This week we take a look at Pelicans pitcher Joe Van Meter. The right hander from Glen Allen, Va., was selected by the Texas Rangers in the 21st round of the 2010 First-Year Player Draft out of Virginia Commonwealth.
Originally a position player, Van Meter was named to the All-Colonial Athletic Conference's first team as a third baseman. His junior year, Van Meter led VCU in batting (.434), RBIs (76), and triples (7). On the mound he was 1-0 with a 5.40 ERA in 13 games which included two starts. Joe was the 2010 CAA Tournament Most Outstanding Performer.
"I do miss it, but I feel like everything happens for a reason," said Van Meter when asked if he missed being an everyday player. "Certain opportunities are presented to people and I'm just trying to make the best out of this one. Who knows, maybe one day I'll be able to get an at bat in the National League."
The 24-year-old is in his second season with Myrtle Beach and currently sports a 1-3 record with three saves and a 2.41 ERA.
"This year I've been put in many different roles. I've used three pitches and have been working on a more consistent delivery which will help me stay healthy," Van Meter said. "I've been competing to the best of my ability in whatever role I'm put it."
In 2012, Van Meter was 4-5 with a 2.06 ERA playing for the Birds. He also played three games with the Frisco RoughRiders, Texas' Class AA affiliate.
"My goal is to get to the big leagues so whatever role the club thinks will get me there the fastest is the one I want to go with, but if I had the opportunity I'd like to be a starter," he said. "I like being a leader and a starter has a lot of accountability."
Getting closer to the midway point of the season, the right-hander has logged 37.1 innings pitched, 43 strikeouts, and has an opponent's batting average of .225.
"It's been a lot of fun playing with these guys. It seems like we all click despite guys coming from different countries," said Van Meter when assessing the cohesiveness of the 2013 team.
Although his family currently calls Virginia home, Van Meter could not express how happy he is to be playing baseball in Myrtle Beach.
"This has been the biggest blessing playing here. I call this place my home. I've met so many great people here, the fans are awesome," he said. "The facility is probably one of the best in minor league ball and I can't say enough of having the privilege of playing baseball at the beach."
Fun Facts about Joe
Favorite thing to do on a road trip:
"It would have to be seeing some of the other cities, and playing in an opposing environment."
Favorite player(s) in MLB:
"Being from New York, it would have to be Mariano Rivera and Derek Jeter. I can't say enough about those guys. They are a class act on and off the field. I like the both of them because they are leaders and I model my game after them."
Favorite movie:
"Probably the Bronx Tale, but there are too many. I like movies that make me laugh, so Jim Carrey is one of my favorite actors."
Favorite food:
"Food from back home, so penne a la vodka or pizza, but mostly anything."
Favorite hobby away from baseball:
"I'm a pretty good ping pong player. I like to do a lot of outdoor stuff and I have a lot of buddies from the country so skeet shooting and four wheeling are always fun. I also like to things I've never done before and get out of my comfort zone."
