McClelland grateful for Schneider's help on ascent through Jays' system

Hard-throwing relief prospect Jackson McClelland has posted a 2.91 ERA in 111 appearances in the last four seasons in the Toronto Blue Jays organization. Photo: Marcus Rebelo

By Marcus Rebelo

DUNEDIN, Fla. — A life in baseball can bring new obstacles and new experiences each day, but calm, coolness, and consistency is what defines Jackson McClelland’s time in the Toronto Blue Jays system.

McClelland’s reworked delivery required in 2017 following a torn labrum threatened his professional career but hasn’t altered his identity.

It is obvious when on a day where over a hundred prospects are working out, grounds keepers zooming by, and gloves being fitted, the Beaumont, Calif., native doesn’t seemed phased.

“I’m more even keel, kind of let the day show me what I need to work on,” said the right-handed reliever, discussing his goals for the upcoming year, pitching routine, and how he reacts on the mound.

Over the last four years with four different teams in Toronto’s minor league system McClelland appeared in 111 games with a 2.91 ERA.

Last season he had a 1-4 record and 4.33 ERA after relief appearances with the Dunedin Blue Jays (class-A Advanced), and New Hampshire Fisher Cats (double-A) where he finished the season.

The Californian was drafted in the 15th round of the 2015 MLB Draft out of Pepperdine University after a standout junior season where he started 15 games, two of them complete and held the opponent’s batting average to .237.

Aiding the six-foot-five, 220-pound prospect’s focus was now-promoted Blue Jays coach John Schneider who managed the pitcher through three different minor league levels, Lansing (class-A), Dunedin, and New Hampshire.

They won championships together with Dunedin in 2017 and the Fisher Cats the following year.

“Every time I’ve played for him he’s been the same guy – kept it even keel he’s always about us and what we need -- not so much about him and what he wants,” said the 2015 Blue Jays draft pick. “How can [we] get better, perform and win and do the things that we need to do.”

Schneider emphasized his attention to success for his players both through his words and actions.

“That just stands out in your mind and it’s hard to not love playing for a guy like that.”