McConnell Begins Professional Career with Phillies
6/28/2009 5:09:21 PM
CLEARWATER, Fla. - Former Metro State shortstop
Matt McConnell began his professional career with the Gulf Coast League Phillies, the Philadelphia Phillies' Rookie level affiliate. McConnell has played in two of the team's three games, starting at second base on Thursday against the GCL Pirates.
McConnell was drafted in the 36th round of the Major League Baseball draft on June 11. He signed a professional contract two days later.
He came off the bench as a defensive replacement on June 23 against the Blue Jays and was called out on strikes in the bottom of the inning against lefthander Daniel DeLucia in his first professional at bat. McConnell started at second base on the Thursday, June 25 against the Pirates and went 1-for-2 with a walk and a run scored. He singled in his first at bat of the game with a line drive to right field off righthander Mitchell Fienemann and scored later that inning in the Phillies' 2-1 win.
The GCL Phillies have had their past two games rained out, but a doubleheader was scheduled for Sunday against the Yankees.
Official Site of the Gulf Coast League Phillies