Syracuse Chiefs Outfielder Zach Collier Looking To Prove Himself

Written by Julian Whigham
Photo by Washington Nationals

SYRACUSE, N.Y.  -- Former Chino Hills (Ca.) high school phenom, Zach Collier crushed his 2nd home run of the season Thursday night against the Louisville Bats. 

Collier says when he stepped up to the plate he didn’t know what to expect. “I was geared up for the fast ball. He’d (Garrett) been putting the ball low and away early in the game pretty well,” he said.

For Collier, 26, the at-bat was a quick adjustment. 

“Once he popped it up, the curveball, I just stayed back and hit it.” The result was a booming homerun to the far-right corner.

The former 1^st round pick has battled back from two heart surgeries. 

The first, a result of two arteries being too close together, swelling and leading to a seizure. The second in the spring of 2015, following a failed physical, to correct a punctured artery.  

This season, Collier is batting .203 with the Chiefs.

The homerun earned cheers from the crowd and tied the ball game up in the bottom of the third inning.  The Chiefs (37-66) went on to win the game following a 3-run walk-off homer by Alejandro De Aza.

For Collier, the homerun and the win were positive steps in the right direction. The nine-year veteran has battled a lot of obstacles this year, citing a rolled ankle and a hamstring injury early on in the season.

Known for his power, Collier is making an effort to return to his former self.  His homerun tonight was his second in 3 games following a move up from the AA Harrisburg Senators.

To Collier, each game is another opportunity to show what he can do.

“I’m a hardworker.” He said.

“I’m just trying to be the best I can and play to my ability.”

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The Syracuse Chiefs currently sit at the bottom of the North division. They face the Gwinnett Braves tomorrow at NBT Bank Stadium at 7:05PM.