Photo courtesy of Gwinn Davis - The Greenville Drive

Less than 24 hours after suiting up for his first all-star game as a professional baseball player, Okotoks native Jordan Procyshen is on the move again.

After a stellar first half with the Boston Red Sox Single-A affiliate Greenville Drive landed him as the starting catcher for the South Atlantic All-Star game Tuesday night, the former Okotoks Dawg has been promoted to the Advance-A Salem Red Sox.

Procyshen says the call-up came right out of the blue.

"Yesterday (Wednesday) I had one last day off for the all-star break," he says. "So, my dad and I went golfing, and when I was on the eighth hole, I got the call from my manager, who told me I was moving up, and I had to back my bags and head out today (Thursday) for Salem."

The situation was eerily similar to the one just over a year ago, when Procyshen was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 14th round.

That day, Procyshen was golfing in Okotoks with his brother, Jared, when he found out he'd been picked by the major league franchise.

Procyshen jokes that given the trend, maybe he should spend more time on the golf course.

"I don't know, if this keeps happening, you never know," he says.

Procyshen says it's hard to believe it's only been a year since he was drafted, a result of his focus, which doesn't allow him to look to far ahead.

"Not even a year ago today is when I signed my first minor-league contract," he says. "So, it's been quite the crazy year to look back. But, that's exactly what I've been doing, is just focusing on today, and one step at a time."

Procyshen says while it's obviously his ultimate goal to play in the major leagues, he's kept his expectations realistic from the start.

"You know, you go into spring training hoping for the best, make that full-season team," he says. "Now, at the mid-season point, getting this call up, you know, it's just something that you strive for, but, obviously there's no expectations whatsoever."

The Salem Red Sox play in the Carolina League, the highest level of Single-A baseball, with just the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs and Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox between Procyshen and spot in the dugout at Fenway Park.

While it's still a long journey to the big leagues for the 22-year-old, a tireless work ethic and even-keeled mentality are helping Procyshen steadily work his way towards his ultimate goal.