Justin Connell
Justin Connell (born March 11, 1999)[1][2] is an Irish professional baseball player born in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. He is known for his career in the minor leagues and his contributions to the Spanish national baseball team.
Contents
Early life and education
Connell was born in Spain[1][2] and later moved to Broward County, Florida,[3] where he was raised with his parents and two brothers. His baseball journey began at age 10, and he received training from experienced coaches such as Cesar Hernandez and Adam Boiley.[4] Connell had the opportunity to work alongside current MLB players, including Adeiny Hechevarria and Jorge Soler.[3]
Connell attended the American Heritage School, where he honed his skills and showcased his potential as a baseball player.[3][4][5]
Professional career
Minor League Career
Despite hitting only .218 as a high school senior, Connell's talent did not go unnoticed. In the 11th round of the 2017 amateur draft, the Washington Nationals selected him,[1][2][4] and he signed for a $125,000 bonus under the scouting efforts of Jim Gonzales.[3][5]
In his professional debut with the GCL Nationals in 2017, Connell impressed with a .323/.407/.365 batting line. He continued to progress through the Nationals' minor league system, playing with teams such as the GCL Nationals, Auburn Doubledays, Hagerstown Suns, Wilmington Blue Rocks, and Harrisburg Senators..[3][4][5]
Career Highlights
2017
Drafted by the Washington Nationals in the 11th round of the amateur draft,[1][2] Connell embarked on his professional baseball journey. His remarkable debut with the Gulf Coast League (GCL) Nationals showcased his hitting prowess with a stellar .323 batting average, along with an impressive on-base percentage of .407 and a slugging percentage of .365.[1]
2018
Continuing his development, Connell played with both the GCL Nationals and the Auburn Doubledays. Despite the transition, he demonstrated plate discipline, drawing 21 walks in 39 games, indicating a promising future.
2019
A standout season with the Hagerstown Suns highlighted Connell's all-around contributions.[3] Maintaining a .249/.337/.321 slash line, he showcased a blend of power and on-base skills. Additionally, his defensive prowess in the outfield was evident, recording eight outfield assists during the season.[5]
2020
In 2020, the minor league season was unfortunately canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, interrupting Connell's momentum. Nevertheless, he remained focused on his development and continued training.[3]
2021
Connell returned to the field and played for the Wilmington Blue Rocks, where he had a standout season, batting .293[1] [2]/.356/.398. His consistent performance at the plate earned him recognition as an organizational all-star.[5]
2022
Splitting time between the Blue Rocks and the Harrisburg Senators, Connell showcased his power, totaling 14 home runs during the season. His offensive contributions were complemented by his well-rounded skills, including a keen eye at the plate, resulting in a .345 on-base percentage.
2022 World Baseball Classic Qualifiers
A significant milestone in Connell's career was his representation of Spain in the 2022 World Baseball Classic Qualifiers.[1][3] Hitting .467 with a remarkable .733 slugging percentage, Connell played a pivotal role in Spain's success. Tying for 7th in runs and 5th in RBI, he displayed his ability to perform on the international stage.[5]
2022-2023 Offseason
Connell continued to make waves in the Colombian Winter League, leading with an impressive .400 average throughout the season. His success in the offseason league further solidified his standing as a versatile and impactful player.[5]
2023
As he progressed to the Double-A Eastern League, Connell posted a noteworthy .749 OPS in a full season, further establishing himself as a player to watch in the Nationals' organization.
Awards and recognition
- Named a Top Prospect by MLB.com (2019)
- Earned the Title of Organizational All-Star (2021)[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 https://limitless-magazine.com/2024/03/29/from-broward-county-to-the-big-leagues-the-story-of-justin-connell/
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 https://sypstudios.com/justin-connell-a-tale-of-tenacity-and-talent
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 https://atlwire.com/justin-connell-a-beacon-of-dedication-and-talent-in-the-world-of-baseball/
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 https://theinscribermag.com/justin-connell-a-rising-star-in-professional-baseball/
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 https://nyweekly.com/sports/justin-connell-a-path-to-greatness-in-major-league-baseball/
