Baseball has connected fathers and sons for generations, but for Lansing Lugnuts versatile infielder, Andy Fermin it is more of a family thing, “I grew up in a baseball playing family so making it to the big leagues has always been my dream,” stated the 23-year old.
Andy is the son of Felix Fermin, a big leaguer from 1987 to 1996 playing 993 career MLB games with the Pirates, Indians, Mariners, and Cubs organizations, “My father has definitely impacted my baseball career. Throughout the season I talk to my Dad five or six times a week. Every time I talk to him he gives me information I can use.”
Andy was drafted by the Blue Jays in the 32nd round of the 2010 MLB draft out of Chipola College in Marianna, Florida – a junior college well-known for sending players to the big leagues. New York Yankees catcher Russell Martin and Toronto Blue Jays slugging outfielder, Jose Bautista both attended Chipola. While at Chipola, Fermin appeared in 33 games batting .310 and collecting 35 hits, five doubles, five homeruns, 22 RBIs and 18 walks to go with a .373 on base percentage, “Being drafted was a fun experience. My dream is to get to the big leagues, but I realize that first you have to be with a professional team,” he said, adding, “That said – being drafted was definitely the best moment of my whole life so far!”
Fermin started his professional career in 2010 splitting time with the GCL Blue Jays and the Auburn Doubledays batting .301 with 12 doubles, one homerun, and 25 RBIs in 52 games played. He joined the Bluefield Blue Jays in 2011 batting .261 with 15 doubles, five homeruns, and 33 RBIs in 59 games.
At Chipola College, Fermin batted .310 collecting 35 hits, five doubles, five homeruns and 22 RBIs.
The 2012 season saw Fermin make the trip to Lansing where he appeared in 55 games batting .258 with seven doubles, three triples, one homerun, and 17 RBIs.
In Lansing, Fermin had a great August and showed his versatility playing games at first, second, and third base as needed, “I was drafted as a second baseman, but my first year of professional baseball I was asked if I could play third base and I said yes. That’s how my career has been so far. I’m a contact hitter that plays good defense. I play the game the best I can every day and I do whatever I can to help my team win.”
Fermin has gone back to the Dominican Republic this off-season to work with his former coaches, “I practice in the Dominican Republic with my old coaches that I grew up playing with. I go to the gym three or four times a week. I also practice four or five times a week in the off-season to prepare for the upcoming season.”
Expect big things in 2013 from Andy Fermin as he works towards his dream of playing in the big leagues.
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