Dad's lessons give O’Halloran an edge in his baseball career
Ontario Terrier left-hander Connor O’Halloran (Mississauga, Ont.) has commited to the University of Michigan for next season. He is the son of former pro catcher Greg. Photo: Clarke Adams
September 16, 2019
By Caio Miari
Canadian Baseball Network
Connor O’Halloran remembers most of the advice given to him by his father Greg, going back to around the age of five.
It’s the baseball-related information that will be front and centre this week at Tournament 12, where the son, a left-handed pitcher, will be showing his wares to pro and college scouts at the Rogers Centre.
Greg, you see, was a professional catcher (including a 12-game major league stint with the Florida Marlins in 1994) who has held just about every job in the game you can have.
“He knows what you need to do to get to the top,” said Connor, on the phone last week. “He not only played in the MLB, but he’s done everything in baseball like scouting and coaching.”
Greg is the main inspiration for his son.
“He’s the biggest factor for sure,” said Connor, when asked about how much his dad played a factor for him baseball-wise. “Just having him there to teach me the right way of things. Not only being a player, but going about as a person in the game of baseball.”
It’s accepted in the game that sons of former pros can be ahead of other prospects because of the experience gained from their fathers.
“That kid has been in a huge advantage in his whole life because of Greg,” said Kevin Hussey, a coach with the Ontario Terriers, where Greg is also part of the coaching staff and Connor had the opportunity to play this summer. “The kid from five years old on learned baseball from a Major League player.”
A catcher who served as a pinch hitter often, Greg was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 32nd round of the 1988 MLB draft. In 1993, his contract was sold to the Florida Marlins, where he experienced what it is to play in the majors.
Even though Greg’s tenure in the big leagues lasted only about three months, he played in the professional ranks for eight seasons, including four at the double-A level or higher. During this time, he gained enough experience to be able to help his son understand not only the mechanics, but the life skills needed in the sport.
“The games go quick by you, so you have to always try to pick a step back whatever you are," said the Mississauga, Ontario native. “(I was taught) to remember that it’s still a game, that you’re still trying to have fun.”
O’Halloran is only 17, but has an extensive list of accomplishments in his baseball career: He’s ranked No. 1 in Ontario according to the Prep Baseball Reports’ player rankings and has committed to current College World Series runners-up Michigan.
Still it will be fun to show what he can do to the pro scouts in attendance.
“I think I have become a lot better as a pitcher as a whole,” he said. “It’s just a good opportunity to show in front of some important people that like I’ve matured as a player. I really have been working hard.”