Alek Manoah could pitch in West Virginia again
West Virginia fans could have the opportunity to see Alek Manoah toe the rubber in the Mountain State again. One possible destination for the first rounder is with the Appalachian League Bluefield Blue Jays, which serves as Toronto's Rookie affiliate. The Jays begin their 2019 campaign on June 18th on the road then make their home debut on June 25th at Bowen Field. Bowen Field was first opened in 1939 and has housed teams from six Major League franchises. The Blue Jays have called Bowen Field home since 2011, prior to that the Baltimore Orioles called Bluefield home from 1958-2010.
Some notable players who have played at Bowen Field include Cal Ripken Jr. and Eddie Murray, both now members of the MLB Hall-of-Fame, as well as current MLB's Kevin Pillar and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. If Manoah sees himself donning a Bluefield Blue Jays jersey he could add his name to a long list of players who started their professional career in West Virginia and moved onto the majors.
Mountaineer fans will no doubt be in large numbers in Bluefield if this assignment is handed down to the former Mountaineer right-hander.