Shenendehowa graduate Murphy Smith opened up his season with the Midland Rockhounds on Thursday.

The Rockhounds are the AA affiliate of the Oakland Athletics. Smith has already thrown 3.2 hitless innings.

Smith is one of several Capital Region natives trying to make their way to the big leagues including CBA pitcher Greg Holle (Brewers, AA), Burnt Hills pitcher Dave Fischer (Nationals, A), and Bethlehem OF Mike Fish (Angels, A).

The 25-year-old Smith was a 13th-round pick of the A’s in 2009. He has spent the past two seasons in AA, going 9-8 on the mound in 2013.

Murphy Smith was the 2009 America East Pitcher of the Year. (Binghamton University Athletics).
Murphy Smith was the 2009 America East Pitcher of the Year. (Binghamton University Athletics).
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The righty played his college ball at Binghamton University, where he was the 2009 America East Conference Pitcher of the Year.

Smith is looking to follow Shaker graduate, Tommy Kahnle, who made his major league debut for the Colorado Rockies just last week.

Smith joined me on Thursday to talk about Opening Day, the life of a minor leaguer, his new role for 2014, the major league hitter he’d most like to face, and much more.

Listen here: 

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