It doesn’t matter where Connor Green has gone, the expectations have always been high.
The Portage La Prairie, Manitoba product first burst onto the Alberta baseball scene in 2015 when he was accepted to Vauxhall Baseball Academy. His hometown took a great interest in seeing where he would end up. The right-hander lived up to his billing by helping the team to the “Best of the West” championship the following year.
The excitement grew as he looked for colleges. The 19-year-old eventually settled on Pratt Community College, which is where Rowley’s Quentin Kopjar. After the fall wrapped up, Green moved to Minot State University, where he redshirted as a freshman.
For the summer, he thought he would head somewhere close to his second home. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound hurler found a spot with the Medicine Hat Mavericks, who have been pacing the Western Major Baseball League (WMBL) most of the season. Green has posted a 4.72 ERA in seven games, five of which being in relief.
We caught up with the lanky Maverick for another edition of “1 Thru 9” as his squad got ready for their final two home games of the regular season: Tuesday against Lethbridge and Wednesday against Edmonton.
1. What is your walk-up/warm-up tune?
“Hail to the King” by Avenged Sevenfold.
2. What is the best pre-game meal?
It’s popular but it’s a classic: fettuccine alfredo.
3. Your family sends you a care package. What’s in it?
Gatorade, chips and protein bars.
@VABjets are redefining #AllInTheFamily. @ChaseFlorendine #BrookeFlorendine @Wesleymoore_2 @ConnorGreen_18 #TatumRath and #MattRath pic.twitter.com/VJizpeD1b0
— Steven Florendine (@Canexans) April 15, 2017
4. What is your favourite stadium to watch or play baseball in?
Target Field in Minnesota. It’s the Twins’ home field and it’s an absolutely beautiful park to watch a ball game.
5. Who has had the biggest influence on you as a baseball player and why?
My parents have definitely been the biggest influence on me as a baseball player. They have given me every opportunity to fulfill my dreams in baseball.
6. Who was the best teammate you’ve ever had and why?
Wesley Moore. He and I went to Vauxhall together for two years (2015 & 2017). He has such a high IQ in baseball and he helped me so much in developing my pitches and taking time out of his day to help me and other teammates out. We’re still best buds even though we’re no longer at Vauxhall.
7. What is the best thing about playing baseball in the WMBL?
By far, it’s getting to play baseball every day, getting to the park and seeing hundreds of fans excited to see you play.
Come get your picture as a maverick! Check out Jordan Dray and Connor Green posing with these new additions to the field! pic.twitter.com/dpqs47cZGZ
— MedHat Mavericks (@mhmavericks) May 29, 2018
8. What is your favourite baseball memory?
Winning the “Best of the West” championship with the Vauxhall Jets in 2017.
9. What is the best piece of baseball advice you’ve ever received?
“Baseball is 90% mental and 10% physical.” I got that from Joshua Hoetmer, who was our mental coach in Vauxhall, although I know it’s been said by many people.
