Godin pitches for Wilmington against P-Nats

By ROBERT DASKI
For the Stafford County Sun
Published: April 24, 2008

WOODBRIDGE — As Jason Godin exited his April 17 start against the Potomac Nationals, the crowd of 50 sitting well above the field began clapping.

Those people came to see Godin, a 2002 North Stafford High School graduate and starting pitcher for the Wilmington Blue Rocks, the Kansas City Royals’ High-A Carolina League affiliate.

“My girlfriend was there and so were my mom and brothers,” Godin said. “It was their first time seeing me pitch in pro ball.”

Godin left after five and two-thirds innings. He allowed four runs on five hits, walked two and struck out three in getting a no-decision.

Godin, 23, is a third year pro. The Royals selected him in the fifth round of the June 2006 draft.

He began his career with Idaho Falls in the Pioneer League, allowed six runs and struck out 18 in 21 and two-thirds innings.

He advanced to the Low-A Midwest League last year and was 5-6 with a 3.46 ERA before being promoted to Wilmington. This year, the 6-foot-4, 180-pound Godin is 0-0, 5.40.

“So far, stats have been great and I’ve been healthy,” said Godin, who throws a fastball, curveball and changeup. “Those are the only two things you want. You want to stay healthy and pitch well. I’ve gotten better in instructional league and as long as you do that, you give yourself a chance to move up and get to the big leagues.”

Godin spent his first two years of high school at Brooke Point before transferring to North Stafford for his junior and senior years.

He is used to moving. Born in Anchorage, Ala., Godin has lived in Seattle, Korea and New York. He moved to Virginia after his father accepted a job at Fort Belvoir.

A two-time all-district high school selection, Godin lists Craig Lopez, now Mountain View’s baseball coach, as someone whose advice about baseball was helpful.

“He always taught me to slow the game down,” Godin said. “When the game’s in my hands, let it go at your pace. Slow it down and relax. Don’t overdo it.”
Godin’s high school career caught the attention of pro scouts. The Mariners drafted him in the 47th round in ‘02, but he did not sign.

He attended Old Dominion University. He recorded 146 strikeouts in 115 and a third innings as a senior to lead the Colonial Athletic Association. He struck out a school-record 18 batters against Northeastern.

“Being 17 years old and not knowing life, I had a chance to sign, but I needed to mature as a player,” Godin said. “I wanted to work on getting things better and getting drafted higher.”

Robert Daski is a staff writer for the Potomac News in Woodbridge.