As of today, former Illini infielder Michael Massey (2017-2019) leads the entire minor league system with 69 rbis. He made the jump to AAA on June 13th when he was promoted to the Omaha Storm Chasers of the Royals organization.
Without skipping a beat, he adapted well and after Saturday night’s 5-rbi game which included a grand slam, he takes the top spot.
In fact, once Massey made AAA, his hitting actually improved. In his 17 games with Omaha, he has hit .333 and has 5 homers and 21 rbis. His fielding has stayed top notch in the minor leagues (he made zero errors all last season). Plus, he’s even stolen 11 bases this year.
MiLB pundits are using words like “dominance” to describe his effect on the league.
Fans of the Storm Chasers are finding out what Illinois fans knew all along. Massey loves the game of baseball and thrives on challenge. While Massey seems soft-spoken, if you watch him closely on the field, he plays with a smile on his face.
Here’s a snapshot of Massey’s journey through the minors:
| Year | Age | AgeDif | Tm | Lg | Lev | Aff | G | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | CS | BB | SO | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS | TB | GDP | HBP | SH | SF | IBB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 21 | 0.5 | Burlington | APPY | Rk | KCR | 42 | 192 | 173 | 32 | 47 | 7 | 0 | 5 | 25 | 4 | 0 | 13 | 28 | .272 | .339 | .399 | .737 | 69 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 2021 | 23 | 0.5 | Quad Cities | HAC | A+ | KCR | 99 | 439 | 388 | 76 | 112 | 27 | 2 | 21 | 87 | 12 | 2 | 33 | 68 | .289 | .351 | .531 | .882 | 206 | 5 | 8 | 3 | 7 | 0 |
| 2022 | 24 | 2 Teams | 2 Lgs | AA-AAA | KCR | 71 | 322 | 286 | 49 | 89 | 21 | 0 | 14 | 69 | 11 | 2 | 27 | 75 | .311 | .367 | .532 | .898 | 152 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 2 | |
| 2022 | 24 | -2.5 | Omaha | IL | AAA | KCR | 17 | 74 | 66 | 13 | 22 | 6 | 0 | 5 | 21 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 21 | .333 | .392 | .652 | 1.043 | 43 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2022 | 24 | -0.3 | Northwest Arkansas | TL | AA | KCR | 54 | 248 | 220 | 36 | 67 | 15 | 0 | 9 | 48 | 9 | 2 | 21 | 54 | .305 | .359 | .496 | .854 | 109 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 2 |
| Minors (3 seasons) | Minors | 212 | 953 | 847 | 157 | 248 | 55 | 2 | 40 | 181 | 27 | 4 | 73 | 171 | .293 | .354 | .504 | .858 | 427 | 8 | 15 | 3 | 15 | 3 | |||||
What does this all spell out? When you’re one the best at AAA, what’s next? Well, it depends on the organization’s needs, of course. Kansas City is the next step but a big step at that.
Fortunately for Michael, he’s a versatile player who if needed, can probably play anywhere though his natural positions are second base and shortstop.
Whatever happens, Illini fans will be watching!