Monroe-Woodbury grad Drew Jemison playing rookie ball for Toronto Blue Jays in Florida

It has been Drew Jemison’s dream since he was a little kid to one day play Major League Baseball.

He’s now one step closer to doing so.

The graduate of Monroe-Woodbury High School and St. Thomas Aquinas College has spent parts of the last two seasons playing pro ball in the Atlantic League, and recently the Toronto Blue Jays purchased his contract. He is currently training in Dunedin, Florida, and made his debut with the Blue Jays’ Florida Complex League team in Rookie ball – he went 1-for-4

“I wasn’t expecting it too much,’’ Jemison said of his free agent signing. “I had heard from a couple of teams that had interest in me the past couple weeks but I wasn’t sure.’’

Jemison had been playing with the Lexington (Kentucky) Legends. His team was on the road in Charleston, South Carolina, on an off day when his manager called him and told him about the Blue Jays.

“To get that call was really just something special,’’ he said.

Jemison raised his stock by becoming Mr. Versatile in the field: Normally a left-side infielder, Jemison has been pressed into play at third base, shortstop, second base and all outfield positions. He also had the opportunity to play with a number of former major leaguers, learning valuable lessons.

Jemison batted .321 for his career at STAC (2019-23), never much of a power hitter, but he has suddenly found home-run power – a strong gap hitter, Jemison hit six home runs in 36 games for Lexington.

His pursuit of pro ball took a step back in 2023, following his graduation from STAC. He was picked up by Staten Island in the Atlantic League, played just 13 games and batted .179. Family connections brought interest from Lexington and he’s made the most of his opportunity.

Jemison played three full seasons for Monroe-Woodbury before headed to STAC. He said many of his Monroe teammates have reached out to him to offer congratulations.

Jemison said his whole family has played baseball or softball and it truly inspired him.

“It’s all I’ve known,’’ he said. “There’s just something about the game, playing hard, something about a ballpark … you can’t beat it. It’s got a special place in my heart.’’

kmcmillan@th-record.com

X / Twitter: @KenMcMillanTHR

This article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: Monroe-Woodbury grad Drew Jemison playing rookie ball for Toronto Blue Jays in Florida