When all thirty Major League teams passed on Greg Connors in the 1996 amateur draft it would have been easy for him to give up on his lifelong dream of playing professional baseball. No one would have blamed him for being discouraged, and he would have had a good reason to give up. But Greg’s determination would not allow him to quit, and it has enabled him to play at a level most players only dream about. Just getting his foot in the door was only half the battle for Connors. Season after season he makes believers out of those who have doubted him since the beginning of his career.

Connors graduated from Smithtown High School in 1992, and after a successful high school career was offered a scholarship from former Dowling coach John Davide. He started as a freshman and began catching exclusively for the first time in his career. As a junior Greg was named First Team All Conference, and First Team All Northeast. As a senior he hit .375 with 10 Home Runs and 30 RBI. For his brilliant season he was named both First Team All Conference, and First Team All Region for the second year in a row. Although Greg was the most talented player on the field, his contributions did not end there. His passion and enthusiasm allowed him to become the leader of the team both on and off the field. Greg set the example for his teammates by always being the first to arrive at practice and the last one to leave. He could always be seen dragging the field or raking the baselines at LaSalle to make sure it was ready for game time.

After his breakout senior season Greg failed to get drafted and practically begged teams for a tryout. He was finally given an invitation to a Seattle Mariners tryout and impressed them enough to give him a contract. Every step of the way Greg has faced adversity, but it has not stopped him from reaching his goals. His climb through the Mariners system has brought him to cities such as New Haven, San Antonio, and most recently the Mariners Triple-A affiliate Tacoma, Washington. Connors will again be on the road this winter after being one of only four prospects chosen to represent the Mariners in the Venezuelan winter league. In 546 minor league games Connors has hit .270 with 61 Home Runs and 342 RBI.

Connors currently resides in California. His parents Jim and Laurie still live in Smithtown with his younger sister Becky, and his older brother Jim.

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