Former FAU pitcher-outfielder Andy Mee has appeared in three games for the Normal Cornbelters, earning one victory while tossing 5 1/3 scoreless innings. (Photo courtesy Normal Cornbelters)
Mee goes Normal
Former Owl Friday: Former FAU pitcher - right fielder Andy Mee signs with the Normal Cornbelters of the independent Frontier League.
Originally published on
7/29/2011
by
Chuck King
Why be Normal? The answer for Andy Mee is that they were the first ones to offer.
After not being selected in this year's MLB Draft, the former FAU right fielder/closer finally began his professional career late last week when he signed with the Normal Cornbelters, a franchise in the independent Frontier League based in Normal, Ill.
“It was a lot of relief,” Mee said. “I waited more than a month to come and play.”
A preseason All-Sun Belt selection in 2011, Mee didn't have the senior season he would have liked. After leading the Sun Belt in saves as a junior, Mee surrendered the closer's role to Hugh Adams midway through 2011.
Mee also struggled at the plate near the end of the season, with his average ultimately falling below .300.
Following the draft FAU coach John McCormack helped Mee get in touch with some independent teams.
On July 20. Mee received a call letting him know the Cornbelters were looking for a pitcher.
After spending his last month at Palm Beach Gardens High School throwing to his father and various high school players, Mee jumped at the chance to sign.
“I think if I waited any longer I wouldn't be able to go anywhere,” he said.
Three days later he was on the mound, delivering his first pitch as a professional. So far the Cornbelters are liking what they're seeing.
Mee enters Friday's action having thrown 5 1/3 scoreless innings across his first three appearances. He's struck out eight, including former Owl and current Southern Illinois Miner Will Block on Wednesday.
“I've heard I'd be more successful as a pitcher,” Mee said.
That doesn't mean Mee isn't swinging his stick. Mee said he's taken batting practice with the Cornbelters but has yet to lobby his manager for a plate appearance in game.
For now Mee wants to show he can pitch at the professional level, hoping to parlay a good showing during the Frontier League's final month into a contract with an affiliated team next season.
“I think (baseball) is fun regardless of where you are playing,” Mee said. “I think it's more of a challenge to get to the next level. I like challenges.”
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