This is the eighth in a series of interviews conducted by Steve Potter.

Spot Light: Connor Brogdon

Phillies 10th round pick, Connor Brogdon, was one of the first of the 2017 draft class to sign a contract. He’s a 6’6″ senior from three time consecutive NAIA National Champion Lewis Clark State in Idaho.

He was 16-9 with a 1.75 ERA in high school in 155 2/3 IP with 191 K’s for Liberty High School in Madera, California earning First Team All League and Pitcher of the Year honors in the North Sequoia League. From there he went to Fresno City Community College in Fresno, California where he pitched two seasons accumulating a record of 15-1 with a 1.97 ERA in 2 seasons. He threw 151 innings and struck out 142 batters.

Connor then attended Lewis Clark State where he went 6-0 with a 2.81 ERA in 11 starts (51 1/3 IP) with 48 k’s his junior season and 8-1 in 15 games (80 1/3 IP) with a 2.91 ERA and 99 k’s his senior year. He was a member of two national championship teams at the NAIA level.

He’s 22 now, was drafted in the 40th round by Atlanta after graduating high school when his FB was topping out at 91. He throws low to mid 90’s now.

Here’s some recent questions I asked him and his responses:

First of all welcome to the Phillies from the fan base, how much do you know about the Phillies and what have you heard about Phillies fans?

“To be honest, I don’t know too much about the Phillies or their fans. However, I am excited for this opportunity to progress within their organization and get to know the fan base over the course of my career.”

When did you find out you were drafted and what was your reaction?

“I found out as soon as it was announced on MLB Network from my area scout, Hilton Richardson. He immediately called me to congratulate me and welcome me to the Phillies. I was and still am extremely excited to be a part of this organization and am looking forward to what lies ahead.”

What are you looking forward to the most in your pro career?

“I’m looking forward to being able to play and be around the best game in the world on a daily basis. It’s truly a dream come true to say that playing baseball is now my job.”

Tell me a little about your repertoire ? What’s your best pitch ?

“My best pitch is probably my fastball. I feel most comfortable with it, and also have better command with the fastball than my other pitches. In addition to the fastball, I throw a curveball, slider and changeup.”

I read out of high school you had thoughts of attending Fresno State but instead went to Fresno City, why the change?

“I was informed that my scholarship to Fresno State wasn’t going to cover what was initially promised, and it was better for my family and I to attend Fresno City who had arguably the best coaching staff I’ve played for in my career.”

Talk a bit about your experiences at Lewis Clark State and winning two consecutive national titles, what was that like?

“Unfortunately due to poor academic performance my junior year I was unable to play in the World Series and win the second of three consecutive titles. However, playing in the World Series my senior year was probably one of the greatest experiences of my baseball career. Dog piling on Harris Field at Ed Cheff stadium with all my brothers was an incredible experience and one I’ll never forget.”

What should Phillies fans expect to see when you take the hill? What type of competitor do you see yourself as? Any comparison to pitchers in the big leagues today?

“I’m a competitor. I’ll never back down to any hitter in any situation. In this way, I’d compare myself to Max Scherzer. I don’t go as far as snarling at opposing hitters, but I feel that my level of intensity is very similar to his.”

What do you enjoy doing outside of baseball?

“Outside of baseball I enjoy watching Major League Baseball and sleeping. Since attending Lewis-Clark State and becoming a minor league baseball player, sleep has become one of my favorite pastimes.”

Thanks to Connor for doing the interview and to his mom Stephanie for putting me in contact with him. As a Phillies Fan I welcome Connor and his family to our Phillies family!