With the uncertainties of sports in 2020 due to the coronavirus, independent baseball teams gave baseball fans a moment of normalcy despite many leagues canceling for the summer. The American Association, Atlantic League, and Frontier League have always had hidden gems when it comes to baseball talent, and in an odd year like 2020, there were a few men who shined even brighter than usual.
Independent Baseball Players to Watch
(In no particular order)
Robby Rowland – Lexington Legends
The third-round pick of the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2010, the 28-year-old righty has faced many ups and downs while playing professional baseball. The son of former Major League catcher Rich Rowland has been affiliated with the Diamondbacks, Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals, and Texas Rangers. He has also played in Puerto Rico, in the American Association, and Frontier League.
In 2020, he returned to the field for the first time since 2018. On July 16, 2018, while warming up, it appeared that Rowland had thrown his shoulder out. After six and a half months, he went ahead with surgery to get back to 110% with a dream in mind. And on August 1, 2020, Rowland pitched for the Lexington Legends in the Battle of the Bourbon Trail. While the Legends did not win it all this summer, Rowland looked sharp and rejuvenated on the mound. Truly cannot wait to see Rowland’s career flourish once again.
Hayden Shenefield – New Jersey Jackals
I had the opportunity to speak with Shenefield earlier in the season and his story is one that many struggling or unsure college baseball players should listen to and/or read about. Despite going undrafted and being told no for four straight years of college, Shenefield took matters into his own hands. Playing JUCO at Grossmont College with dual enrollment at San Diego State Unversity, Shenefield quickly went from pitching out of the pen and into a starter role. He went on to be the 2017 State Championship Final MVP.
In 2019, he played for the Cleburne Railroaders of the American Association and then went on to play for the Windy City ThunderBolts of the Frontier League. While he trained in the off-season, he was looked at by the Cincinnati Reds before the pandemic. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, Shenefield was unable to workout with the Reds at their Arizona facility. A little while later, the New Jersey Jackals offered him a contract for the summer.
He excelled with the Jackals this summer 4-0, with a 1.56 ERA, and .870 WHIP in 23 IP. He gave up 15 hits, five runs, four earned runs, and 36 strikeouts. Everyone needs to keep an eye out for Shenefield in the future.
Dan Valerio – Somerset Patriots, New Jersey Jackals
Valerio, the 23-year-old right-hander is another player with an inspirational story behind him that I have had the opportunity to share. Attending Rowan College from 2014 to 2016, Valerio led the team in doubles. His team also reached the NJCAA World Series twice. He continued to excel while playing at Rowan College – earning First-Team All-County, All-Conference, All-Shore, All-Region, and was named Playoff MVP. He transferred to North Carolina in the fall of 2016 but life had other plans. Battling personal demons after being hospitalized for overtraining syndrome, Valerio focused on finding his faith and enrolled at Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida.
While in Florida, his father had a stroke and left his family with a new reality. With this, Valerio made the decision to go back to score and break multiple records for his team. He signed with the Windy City ThunderBolts of the Frontier League in the early days of 2020. By July, the Somerset Patriots signed him for the 13-game series against the New Jersey Blasters. While playing with Somerset — Valerio batted .296, with eight hits, one double, three RBI, a .333 SLG, and a .444 OBP.
After ending with the Patriots, Valerio moved to the New Jersey Jackals to finish the 2020 baseball season. With the Jackals, Valerio hit .125 with two hits, two stolen bases, .125 SLG, .222 OBP, and a .347 OPS in 18 plate appearances. Valerio’s future in professional baseball is only going up from here.
Christian Correa – Milwaukee Milkmen
The only catcher on this list and for good reason. Correa spent time with the Houston Astros and Colorado Rockies organizations before finding a home with independent baseball. The 5-foot-10 27-year-old has played for the Kansas City T-Bones, Sussex County Miners, and Milwaukee Milkmen since 2017.
Before the Milwaukee Milkmen returned his contract to the Texas AirHogs, Correa helped lead the Milkmen to a Championship against the Sioux Falls Canaries. In fact, he hit the first home run for the MKE team in the postseason, which brought two more runs. In 49 games, Correa had 34 hits, four home runs, 20 RBI, and .586 OPS.
Peyton Gray – Milwaukee Milkmen
In his first year of independent baseball, Gray has shown that he is an ace on the mound. Named the American Association’s Relief Pitcher of the Year and Rookie of the Year, Gray left a lasting impression on the league’s managers, media, and team executives. From 2018 to 2019, Gray played for in the Colorado Rockies Minor League system – bouncing between Rookie and short-season A.
Gray did not allow a run in 32 IP as the closer for the Milkmen during the regular season. He went on to have a record of 3-0 with a 0.00 ERA, 56 strikeouts, and only 14 walks. The 25-year-old earned 14 saves on the season to top his already impressive stat line. If there is one thing independent baseball teams know now, it is that Peyton Gray will be a force to reckon with for years and will more than likely be picked back up with an affiliated club sooner than later.
Adam Brett Walker – Milwaukee Milkmen
Being able to be the hometown hero for the Milwaukee Milkmen, Walker has truly found his home. Drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the third round of the 2012 draft, Walker went on to play in the Minor League system for the Twins along with Baltimore, Atlanta, Cincinnati, and Washington. He began playing in the American Association in 2018 looking to prove himself.
He was named the American Association Player of the Year this season for his performances. In 241 plate appearances, he hit 22 home runs, notched 50 RBI, and slashed .268/.320/.609.