Andrew Lindsey Takes Circuitous Route To Pro Ball—And Rays

“I was fixing roads where houses had been uprooted,” Lindsey said. “I was cleaning up debris off the side of road, making neighborhoods livable. It was an opportunity to help the people I had grown up with.”

It was meaningful work for Lindsey, but his boyhood dream of playing pro baseball seemed over.

Until he started coaching a 13-and-under team.

“I figured that if these kids were going to listen to me, I’d have to throw the ball,” Lindsey said. “So, I got my arm in shape, and the fathers of the kids started telling me I should go back and play.”

Lindsey returned to the collegiate summer Appalachian League on July 16, 2022. Playing for Kingsport, he was quickly noticed by Tennessee pitching coach Frank Anderson.

“In the Appy League, we have access to a lot of metrics and video,” Anderson said. “I took a look at how he had been throwing.”

Lindsey said there were also personal reasons for quitting baseball and school.

“Andrew was honest about what he had gone through,” Anderson said. “I kind of liked his story.”

Tennessee coach Tony Vitello said he offered Lindsey a scholarship for two main reasons. First was his stuff—94-98 mph sinker, out-pitch cutter, changeup and slider.

Secondly, it was Lindsey’s attitude. He was willing to compete for any role.

Lindsey had a breakthrough season in 2023, posting a 2.90 ERA in 21 appearances, including nine starts. He struck out 73 in 71.1 innings.

The Marlins were impressed, drafting him in the fifth round. Miami traded him to the Rays four months later in the November deal that netted big leaguers Vidal Brujan and Calvin Faucher.

“So much had happened in a year,” Lindsey said. “But to get drafted and realize a dream you’ve had since you were 4 years old—it was awesome.”