In the coming weeks, ASBA will highlight several of our popular instructors who are starring in the minor leagues or independent leagues across the country. This first feature spotlights Mike McGuire, who has given lessons at our West Chester and Downingtown academies over his past two off-seasons.
Mike McGuire
ASBA INSTRUCTOR MIKE McGUIRE: STARRING IN CAN-AM LEAGUE
Mike McGuire, one of ASBA's most popular instructors over the past 2 years at both West Chester and Downingtown, is starring in the independent Can-Am League for the Sussex (NJ) Skyhawks.
McGuire, a 6-7, 230 pound pitcher, is 2-0 with a 1.50 ERA after last week's 5-4 win over the Worcester Tornadoes. The tall, righthanded power pitcher went 7 innings, and gave up just 4 hits while walking two batters and striking out 9 hitters. He did not allow an earned run in the Sussex win.
"I went primarily with fastballs," said McGuire by phone on Monday. "I stayed aggressive the whole game and challenged the hitters. Out of 101 total pitches, I threw 84 fastballs and that approach worked well for me. I got ahead of the hitters and that was a key for me."
McGuire also throws other pitches and needs them in key spots. "I also throw a curve, cutter and change-up and I can mix it up when I need to," he said. "When you are able to locate your fastball and throw strikes early in the count, it opens the door for all of your other pitches."
After playing in the Cleveland Indians' farm system the past couple of years, McGuire landed on his feet in the competitive Can-Am League, which is made up of Northeast, New England, and Canadian ball clubs. It is an independent league, and the teams are not affiliated with a major league club. The Can-Am League is a high-quality, competitive brand of baseball.
"I'm really enjoying it so far and my arm feels strong," said McGuire. "The league is filled with players of many different experience and age levels and that makes it interesting. You can learn a lot from older players and your coaches. Our manager at Sussex, Ed Ott, is a former major league catcher with the Pirates and he won a World Series with them years ago. I also am learning a lot from Duaner Sanchez, a veteran who was a reliever in the majors with the Pirates and the Padres.
"There are also much younger players coming right out of college, or from AA and AAA ball, so it's a good mix of talent. It's similar to 'high' Class A leagues or even some AA leagues in terms of the competition," noted Mike.
McGuire starred in high school at Ridley (Folsom, PA) and then went on to an excellent pitching career at the University of Delaware. He posted a combined record of 16-12 for the Blue Hens before being drafted in the 43rd round of the MLB draft by the Indians. Just 23 with a birthday at the end of June, McGuire is pushing hard to help Sussex win the Can-Am League and to keep his pitching success going. So far, he is 2-0 with a super 1.50 ERA for the Skyhawks.
"I just need to stay aggressive and jump ahead of the hitters, and that's what I've been doing," McGuire pointed out.
To follow Mike's pitching success, go to www.sussexskyhawks.com. After the season, he plans to come back to All Star Baseball Academy as a top-rated, well-liked instructor who is popular with both players and parents.
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