Knuckleballer Mickey Jannis, former Allan Hancock standout, makes MLB Debut for Orioles

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Former Allan Hancock College pitcher, Mickey Jannis, made his Major League Baseball debut as a member of the Orioles pitching staff on the mound this week. Jannis, known for his knuckleball in the professional baseball realm, attended AHC during his sophomore season in 2008. 

As a Bulldog, Jannis was named to the All-Southern California team and the Western State Conference North first team in 2008. He was also the WSCN Relief Pitcher of the Year, had a 3.20 ERA with 78 strikeouts in 68 innings of work (11.95 strikeouts per 9 innings), as well as recorded seven saves. Jannis was drafted in the 44th round of the 2010 MLB Draft by Tampa Bay and has since played with affiliates of the Rays, New York Mets, and several independent league teams. He joined the Orioles organization in January 2020 on a minor league contract before the MiLB season was called off due to the pandemic. Prior to being called up, Jannis was serving as a long relief pitcher for Triple-A Norfolk where he boasted a 2.92 ERA through seven games while allowing under one hit per inning. 

Jannis recently participated in our Quarantine Q&A in December. To view his full Q&A feature, please click here.

(Shelby Scott, Allan Hancock College Athletics)