This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Sports

Big-League Dream: Collin McHugh Gets Closer

Former Providence Christian Academy pitcher working his way up through the minor leagues.

The high-school version of Collin McHugh, the small kid who wanted fame but doubted his pitching ability, almost ended his baseball career too early.

A self-described, "self-conscious" player, the then-sophomore entered his first Providence Christian Academy varsity game in a stress-free situation, with two runners on and his team trailing 15-1.

One pitch later, the score was 18-1.

Find out what's happening in Lilburn-Mountain Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"That was unbelievable," he said. "There were many times in my career where I felt, 'It was a good run, Collin,' and that was one of those times. I'm thinking, 'Can I really handle this?' That's been the story of my career. You eventually figure out that you can."

The more mature, married version of McHugh, at 24, has been figuring out opposing hitters ever since, to the point where he's pitching for the Double-A Binghamton Mets, two steps away from the major-league team.

Find out what's happening in Lilburn-Mountain Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

A 2005 graduate of PCA in Lilburn, McHugh spent the next three years at Berry College in Mount Berry. After his junior year, the Mets selected him in the 18th round of the 2008 draft.

McHugh has been one of his team's better pitchers at every professional level, from rookie-league Kingsport to Low-A Savannah in 2010. Despite a rough beginning to his 2011 season at High-A Port St. Lucie -- a 6.31 ERA in 35 2/3 innings -- the right-hander was promoted to Double-A when a May 31 doubleheader created the need a fresh arm.

"When I got called into the office, I was like, 'Oh no,'" said McHugh, who initially thought he was returning to Low-A. "I was excited to find out where I was heading. I don't know how long I'll be here, but I want to enjoy it."

The right-hander's Eastern League debut was positive. He limited the Erie SeaWolves to three hits in a six-inning no-decision, walking none and striking out five. He has made three appearances since, with a 3.72 ERA in 19 1/3 innings.

At 6-foot, 180-pounder who tops out at 91 mph, McHugh must rely on location to get hitters out.

"I've realized more and more how little velocity matters," he said. "The hitters aren't necessarily that much more talented [at Double-A], they're just more seasoned. They have a better approach at the plate and they're not afraid to get to two strikes and make you work."

Humble and grounded, McHugh relies on his wife and Christian faith -- his father was a pastor -- for perspective.

"Minor league baseball is a strange, strange life, especially being married," he said. "To know there's a reason for this to happen and a direction that my life is headed makes everything easier."

When not at the park, McHugh chronicles his journey by blogging. It started as a way for him to keep his family and friends up to date, but grew from there.

McHugh's time as a "chubby 8th grader," his friendship with Manchester Orchestra singer/songwriter Andy Hull or his nearly two-year marriage to Ashley Buzzy McHugh are among the topics on "A Day Older, A Day Wiser."

"When I came into college, I felt like I knew everything there was to know about baseball," he said. "My first day there, I realized I still had so much to learn. The same thing happened after three years of college. I still have a long way to go and I learn something new every day. I don't think that's ever going to stop."

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?