Blue Jays’ Dawson fighting adversity on, off field

Shane Dawson works in the bullpen at the Bobby Mattick Complex in Dunedin, watched by Vancouver Canadians manager John Schneider, left. (George Redak/Toronto Observer)

By Flip Livingstone | @MrBigFliz
Toronto Observer

DUNEDIN, Fla. – Toronto Blue Jays prospect Shane Dawson has dealt with pain on and off the field.

Dawson, a left-handed pitcher in his second pro spring training, has struggled with nagging shoulder and elbow problems, as well as the deaths of two teammates.

The Drayton Valley, Alta., native wants to leave those issues behind him as he builds his career in Toronto’s organization.

"Stay healthy through and through," said Dawson, from the Blue Jays’ Bobby Mattick Training Center when discussing the upcoming season. "And maybe enjoy the game a little more.

"I’ve taken the game a little bit too seriously I think so far and I think its about time to just have some fun and play ball."

Dawson had 10 starts for class-A Lansing in 2014, amassing a 3-5 record to go along with a 3.38 ERA.

Since recovering from a muscle issue in his back in 2013 that caused severe pain in both his left shoulder and elbow, Dawson is hopeful that he can remain healthy

"I’ve had a lot of injuries in my life that I really need to take care of," said Dawson, when he highlighted the keys to his success. "The time away from the field is really time for me to rest and maybe gather my thoughts about certain things."

Injuries are only a part of the adversity that Dawson has faced in his short pro career.

"In 2011 two of my college teammates in Claresholm were shot down when they were heading back for Christmas so I write their names on my hat and I have a wristband with their initials on it, too" said Dawson, asked about the initials written on his cap.

Mitch MacLean, 20, and Tanner Craswell, 22, of the Lethbridge Bulls had their lives cut too short — a fact that hasn’t been lost on Dawson. Honouring the memory of his fallen friends was a way for both Dawson and his team to remember whom they lost.

"Our whole team did it my college year and we won the championship and kind of dedicated it to them," Dawson said. "So I feel like I might as well just carry on their tradition and keep their name in the game of baseball."

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