Fraser Ellard became the first Lander Bearcat to play in a Major League Baseball game when he made his debut for the Chicago White Sox against Kansas City on July 30. Photos courtesy of Chicago White Sox media department.
Fraser Ellard, who played baseball for three seasons at Lander University, made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut for the Chicago White Sox on July 30 in a relief role against the Kansas City Royals.
The Roswell, Georgia, native is the first former Bearcat to play in the major leagues. Since 2004, 28 Lander baseball players have signed professional contracts, but Ellard holds the distinction of being the first to appear in an MLB game.
“Coach Burke (Lander’s head baseball coach) texted me that night to tell me the news about being the first Lander player to play in the major leagues,” Ellard said.
Ellard entered the game in the eighth inning walking two and recording one out. The two runners later scored and were charged to Ellard, who took the loss.
“I was definitely nervous pitching in my first major league game,” Ellard said. “With decades of hard work to get to that point, I guess I got caught up in the moment. It was pretty awesome to be out there on the mound and a moment I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
In the afternoon game on July 31, Ellard was summoned in the ninth inning after Kansas City had scored four times to build a 10-3 lead and the tall left-hander struck out both batters he faced recording his first major league strike outs.
He stopped a Twins rally on Sunday, August 3, in Minneapolis, getting two outs on a ground out and a fly out along with a walk.
Ellard said he is getting acclimated to life in the majors and enjoyed his first two road series to Minneapolis and Oakland. As for his role in the bullpen Ellard said, “I think they will use me in certain situations, and I will get more high impact opportunities as I prove myself. Right now, I am just enjoying being here and want to contribute to the team.”
“Everyone has really been supportive and helpful,” the left-hander added. Meanwhile, as he tastes his first major league experience Ellard is also planning an off-season wedding to his fiancé whom he met while a student at Liberty University.
Lander Stats
The 6-4, 220-pound left-handed pitcher played for Lander from 2018 through 2020 where he made 22 appearances and four starts. Ellard went 3-5 along with collecting one save in 49.2 career innings pitched for the Bearcats. He also posted 61 strikeouts along with an 11.05 K/9.
“Fraser pitched for me from at Lander 2018-2020,” Lander Coach Jason Burke said. “He battled minor injuries his first two seasons but was dominant in 2020 when he was at full strength. Had COVID not cancelled the rest of the season in 2020 and shortened the MLB draft to five rounds, he would have been drafted that year.”
Ellard credits Lander with helping him on his journey to the major leagues. “My time at Lander University was instrumental in shaping both my athletic and personal development,” Ellard stated. “The guidance I received from coaches like Jason Burke and dedicated professors like Ashley Woodiwiss challenged me in the best ways possible - pushing me to grow and achieve beyond what I thought was possible. I am deeply grateful for the memories, lessons, and support I gained at Lander - experiences that will stay with me the rest of my life.”
After earning his Business degree at Lander, Ellard played his graduate year at Liberty University. Coach Burke knew the Liberty pitching coach and called to recommend his left-hander to their program.
Playing for Liberty University for the 2020-21 season, Ellard went 0-1 in 26 appearances while making one start. He finished the year with seven saves, 44.1 innings of work, 63 strikeouts while holding opposing batters to a collective .212 batting average. Ellard was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the eighth round of the MLB draft in 2021.
The longtime Lander coach and former Lander pitcher said he stays in touch with his former pitcher and has followed his minor league career. “He has been back to Lander a few times and thrown to our hitters since being drafted,” Coach Burke said. “It is great when former players want to give back to the program and help the current players.”
Minor League Stats
Ellard played rookie and Class A ball in 2021 compiling a 2-0 record. He played for A+ and AA in 2022 with a 4-1 record. He was 0-1 in 2023. Prior to his callup, Ellard was with AAA Charlotte where he was 2-3 in 40.2 innings pitched appearing in 38 games – all in relief.