May 20, 2012
Jon Berti, the Lugnuts’ second baseman, has a .288 batting average with 22 runs, 5 doubles, 2 triples and two home runs.
On Friday, May 18th, the Lansing Lugnuts defeated the Fort Wayne TinCaps by a score of 9-3. Chris Schaeffer walked, scored a run, and hit a 2RBIs and Andy Burns reached base in four of his five plate appearances.
Other highlights included, Canadian, Eric Brown who collected the win for the Lugnuts after coming into the game in the 4th inning to replace starter David Rollins who exited with two players on base and no outs. Javier Avendano threw a scoreless 7th and 8th innings while Aleson Escalante sealed the deal for the Lugnuts, throwing a scoreless 9th.
Aside from stellar performances from these key players, my highlight of the day came immediately after the game when I got the wonderful opportunity to interview up-and-coming second baseman, Jon Berti.
Native of Troy, Michigan, Berti was the Toronto Blue Jays 18th round selection in the 2011 MLB draft out of Bowling Green State University. He spent his first season with the team in 2011, with the Vancouver Canadians where he played in 60 games, batting .291 with 62 hits, five doubles, five triples, one home run, 21 RBI’s, and 23 stolen bases. Currently, Berti leads the Midwest League in stolen bases this season with 19, which goes nicely with his 40 hits, 22 runs, five doubles, two triples, two home runs and .288 batting average.
When asked how it felt to lead the Midwest League in steals, the young prospect responded, “I actually didn’t know I was the leader, but it feels great! I just try my best to get into scoring position when I reach base.”
Berti has been working hard ever since he was drafted by the Blue Jays, an experience Berti described as amazing. “Personally, when I first heard I was drafted by the Blue Jays, I was really excited. It’s great to be drafted by a team that isn’t far from where I grew up!”
Until he hears his name echoed around Rogers Centre, the Michigan-native, now lives in Michigan, playing for the Lugnuts. On this note, the young prospect admitted, “It feels great to play here in Michigan. It’s definitely nice being so close to my friends and family.”
There are a lot of great players in the Toronto Blue Jays system, but Jon Berti should be one that Blue Jays fans are excited about! Berti has a great bat with great speed on that base path to go with a great glove in the field.