Frequent flyer Mike McCoy helping Blue Jays in 2011
Mike McCoy has become an expert traveler.
Traveling, of course, is customary for professional athletes, but there is extra significance for the Toronto Blue Jays infielder; airports have become another home. In fact, if you don’t see McCoy in the Blue Jays’ dugout, he’s probably inside an airport terminal.
Since the start of this current Major League Baseball season, the 30-year-old has been optioned to and recalled from Toronto’s Triple-A affiliate, the Las Vegas 51s, eight times.
That certainly wasn’t planned, but neither were stints on the disabled list for four Toronto infielders – or in Edwin Encarnacion’s unfortunate case, the bereavement list – throughout the first few months of the season.
But regardless of the reason, McCoy has answered the call when needed and has handled each demotion respectfully, without protest. His professionalism has certainly not gone unnoticed.
“There’s no change in his attitude,” said Russ Langer, Director of Broadcasting and play-by-play voice of the 51s. “One would never know he’s been sent up and down. He’s almost cyborg-like.”
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McCoy may not have overly impressive statistics – a .224 average with one home run and four RBIs in 32 games with the Blue Jays and a slightly better .311 average with no home runs and nine RBIs in 20 games with the 51s – however, he offers something that is just as valued: flexibility.
The native of San Diego, California has played multiple positions in his Major League career, making him – as Langer put it – a manager’s dream.
Nothing could make that more evident than what took place on June 11.
The Blue Jays were playing the Boston Red Sox and the game was hardly a classic; at least from Toronto’s perspective.
By the ninth inning, Boston was well on its way to a 16-4 victory. Toronto had already used six pitchers, including five relievers. Rather than using another reliever, Jays manager John Farrell decided to conserve his bullpen and placed McCoy on the mound.
It wasn’t a disaster. In fact, given the score, it was nothing short of spectacular.
McCoy, who had thrown a few innings while playing in the minors, pitched a 1-2-3 inning. He threw 12 pitches, nine for strikes. According to Gregor Chisholm of MLB.com, McCoy’s selection included changeups and sliders, plus a fastball that reached 85 MPH.
The Boston hitters McCoy faced weren’t slouches, either. Carl Crawford, Marco Scutaro and J.D. Drew were swiftly retired in order by a pop out, fly out and ground out.
More importantly, McCoy’s appearance on the mound was not as spur-of-the-moment as it appeared to be.
“Earlier in the year, there was a blowout game and I said to [Farrell], ‘If you need me to pitch, I can’,” McCoy told Chisholm in an article about the June 11 game. “Save the bullpen a little bit, one inning, so [Farrell] knew I could do it.”
This one exchange is an example of how McCoy is willing to do anything for his team, whether he’s in the minors or the Majors. It’s a strong character trait.
“He leads by example,” said Langer. “You seldom have a clue as to how he does on the field because he handles everything the same way. The other players gravitate towards him because of his professionalism.”
Langer also notes that while a casual fan may view McCoy as a player who seldom starts and makes a minimal impact on the stats sheet, a more passionate follower identifies his value.
“McCoy shows occasional power, does the little things, and is never distracted,” explained Langer. “He’s consistent, he runs balls out, and he’s versatile.”
With plenty of baseball left to be played, you can expect Mike McCoy to experience at least a few more flights between Toronto and Las Vegas. It’s not glamorous, especially if he’s there just to be an extra body in the dugout, but it’s a role that he accepts.
If all of that extra traveling will assist his team, you can bet McCoy will be more than happy to do it.
*Adam Lind, Aaron Hill, Jayson Nix and John McDonald – if you’re keeping track.
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