INDIANAPOLIS – Connor Mitchell was the Friday ace in the weekend rotation for the Bulldogs in 2018. At the end of that season, Mitchell was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 27th round. The southpaw recently took time out of his schedule to chat with us about his professional career.
Tell us about your first season with the Dodgers in 2018.
Three days after the draft, I flew to Phoenix and reported to Camelback Ranch. After reporting, we had a two week mini-camp where we learned about the daily expectations for a professional player in the Dodgers' system. At the end of mini-camp, I was sent to Ogden, Utah to play for the Ogden Raptors. The Raptors are the short-season A affiliate for the Dodgers. While in Ogden, I made 17 appearances and lived with a great host family. I played there until we were eliminated from the playoffs in September.
Can you give us a rundown of your 2019 season?
Initially in 2019, I spent a few days in extended spring training. In mid-April, I was sent to play for the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. The Quakes are the High-A affiliate for the Dodgers. I remained with the Quakes until July when I was sent back to Arizona to rehab an injury. While they were on Major League rehab assignments in Rancho, I was able to play with Rich Hill, Austin Barnes, Corey Seager, and Matt Beaty.
At this point in your career, what would you consider your favorite baseball moment as a pro?
My favorite moment so far has to be celebrating with my team in Rancho last year after we won the first half and clinched a spot in the playoffs. We had been playing very well up to that point so it was exciting for everyone involved!
What are some of your top moments from your time at Butler?
I think my favorite moment was clinching a spot in the BIG EAST Tournament my final year. It was an exciting achievement to be a part of at the end of my time at Butler. Outside of that, I enjoyed the day-to-day experiences with my teammates.
Let's go all the way back to your favorite baseball moment from your childhood?
Growing up as a Yankee fan, my favorite moment was probably the first time I was able to see Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte and others play in person against the White Sox in Chicago.
What's the best part of being in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization?
The Dodgers do everything well from top to bottom. It is why they have won the NL West seven consecutive times. The environment within the organization is one in which everyone can be the person and player that they want to be. Individualization and being yourself is a priority. When you combine that with extremely high expectations for everyone, a winning culture is yielded. Also, as a player in the Dodgers' system, we are provided with any and every developmental tool that exists. The Dodgers are on the cutting edge of every new advancement in baseball.
Have you had a chance to meet any of the Dodger greats?
I have seen a few in and around spring training. The last few months, we have had weekly zoom calls with other minor league players and coaches within the system. Each call has a speaker that talks to us for a half hour or so about baseball, life, etc. On these calls, I have listened to Nomar Garciaparra, Raul Ibanez, Orel Hershiser and others.
What's your favorite ballpark you have been to as a pro?
I think my favorite park that I have played in so far is our home stadium in Rancho Cucamonga. The Southern California weather paired with an awesome atmosphere is hard to beat!
What was your favorite BIG EAST road trip?
I have always enjoyed the history in Washington D.C., so I would say Georgetown was one of my favorite places to visit.
Ever make it back to Bulldog Park?
I get back to Bulldog Park pretty often in the offseason. I still like to come back and work on things with Coach Norton. I try to get back to see everyone as much as time allows.
Coming up as a pitcher, what was the first pitch you learned to pair up with your fastball? Who taught you how to execute it?
The first pitch that I learned to pair with my fastball was a changeup/splitter hybrid. I honestly don't remember where I learned it, but it was my first introduction to changing speeds throughout an at-bat.
What MLB arms impressed you the most as a youth?
As a kid, I was a huge Andy Pettitte fan. He was a great left-handed pitcher that I tried to emulate often. In high school, I started following David Price and Jacob deGrom. I like how they both go about their work each time they take the mound.
What's the plan if or when the 2020 season takes off?
As of now, we still have no idea when or where the season may get going. Currently, I'm trying to stay in shape and continuing to build up my workload as if I was in the middle of a normal season. I'm trying to continue to further my development as much as possible during this downtime.
