Joe relishing opportunity with home-state organization

When Connor Joe got the first call, it wasn’t one he wanted to hear.

The second call was also unexpected but something that was motivation.

Joe, an infielder for Oklahoma City, has played for three organizations in the past year. Although he is with the Dodgers now, he started his career in the Pirates’ organization. On Aug. 5, he was traded to the Braves. He played one month with the Double-A Mississippi Braves, a losing team with low morale throughout the clubhouse. It was one of the most difficult months of baseball in Joe’s career, but it didn’t last long.

Atlanta traded Joe to Los Angeles on Sept. 24, and he was assigned to Double-A Tulsa. He quickly became the Drillers' best player, and he was excelling in Tulsa, where he played until June 21. That’s when Drillers’ manager Scott Hennessey told him he was on the move again. This move was to Oklahoma City, his first stint playing Triple-A ball.

“(The change) has been great,” Joe said. “It’s the same game once you boil it down. They just treat you a little bit differently here. They take a little bit better care of you, travel is a little bit better. Food is a little bit better. Other than that, it’s the same game.”

Joe’s parents were able to catch his first game with Oklahoma City after some quick flight changes. His family was preparing to watch him in the DoubleA All-Star Game. Instead, they changedflights to catch his first Triple-A games in Omaha.

Joe pinch hit during his first game with Oklahoma City, but in his first start on June 22, his family watched him smack his first Triple-A home run, which was special for Joe. His abilities that got him his first Triple-A action have continued with Oklahoma City. He has drilled three home runs while batting .297 and driving in eight. Additionally, Joe has drawn seven walks.

Oklahoma City manager Bill Haselman praised Joe’s work ethic, saying he is ready to play each day.

“He has got a lot of energy,” Haselman said. “He has given us really good at-bats. He has done a nice job for us. He is always prepared. ”

For Joe, from San Diego, California, having the chance to possibly play for the Los Angeles Dodgers in his home state would be a dream come true. He has played third and first base while in Oklahoma City, and Haselman praised Joe’s ability to be versatile.

His swing is powerful, and he is quick and athletic on defense. The best season of his career has come competing for the organization just north of his hometown. He understands what it will take to play in Dodger Stadium one day. But for now, Joe wants to continue growing his game to increase the opportunity to get called up again.

“I definitely just want to see myself put together competitive at-bats,” Joe said. “I want to improve on defense and really every facet of the game to mold myself and be a player that could add value at the bigleague level for the Dodgers.”