working on his skills on the field – - dancing – - “A lot of people do not know that I love to dance!” He stated.

Well, now they do!

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