ONE STEP CLOSER:  Andrew Elliott

Baltimore Orioles / Aberdeen IronBirds (Class A-Short)

Mequon, WI – When Andrew Elliott was selected by the Baltimore Orioles (913rd overall in the 30^th round of the 2015 MLB draft) no one who had seen the smooth right-handed closer for the 2014 Northwoods League Champion Chinooks was surprised.  The Wheelersburg, OH native was named the Horizon League Pitcher of the Year in consecutive seasons at Wright State in 2014 and in 2015 after earning Northwoods League All-Star honors for Lakeshore when he recorded 13 saves in 13 opportunities and posted a 0.73 ERA.  Despite his experience as a closer, Elliott went undrafted in 2014 and used his experience at Lakeshore to bolster his resume, which ultimately led to his selection.

After helping Wright State into the 2015 NCAA Regionals, Elliot signed his contract and quickly made one appearance with the Orioles’ Gulf Coast League rookie team before being assigned to the Aberdeen IronBirds, a Class A affiliate in the New York-Penn League.  Elliott adjusted well and posted 24 strikeouts in 24 innings of work with a 3.38 ERA and two saves.  Elliott’s coach at Wright State, Greg Lovelady said, “I have seen how much work he has put in and how dominant he was on the mound the last two years.  The Orioles got a really special and prepared kid and I am thoroughly excited to follow his professional career.”

Lakeshore field manager Eddy Morgan added, “I believe Andrew has the internal drive to succeed at the pro level.  His fastball jumps on hitters and he commands the zone.  He has the composure and confidence to work his way through a system.  His love for competition and his ability to close out games is what made him successful at Wright State and for the Chinooks.  I don't see that changing anytime soon.”

Elliot had this to say about his experiences thus far:

1.  I am currently getting ready for spring training. Once I'm there the goal is to just take one day at a time and be prepared for anything. At the end of spring training I will then be placed on a team for the upcoming year.

2.  The best moments so far have been playing against my former Chinook teammates, (Brett Siddall, Ryan Krill, and Travis Hissong) and getting to experience professional baseball.

3.  I would have to say our best promotion was either the military appreciation night, or the Cal Ripken Jr. Night. Cal Ripken Jr. was there and it just was a cool experience to be around.

4. The toughest part of the minor league experience is just adapting from how it is different from college. If I had to pick one thing though, I would say the advancement of hitters we have to face makes it a challenge.

Elliott’s journey through the minor leagues can be followed at: 

http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?sid=milb&player_id=665058#/career/R/pitching/2015/ALL

The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. The 22-year old summer collegiate league is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 18 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, more than 140 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (WAS) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (DET), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Lucas Duda (NYM) and Ben Zobrist (KC). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website. For more information, visit www.northwoodsleague.com.