Mitch Harris closing in on MLB dreams

Mitch Harris, who Redbird Rants interviewed in late January 2013, is pitching for the Peoria Javelinas in this year’s Arizona Fall League.

Harris, who reached the Memphis Redbirds (AAA) this season, could very well become the second ever baseball player to graduate from the United States Naval Academy to reach the big leagues in some 90 years. The first player, Nemo Gaines, only played four games in his MLB career.

Drafted in the 13th round of the 2008 MLB Draft, Harris did not make his professional debut until the 2013 season.

The Cardinals are stocked deep in pitching. Harris, who was profiled by MLB.com, is one of those many pitchers that are hoping to see their Major League debut during the 2015 season. With one relief appearance with Memphis in 2014, it seems likely that Harris will be spending 2015 playing in AAA.

Nobody knows yet what the 2015 season will have in store for the Cardinals but depending on injuries, Harris could easily be called upon to make his Major League debut.

This past season, Harris posted a 2-2 record with a 3.92 ERA in 42 appearances split between Palm Beach, Springfield, and Memphis. In 57.1 innings, Harris struck out 45 batters while walking 19 and allowing 47 hits.

Overall, Harris has career record of 6-3 with a 2.78 ERA in 62 appearances.