Flanked by family members, coaches and school administrators, Montezuma–Cortez High School senior Konnar McGee signed a national letter of intent to play baseball at Arizona Christian University next season.
McGee’s signing took place on May 6 and came less than a week after he wrapped up his final season of prep baseball with a .292 batting average, one home run, five doubles and 11 RBIs.
McGee pitched in ten games in 2015 and finished the year with a 3–3 record and a 4.42 ERA. McGee batted .373 and drove in 15 runs as a junior.
“All the trips to Phoenix, all the hours in the car, all the days on the field, everything is worth it at this point,” said McGee. “I’m just excited to continue playing baseball like I know I can.”
McGee said that the path to his signing began last summer when a member of Arizona Christian University’s coaching staff noticed him at a summer camp in Norwood. The camp was designed to provide exposure for small–town prospects.
After speaking with members of the coaching staff and learning more about the school, which belongs to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), McGee decided to sign.
“I talked to the guys and they were really welcoming,” McGee said. I know that (Arizona Christian) has amazing facilities and they’ve put (four) guys in the pros in past few years.”
Managing Arizona Christian University next season for the third straight year will be former Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Bill Swift, who won 21 games as a member of the San Francisco Giants in 1992.
Current M–CHS manager Travis Greenlee said that tips from former professional players such as Swift would allow McGee to improve.
“Konnar knows that he can always get better and he’ll have an opportunity to work with some great coaches,” said Greenlee. “He’ll work everyday to get better and I’m confident that he will have success.”
An outstanding student as well as baseball player, McGee currently owns a 3.8 GPA and plans to study biology and human anatomy while at Arizona Christian University.
Asked about the factors that have contributed to his success on the diamond and in the classroom, McGee immediately spoke the support that he has received from his family.
“My family has been amazing,” McGee said. “They have taken me all over the country (to play baseball) and they have done it willingly. The support that I’ve had has been amazing.”
“Hopefully the young kids will see that if they’re willing to put the work in, playing college baseball is possible,” Greenlee said. “Konnar has done a great job of being a leader on and off the baseball field.”