Indians’ McKay wants family to visit … maybe
Spokane Indians outfielder Connor McKay and his family have a superstition about his baseball games that affects visiting plans. Read feature story
The McKays are convinced that their presence at games has a negative effect on how Connor plays. They think their son might try too hard to succeed with them in attendance.
"My dad (Jerry) came out to my first series for my senior year in college," McKay said.
"He comes to the LSU series and I went 1 for 10 with a triple. The next series, which they happened to not make, I catch on fire. I went on a 40-game reach-base streak and 15-game hitting streak to start the season."
Even when the McKays don't attend games, they make sure not to follow them online and not to check how their son did until a couple of hours after the game is completed.
"Now, with pro ball, maybe things can be different and they can 'snoop' on in here," Connor said.
Jerry McKay was an elite triathlete who might have played professional baseball if not for his responsibilities on the family farm. He's a sales representative in the commodities business, one of "the best salesmen in the Western Hemisphere," according to Connor. Mom Christine is a part-time jeweler who sells items online.
Connor's younger sister, Madison, attends Arizona State.
"I love them to death," McKay said. "They're my support system. I love them through and through."
