Harris off to a phenomenal start in Can-Am

TROIS-RIVIÈRES-Anderson-Shiro Alumni Garrett Harris has turned heads with his performance to begin the season for the Trois-Riviéres Eagles of the Can-Am League.

The right-handed hurler, a 25-year old rookie, has exceeded what he was projected to become and has become not only the most effective pitcher for the Eagles but one of the best pitchers in the league.

TJ Stanton of the Eagles stated Harris was touted as a good reliever who would help the team in certain situations.

Harris’s 38 strikeouts lead the circuit and is four strikeouts better than former major leaguer Phillippe Aumont. He has also held opposing batters to a .153 average and won all three games he has started.

“I could not ask for a better start to the season,” explained Harris. “I have always had a lot of strikeouts whether in college, university or affiliated baseball. On the other hand, I also gave up a lot of walks but for the moment that’s fine because I am proving myself.”

Harris was released by the Kansas City Royals at the conclusion of the 2017 season because of the amount of walks he surrendered. He played two-seasons in the Royals rookie system.

Although Harris has gained more control and been dominating hitters, he is still working to develop more pitches in his arsenal. Currently he leans on two pitches, a fast ball and a slippery ball.

A third pitch he refers to as the slingshot (split-finger) is currently in the works for Harris which will make him that much more devastating to hitters when they stand in the batter’s box.

Harris has grown up an avid fan of the Houston Astros and being inspired by Roger Clemens and now Justin Verlander.

The goal of players playing Can-Am League baseball is to have a chance to return to a major league team. “It’s the goal of all the guys here, as it was for Raphael Gladu. I love Trois-Riviéres, I discover a new city, new country and a francophone culture that I didn’t know. But ultimately we all want an opportunity to reach the major leagues.”

With the performances he has shown he’s could garner looks from MLB teams in the future. His teammates think highly of his ability.

“He’s a confident guy who always has the same attitude no matter the batter,” said teammate Joe DeLuca.

Another teammate, Anthony Hermelyn says, “Garrett is not afraid of anything, He is a pitcher who attacks, and he can only improve.”

Until Harris is afforded the opportunity to sign with a MLB team, he will keep working to improve and stay motivated