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UConn Legend - A Bright Light of the late 90's, Jason Grabowski

Since Jason Grabowski was a kid singing the National Anthem in his backyard before a game of his own, his family knew he was a baseball junkie. By the time he was done playing, he had success in High School, College and yes, even a taste of "The Show." But a three year stay in Storrs didn't hurt his chances as a catcher and as a shortstop...

Grabowski at 6-3 and 185 during his senior year at The Morgan School in Clinton, was hitting over .500, had yet to strike out and was throwing runners out on a regular basis. And in late April 1994, with Clemson and Hartford among his top choices, Jason was one of five instate kids to join Andy Baylock at UConn...Also saying no thanks to the Yankees, who drafted him in the 17th round of the draft. The Huskies were coming off a 30-18 record, a Big East Tournament Championship and a trip to the NCAA Tournament..

Unfortunately, the 1995 season was a nightmare for UConn at 13-30-1. Grabowski however was a bright spot. An 11 game hit streak, a .330 average, 7 homers, 25 rbi, 31 hits and 16 walks...where he was the man behind the plate. During the Legion Season however, Jason would get to play shortstop....And that paid off in 1996 as he was UConn's Primary Shortstop and he had a monster year...18 homers, 59 rbi and 140 total bases in a 24-23 season. And the Big East Coaches noticed by naming Grabowski the Player of the Year and the National People named him an All American in the DH/Utility Player Department...That 96' All American Team included Kris Benson, Mark Kotsay, JD Drew, Travis Lee and Stanford Catcher A.J. Hinch....

Grabowski would have another rock solid season in 1997 back behind the dish for the Huskies, who went 27-20. 16 HR and 57 rbi where once again, Jason was named the Team MVP as in 1996. And Grabowski was named a 3rd Team All American.For his time in Storrs, Big Time numbers, a career .355 average, 43 homers (3rd AT), 151 rbi, 346 total bases and 106 walks...Grabowski was also a two time participant in the Cape Cod League, playing for the Chatham A's.

The Texas Rangers took Jason in the 2nd round of the 1997 MLB Draft. In 2000, he was claimed off waivers by Seattle and ultimately taken by Oakland in the Rule V Draft in 2001. In late 2002, Grabowski made his MLB Debut with the A's during a 20 game win streak....But only played 12 games in the Bigs in 2002 & 03'....In March 2004, Jason was picked up by the Dodgers where he played in 113 games...hitting .220, 7 HR and 20rbi...And finally in 2005, split time between the Dodgers and Triple A Team in Las Vegas....He tried Japan for a season where he played 39 games with the Orix Buffalos....and retired prior the 2007 season after being a invitee by the Tampa Bay Rays...

These days, Jason lives in the Tampa Area with his wife and three boys where he's a Senior Sales Manager with Core Telecom Systems....Jason Grabowski, a two time All American in Storrs and a UConn Legend...


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