Travis Blackley - No. 6 of the Baseball Best Minor League Players - MLN Fab50 (FAB 50) 2004 - MLN Sports Zone

Name: Travis Blackley

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 190 lbs.

Position: Left-Handed Pitcher [P]

Bats/Throws: L/L

DOB: 11/04/1982

Organization: Seattle Mariners

Acquired: Signed by Mariners in 2000 out of Australia

Current Team: Tacoma Rainiers – Pacific Coast League - AAA

A wundah from downundah, Aussie southpaw Travis Blackley dominated in 2003, tying the minor league lead with 17 wins, while sporting a 2.61 ERA with 144 strikeouts in 162.1 innings pitched at Double-A San Antonio.

MLN named Blackley our 2003 Texas League Player of the Year in recognition of his torrid season with San Antonio. He was recently named to the 2003 Pacific Coast League (PCL) All-Stars.

Blackley is backing up his breakout campaign with another stellar season and is now 6-2 with a 2.49 ERA this year with the Tacoma Rainiers of the Pacific Coast League [PCL].

“Travis has done a very good job making the adjustment to the Triple-A batters and the higher competition level,” said Gary Hunter, the Seattle Mariners’ minor league director.

He began his pro career in short-season class-A with the Everett Aquasox of the Northwest League. He pitched in 14 games, posted a 6-1 record with 90 strikeouts and 29 walks in 79 2/3 innings, while holding opponents to a .211 batting average.

Scouts found Blackley playing for the Australian Olympic team. Travis had never intended to play baseball in a country where Aussie-rules football, rugby, soccer, and perhaps even lawn bowling dwarf the American national pastime in their popularity.

"My brother asked me if I wanted to join the team," Blackley tells MLN.

Although Travis’ numbers dipped in California League during 2001, his great command was evident by his ratio of 152 strikeouts to 44 walks.

After moving up to Triple-A to start ’04, Blackley struggled in first two starts in which he allowed 11 runs on 19 hits in fewer than 10 innings.

Travis has since found his groove, and now the hitters in the PCL are seeing the stuff that made him the 2003 Seattle Mariners Minor League Player of the Year.

“He’s raised his game and is pitching really well for us right now,” Hunter tells MLN.

Hunter believes that the command of a solid fastball, as well as his change up, are Blackley’s strong points.

“He doesn’t overpower guys, but his ball has a lot of movement,” says Hunter. “ He has a very good changeup, a breaking ball that’s getting better, and he can really locate his pitches.”

Blackley is now 6-0 with a 1.55 ERA in his last 10 games with the Tacoma Rainiers. If the Mariners continue to dell in the AL West cellar, don’t be surprised to see Blackley get a shot at the rotation after the all-star break.

“He’s close,” admitted Hunter, “if he continues to pitch outstanding, he’s right there.” The Minor League Director of the Mariners also has a forecast regarding Blackley’s future with the club.

“It’s bright. We hope he’s one of our starters in the big leagues for a long time to come.”

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