Matt Kniginyzky wasn’t even a pitcher until he was drafted out of high school by the Toronto Blue Jays.
In fact, he was a third baseman from Mississauga who played his minor baseball in downtown Toronto (High Park) and pitched only on occasion. However, on one of those occasions, the Jays scouts saw him and drafted him in the 43rd round of the Major League amateur draft.
“Never did sign with the Blue Jays,” said Kniginyzky with a smile. “I went to junior college and then to High Point University (a Division 1 liberal arts school in North Carolina) and was ultimately drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 22nd round.”
Kniginyzky signed with the Royals and thus began his long, arduous journey through organized baseball. From 2005-2009, he went from Idaho to Burlington, Vt., to Arizona Rookie League, to Idaho Falls, back to Burlington, to Wilmington, Del., and finally to Northwest Arkansas. After spending the spring training season with the Royals, Kniginyzky was released and got a call from Goldeyes manager Rick Forney.
“It was a great opportunity and I’ve wanted to play in Canada for awhile,” said the 27-year-old Kniginyzky. “Like everyone else here, I want to get back to organized ball and eventually play in the majors, but having the opportunity to play independent ball in Canada is a pretty good option.”
In order to get back into organized ball, Kniginyzky knows he has to do two things: put up good numbers and play for a winning team. Historically, players who play for Northern League champions tend to get a good look from big league organizations.
In order to accomplish his goals, Kniginyzky will bring a four-pitch arsenal – four-seam fastball, curveball, slider and change.
“I love playing the game and I know that to get back into organized ball, I have to have a good season,” said Kniginyzky. “Right now, I’m not even thinking about getting back. I’m just concentrating on putting up good numbers and helping this team to win. If I do that, the other stuff will take care of itself.”
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