Catcher Max McDowell made headlines last summer when he helped turn a rare triple play while playing in the minor leagues.
On Sunday, he pulled off another game-changing highlight for his career, and with it, two words: “Play ball.”
McDowell, a former Norwin standout, signed a free agent deal with the New York Yankees.
The last few months induced doubt and thoughts that his baseball career might be in jeopardy with no minor league season. He had been playing for the Double-A Biloxi Shuckers, a Milwaukee Brewers affiliate, but was released May 31.
Suddenly, though, there is immense hope as he prepares to get fitted for New York’s legendary pinstripes.
“The last couple months were obviously unpredictable,” McDowell said. “I don’t think anyone knew what was going on or if we were going to be able to play.
“I’m super-excited for the opportunity to be a part of the Yankees organization and the restart of MLB baseball.”
He will report to Yankee Stadium on Wednesday for “Spring Training 2.0” as players get set for a July 1 opener following a lengthy delay because of the coronavirus outbreak.
McDowell will be in the team’s 60-man pool and most likely will join the taxi squad, which is similar to a practice squad in football.
Excited to be back in the northeast! https://t.co/rCMyagPmME
— Max McDowell (@maxy_do_well) June 28, 2020
He runs the Baseball Academy of Norwin and had been working there during the shutdown.
Now, it’s back to business in a different sense.
Excited to announce that #TeamESM client Max McDowell is joining the Yankees organization pic.twitter.com/jvnSpiqPoL
— EnterSports Management (@EnterSportsMgmt) June 28, 2020
In 87 games last season with Biloxi, McDowell hit .213 with 14 doubles, four home runs, 22 RBIs and 31 runs scored.
The former Connecticut standout threw out 28 potential base stealers.
Congrats to our former two-time all conference catcher, @maxy_do_well , on signing with the @Yankees .https://t.co/brqeADEB4l
— UConn Baseball (@UConnBSB) June 28, 2020
The Shuckers won a division title and reached the Southern League BC Powder Championship Series. The team set a club record with 82 wins.
He had a hand in all three outs of the aforementioned triple play, the first in team history.
With runners at the corners, McDowell squeezed a third strike to get Jhoan Urena looking, then gunned to second base.
The Mobile BayBears’ Jack Kruger, who headed for second, was thrown out as shortstop Bruce Caldwell made the swipe tag before firing to McDowell to get Jo Adell, who had headed home from third.
Biloxi won 7-3 at Hank Aaron Stadium.
McDowell’s five-year, four-team career in the minors saw him hit .232 with 14 homers, 113 RBIs and 150 runs. While 240 players stole a base against him, he threw out another 176.
