July 9, 2012
While Bryan Longpre spent part of his first year with the Dunedin Blue Jays, he presently plays for the Lansing Lugnuts.
Every June, many outstanding high school and college baseball players get selected in the MLB Draft, but what people do not realize is that many talented individuals may not hear their name getting called in a round, and will thus get signed in the weeks after the event.
The 2010 MLB draft featured 50 rounds and had 1,525 players selected, but interestingly, Lansing Lugnuts pitcher, Bryan Longpre, (a standout at Cal State Northridge) wasn‘t one of them. I had the opportunity to speak to Longpre about his experience getting signed and his progress thus far with the Blue Jays organization.
Being an undrafted free agent after a strong College season, Longpre was asked whether he had received a lot of interest from other teams and whether he was surprised he was not drafted. Actually I heard from all 30 teams and thought I would go late in the draft, but when I didn’t I wasn’t sure what to expect. Fortunately, two days later I received a call from the Blue Jays saying they wanted to sign me.” Longpre said.
When asked about his reaction about joining the Blue Jays? The 25-year-old replied, “I was really excited for the opportunity to play professional baseball.”
The Blue Jays were equally excited for this possibility as the young prospect offered many strengths. Longpre, however, mentioned his best skill as being his drive and determination. “Hands down, I’d say that my biggest strength is my competitive nature as a pitcher,” he said, adding, “I also like my pitch repertoire- I throw a fastball, sinker, curveball, and changeup.”
After starting his professional career in 2010 splitting time between the Bluefield Blue Jays and the Dunedin Blue Jays, Longpre recorded a 2-1 record with a 3.12 ERA in 20 games with 28 strikeouts and 10 walks in 26 innings pitched.
In 2011, Longpre past strong season earned him a promotion to both the Vancouver Canadians and the Lansing Lugnuts where he went 4-3 with a 3.56 ERA with 40 strikeouts and 14 walks in 43 innings pitched.
Longpre stated that finding success in the past has prepared him for this season with the Lugnuts. “Last year, Vancouver was a great place to play, the city and fans are great and winning the Northwest League Championship was a great experience.”
He further added that winning the NWL Championship is preparing him for Midwest League playoffs this season (to which the Lugnuts have already qualified after their first-half performance): “The experience is huge, but my goal is too win,” Longpre replied.
So far this season, Longpre is 1-2 with a 4.79 ERA with 13 strikeouts and six walks in 20.2 innings pitched while splitting time with the Dunedin Blue Jays and the Lansing Lugnuts.
While he promises to keep working hard both on and off the mound, Longpre admitted that he has one goal he wants to focus on for the rest of the season:
“My main goal is just to help my team win!”