Jays prospect Sean Nolin inching closer to his dream

Lefty pitcher continues to develop his skills

Sean Nolin went 10-0 last season and earned himself an invitation to Big League camp. Photo: Isaac Owusu

Sean Nolin went 10-0 last season and earned himself an invitation to Big League camp. Photo: Isaac Owusu

DUNEDIN, FL. – Another day at practice is another step closer to Sean Nolin making his dreams a reality.

The 23-year-old Nolin had a taste of the big league camp and has returned to the Toronto Blue Jays minor league complex after being reassigned on March 4.

The 6-5 pitcher spent three weeks with the major leaguers where he was able to further develop his skills and gain knowledge through experience.

“I got to talk to some big league guys and got the vibe of the big leagues,” said Nolin, as he stood outside of the Bobby Mattick Training Centre. “I stayed low-key.

“I listened to the guys and listened to people. I didn’t try to just butt into conversations and stuff like that. I stayed quiet. I didn’t put too much pressure on myself.”

Nolin has had three solid seasons with the Blue Jays after being taken in the sixth round of the 2010 MLB Draft.

He was initially drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2008 and by the Seattle Mariners in 2009, but decided to stay back in Texas where he attended San Jacinto College.

“I just felt like it was the right decision to go to college so I skipped that the first year,” said the young prospect.

“My second year that I got drafted, it just felt like I was unfinished and that I was able to do better so I just wanted to go back.

“That’s the best decision I’ve made so far. I knew that I wasn’t ready”

Nolin had an excellent season for the Blue Jays organization in 2012 where he dominated the Florida State League. He had a 10-0 record with a 2.04 ERA playing Class A Advanced Dunedin and Double-A New Hampshire.

The New York State native looks to take what he has learned during his short stint in the majors to help him take his game to a higher level this upcoming season.

“I knew I wasn’t making the major league team in 2013,” said Nolin. “I’m just gonna take the experience and when I come back here, I just gotta get ready for the season, get my work in and get on a better routine for the year to come.”

The lefty pitcher expects great things for himself this summer and is willing to do what it takes to take his game to the next level.

He is grateful for the time he was given in the major league camp and is also very appreciative of the support he has received from his friends and family throughout his career.

“They’ve always been behind me,” said Nolin.

“My parents never pressured me into playing. I’ve always wanted to get out on the field.

“My friends always cheered me on. I know who my friends are. My best friends have always been the same so I have best friends who I’ve known since the third grade. So we’ve pretty much gone through our whole lives together.”

About this article

By: Vinia Raymundo
Posted: Mar 19 2013 1:58 pm
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Filed under: 2013 Spring Training Baseball Sports
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