Bethel Park pitcher progressing in Pirates organization
Eleanor Bailey/The Almanac
Justin Meis is ready to make his move in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. After being drafted last summer, he helped the Bradenton Marauders win the Low-A Southeast championship. He was 1-1 as a relief pitcher with 27 strikeouts in 17.2 innings.
Justin Meis
Justin Meis worked on his pitching during the off-season at C-Side Sports Academy LLC in Washington.
Pumping iron at Highpoint Fitness in Bethel Park played a big role in the off-season conditioning of Justin Meis.
Justin Meis is a 6-foot-2, 190-pound right-handed pitcher drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates last summer.
The 99-day MLB lockout had little impact on minor league players like Justin Meis of Bethel Park. Except maybe regarding the aspect of publicity.
“Some of my teammates joked around on how maybe we’d be on ESPN and how cool that would be because any player loves to compete in packed stadiums and on national television,” said Meis. “Any time you can play in front of a bunch of people and big crowds, the experience is going to help.”
Some day Meis expects to help the Pittsburgh Pirates.
A 6-foot-2 right-handed pitcher, he was selected by his hometown club last July in the MLB amateur draft. He was the 283rd overall pick and went in the 10th round.
“Getting drafted by the Pirates is still the biggest surprise to me so far,” said Meis. “It almost doesn’t feel real. In fact, it’s a ironic to be with a team that I grew up watching play when I was younger.”
Meis remembers attending many regular-season Pirates games, including the one that featured Andrew McCutcheon’s walk-off homer in the 14th inning against the St. Louis Cardinals in 2015. He also watched on television contests such as the fabled Wild Card games with friends back in 2013 and 2015.
“So it’s a little surreal,” Meis said of playing in the Pirates’ organization.
After being drafted, Meis immediately went to Bradenton (Fla.), where he helped the Marauders win the Low-A Southeast League championship. They swept Tampa in the best-of-three playoffs, including 11-3 in the final.
“Winning that championship was a highlight along with my first win and first game appearance,” Meis said. “It’s been a good start to my career.”
Meis debuted in a game against Clearwater on Aug. 7. In relief, he defeated the Phillies-affiliated club for his first major league win a month later.
“I was a little nervous,” Meis admitted. “When I was on the mound I was excited but I just focused on what I had to do and got my first win.”
During his rookie season, Meis finished 1-1 with a 2.04 ERA. In 10 appearances and 17.2 innings, he struck out 27 batters and maintained a 1.30 WHIP. Left-handed hitters batted .083 against him while righties owned a .267 average.
“I don’t think about striking all (the batters) out. I’ll take the outs any way I can get them. A ground ball to second base is just as good any day of the week,” said Meis.
Meis, whose fastball has been clocked at speeds between 92 and 95 mph, relies on three pitches. His go-to pitch is a slider he developed as a Little Leaguer.
The toss transformed him into an all-star by the time he reached Bethel Park High School. In fact, he struck out a record 16 batters in 5.2 innings during a WPIAL playoff loss to North Allegheny, 3-1, his senior season. The Hawks finished 17-4 in 2018.
Meis went on to start three seasons at Eastern Michigan. As a junior in 2021, he accumulated a 4.64 ERA with 33 walks and 81 strikeouts in 73.2 innings. That summer in the Cape Cod League, he lowered his ERA to 2.08. He walked three and struck out 17 in 17.1 innings of work before being drafted.
During his stint with the Marauders, Meis said he “learned a bunch” and transitioned well.
“It was an adjustment but not as big as I thought it would be because at the end of the day you are still playing baseball and trying to get the hitter out,” he said.
Meis adjusted to playing every day as well as to being a relief pitcher. He noted the importance of ‘taking care’ of one’s own body because professional ball is more grueling than playing weekend doubleheaders at the collegiate level while balancing studies and class attendance.
“It’s a 24-hour turnaround and a different type of recovery,” Meis said of the day-to-day versus the college schedule. “You do get fatigued sitting game after game even if you do not play. Obviously when you do play you tire but sitting long games can be taxing on the body.
“Being a relief pitcher, you have to be ready every day,” he continued. “It’s different and takes some games to get used to but I always welcome a challenge of doing something new.”
To prepare for the 2022 season, Meis adopted few new approaches to training. He struck with the tried and true methods.
Under the watchful eyes of personal trainers-the Jasante brothers — Grant, Carmen and Luke — Meis toiled four to five days a week at Highpoint Fitness. He lifted weights while he concentrated on mobility and stretching drills. He ran upwards of three miles to improve his cardio and he played basketball to improve his speed.
To get his arm in shape and pitching condition, he threw at least five days a week at C-Side Sports Academy LLC in Washington.
“I think I have had a great off-season. I’m well rested and my body is ready,” said Meis before he headed off for spring training in Bradenton.
“I have few expectations. Only to lead the team any way I can. Personally, I don’t write down this many number of strikeouts or this many games. I just want to try to get better and give everything I have because this is my dream.”
Minor League games begin in April. At this point, Meis does not know where he will end up although experts expect him to at least go to high-Class A Greensboro.
“There are a lot of unknowns but that doesn’t bother me. Yes and no, it’s nice to know what’s coming up but the idea is to just keep moving up higher. Get assigned to a team and do whatever it takes. Whether I come out of the bullpen or am a starter, it doesn’t matter to me. I’m just trying to do all that I can.
“Obviously the big leagues is the eventual goal and I am doing all according to the steps and the plan laid out for me then let the chips fall where they will. My career is the most important thing to me.”
Being from Bethel Park, home of the 2021 PIAA state champions, is also vital to Meis. He still resides there and he takes every opportunity to share his experiences and knowledge with future prospects. He has spoken to the baseball team and put on clinics.
“It’s nice to come back, see familiar faces and share what I know,” he said. “I’m very proud to be from Bethel Park. I think it’s pretty cool what the team has done and the proud tradition we have here.”