C's Insider: Garrett Maines

- Former Major League Catcher Joe Torre

There is only one word to describe the relationship between a pitcher and his catcher: unique. They must know everything about one another, from tendencies, to likes and dislikes, and you could even go as far as saying they should be able to know what each other is thinking at all times (on the field that is). Their relationship must be able to withstand success and failure, whether it be a series of triumphs, or a constant streak of errors. It is a part of Canadians Catcher Garrett Maines' game that he takes great pride in, when nearly five years ago he didn't know whether he would ever tie his cleats on a baseball field ever again and be able to live out his childhood dream.

His story stretches from Tampa, Florida, to places like Auburn (AL), Waterford (MI) and Mesa (AZ) before returning to Tampa, where he has seen injuries, contracts and opportunities float his way. Right now, he is enjoying success both at and behind the plate for the Vancouver Canadians in his first full professional season. Had it not been for the support from his friends and family in 2007, after a series of devastating injuries, his baseball story could've had a much different ending.

Garrett Maines had always known that baseball was in his blood even from an early age, because with his Uncle Steve catching at the University of Kentucky and Grandfather Jene doing the same for the Pittsburgh Pirates, but it was one innocent moment from his childhood that changed his life when he was 11 that will be forever cemented in his mind as well as in his house.

"I was 11 years old and I hit a walk-off home run in the Little League District Championships and my parents made a huge plaque for me, but also gave me the ball. That was the highlight of my baseball career," Maines recalled as he was preparing to face the Boise Hawks at Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium, "Growing up we never spent time watching TV or playing video games because we were always on the field. I played everything growing up, but when I got to high school I picked baseball because I felt like it was my most passionate sport."

His hard work paid off the older he got, eventually earning a scholarship to the University of Auburn where he would spend his freshman season before transferring home to the University of Tampa to complete his final three years of college eligibility. Despite liking playing for the Tigers, he had decided that being closer to home was a priority and in 2007 when he made the switch things were looking promising for the Brandon, FL native, before a career-threatening injury got in his way.

The prognosis was as brutal as it sounds now: four dislocated ribs all over the course of one season, forcing Maines to take a medical redshirt his sophomore season. For someone who had been doing sports his whole life, this was a tough pill to swallow, and to make matters worse the injury took just as bad of a toll mentally as it did physically.

"That was the toughest part of my career. It was a tough mental grind, and I had to figure some things out on my own. It was the support of my family and friends that made it possible for me to recover, but it ended up taking 6-8 months to fully recover," admitted Maines, "There were plenty of times when I was stuck in bed for weeks at a time where you can't even tie your shoes or wash your hair in the shower. All you can do is question whether you'll be able to swing a bat again."

Through hard work, he made it back onto the field in 2008 where he starred behind the plate for the Tampa Spartans, showing no signs of weakness from his previous injury. Suddenly, his stock was rising and in 2009 he hit .340 with 8 HR's, but that's where his college journey ended. The chance to play professional baseball was too hard to pass up, so he signed with the independent-Midwest Sliders and spent a summer playing with the likes of former Canadian RHP Earl Oakes (06/07), where he learned how tough the daily grind of baseball really is.

"Independent ball was also tough, because you can go 4-4 but at the end of the day the Major Leagues are still far far down the tunnel," he recalled, "Through hard work and prayers I was able to get a chance in affiliated ball."

As the clock struck 2010, the Chicago Cubs saw Maines' ability to hit for power, in addition to being able to grow behind the dish, and signed him to a minor league contract. A few months later, he was released but he was never discouraged as a free agent.

"I knew there was an opportunity to be had somewhere. I knew that since Tampa was such a hotbed for scouts that there would eventually be an opportunity so I tried to stay mentally focused and prepared. That was tough because there's nothing in front of you but you're still working for something."

His hopes were answered shortly after by the Blue Jays, who viewed Maines as a player they could mold into a threat both as a catcher and a hitter. It was then that under the Jays philosophy Maines had to adopt a defensive-first mentality, one that cannot simply be taught overnight. Canadians Manager John Schneider, a former catcher in the Jays system, has been working with the slugger for about a year now, and has seen his game grow enormously in that time.

"He's done a good job of learning that mentality because it isn't an easy one to buy into. Since I've met him, he's improved in all aspects of his defensive game," noted the former Syracuse Chief, "I always tell these guys that defense is more important than offense. They understand that a poor night at the plate but as long as they call a good game and we win, is all I'm asking of them."

Maines credits his early success in Vancouver to Schneider, who has helped him become a more complete player.

"He's been so helpful to me. Because he is so experienced behind the plate we're able to make adjustments on a pitch-to-pitch basis. I'll look over and he'll give me hand signs or gestures to keep improving my career, but we also work in between games and especially in Spring Training."

It's his also Manager that has also taught him the importance of a relationship between a pitcher and a catcher.

"They're huge," he notes, "(Justin) Nicolino and I are roommates on the road and the two of us have a great relationship which has carried over onto the field. Overall, having the pitchers trust you is bigger than having your team think you can hit a home run."

In his first game with Vancouver, Maines hit a towering HR to LF at Scotiabank Field, solidifying himself as a threat in the C's lineup. But for the unselfish catcher, it wasn't his 'Slug the Mug' hit that stands out from that day.

"An even better feeling was winning that game, calling a good one, and Nicolino went out there and did a great job for us."

As Maines looks to move up the Jays system, the 24 year old will not only aim to improve his bat, but more importantly how he calls a game, and his defensive positioning to avoid a situation like that of San Francisco Giants C Buster Posey, where an awkward collision at home plate cost the World Champion his 2011 season.

"We all work on our positioning at the plate a couple times a week as a way to prevent injuries and on how to put down the tag. Posey got the tough end of the stick," Maines said when referring to the hit and how he can make sure he won't be caught in the same situation.

Schneider agrees, and hopes that his catchers know how to react, so they too don't wind up on the DL.

"Rule number one is to protect yourself, because at the end of the day it's your future but you also want to make sure you're doing everything you can to help the team. There's definitely a technique we use to develop that ability from Spring Training on."

Despite having 3 HR in 10 games, Maines is more impressively 6-2 in games he's caught from start to finish, proving he can do it all for Vancouver. Aside from the coaching staff, he is quick to point out that the fan support in Vancouver is incredible for the team, and provides a big boost for them, having come from Extended Spring Training where the only people in attendance are coaches and umpires.

"It's definitely overwhelming. Going from 0 fans to 5,000 in a few days was fantastic and a lot of fun. We're trying to take things one day at a time, and I know that's a cliche but right now we're focused on winning the first half. No matter what, I hope the fans support us whether we win or lose."

Garrett Maines has been apart of five organizations, both collegiate and professionally, in the past five years, but it's safe to say he has found a home in Vancouver, where he has become a fan favourite, and a perfect example of how to always follow your dreams no matter how many obstacles are in your way.