08/5/09

RALEIGH, N.C. - The Coastal Plain League announced Monday

Gastonia’s Robert Jeroszko was tabbed Rawlings Pitcher of the Week for week nine of action (July 27th-August 4th). 

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Jeroszko, a righty from College of Charleston, has a perfect 0.00 ERA for the week with the Grizzlies.  In his three appearances of the week, including two game starts, he had one complete game.  Pitching a total of 16.0 innings, Jeroszko finished the week with a 2-0 winning record, with 23 strikeouts.

Jeroszko has maintained a 3.39 ERA in throughout the season, with 10 game starts of 14 totalappearances, and finishing with a 4-4 record.  He has allowed only 27 earned runs in 71.2 innings pitched.  Throughout the season has also thrown 92 strikeouts and has an average opponent batting average of .256.

Jeroszko

08/4/09

GASTONIA, N.C. - Gastonia overcame a four-run deficit to beat Thomasville 7-5 Tuesday night in front of a record crowd of 3,788.

Greyson Schram (Concord University) had three RBI to give him a total of 41 on the season, which broke Seth Waller's RBI record in 2007.

Ty Nelson (Tennessee-Martin) went 2-for-4 at the plate with two RBI. Randolph Oduber (Western Oklahoma State) was 1-for-4 with an RBI. David Chester (Pittsburgh) and Will Helms (Appalachian State) also collected hits.

Seth Grant (Appalachian State) earned his fourth victory by pitching two scoreless innings.

Gastonia finishes the 2009 season with a record of 25-31.

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Schram

08/3/09

GASTONIA, N.C. - Gastonia was shut out by Forest City 7-0 Monday night.

David Chester (Pittsburgh) was 2-for-2. Matt Hamlet (Boston College) went 2-for-4. Ty Nelson (Tennessee-Martin), David Laufer (Boston College) and Seth Canipe (Elon University) all had hits.

Canipe and Greg Van Horn (Princeton) combined to pitch three innings of scoreless relief.

Gastonia (10-17, 24-31 overall) plays its season finale Tuesday against Thomasville at Sims Legion Field.

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Canipe

08/2/09

GASTONIA, N.C. - Gastonia took a pair of games from Asheboro Sunday in a twin bill 6-1 and 3-2.

In Game one, Robert Jeroszko (College of Charleston), who entered the contest with 82 stikeouts, broke the Grizzlies single-season record of 91 K's with ten against the Copperheads. He (4-4) pitched a complete, seven-inning game and allowed only one run on three hits.

Greg Van Horn (Princeton) homered and had two RBI. Matt Hamlet (Boston College), Greyson Schram (Concord University), Randolph Oduber (Western Oklahoma State) and David Chester (Pittsburgh) all went 1-for-3 with RBI's. Joey Stevens (Eastern Kentucky), Joshua Ashton (Montreat College) and Seth Canipe (Elon University) reached base safely.

In Game two, Gastonia won in extra innings on a RBI single by Schram in the bottom of the eighth. Ty Nelson (Tennessee-Martin) was 2-for-4. Ashton hit a home run. Stevens and Van Horn also had hits.

Jesse Cadenhead (Charleston Southern) earned the victory (1-2) in relief with three scoreless innings from the bullpen.

Gastonia (10-16, 24-30 overall) travels to Forest City Monday.

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Jeroszko

08/1/09

FOREST CITY, N.C. - Gastonia was trapped in Forest City 4-1 Saturday night.

Ty Nelson (Tennessee-Martin) went 2-for-4 while Matt Hamlet (Boston College), Joey Stevens (Eastern Kentucky) and Greg Van Horn (Princeton) all had base hits. Seth Canipe (Elon University) collected an RBI.

Conner Sestak (Purdue), David Laufer (Boston College) and Drew Hardee (Belmont Abbey) combined to pitch 4.1 innings of scoreless relief from the bullpen.

Gastonia (8-16, 22-30 overall) hosts Asheboro for a doubleheader Sunday starting at 6:05 p.m.

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Laufer

07/31/09

GASTONIA, N.C. - The Grizzlies got enough runs early to stave off Forest City 7-2 Saturday night.

Ben Booker (East Tennessee State) pitched seven solid innings (6-2), scattering seven hits and allowing only two runs with nine strikeouts.

David Chester (Pittsburgh) and Greyson Schram (Concord University) both went 2-for-4 with an RBI. Randolph Oduber (Western Oklahoma State) was also 2-for-4. Joey Stevens (Eastern Kentucky), Joshua Ashton (Montreat College), Greg Van Horn (Princeton) and Seth Canipe (Elon University) all had hits and one RBI each.

Robert Jeroszko (College of Charleston) and Seth Grant (Appalachian State) combined to pitch two scoreless innings of relief.

Gastonia (8-15, 22-29 overall) travels to Forest City Saturday night.

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Booker

07/30/09

MARTINSVILLE, Va. - The Grizzlies were trampled by the Mustangs 17-10 Thursday in the first game of a doubleheader.

Game 1 was resumed with Martinsville leading 5-4 in the bottom of the fourth inning.

The Grizzlies and Mustangs were suspended by rain Tuesday night.

The contest was postponed until tonight after a heavy thunderstorm forced the teams from the field.

In Game 1, Gastonia slugged out 17 hits. Matt Hamlet (Boston College) was 3-for-6. Ty Nelson (Tennessee-Martin), Greyson Schram (Concord University) and Joey Stevens (Eastern Kentucky) all went 2-for-5. Greg Van Horn was 3-for-5. Randolph Oduber (Western Oklahoma State) went 3-for-4.

David Chester (Pittsburgh) also had a hit. Chester and Stevens homered and both had two RBI each. Oduber collected three RBI. Schram knocked home a run.

In Game 2, Gastonia was edged 5-4.

Jose Cuevas (Lee University) was 2-for-3. Chester went 2-for-4 with two RBI. Hamlet was 1-for-3 with an RBI. Stevens went 1-for-4 an RBI. Seth Canipe (Elon University), Schram and Nelson also had hits.

Gastonia (7-15, 21-29 overall) hosts Forest City Friday night.

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Oduber

07/27/09

GASTONIA, N.C. - Robert Jeroszko pitched eight innings of scoreless ball and three Grizzlies homered in a 4-0 victory over Thomasvile Monday night.

Jeroszko (College of Charleston) scattered six hits and struck out ten batters to improve his record to 3-4.

Greyson Schram (Concord University), David Chester (Pittsburgh) and Joey Stevens (Eastern Kentucky) all knocked solo home runs in Gastonia's 11-hit attack.

Ty Nelson (Tennessee-Martin) also had an RBI.

The win pulls the Grizzlies to within 2 1/2 games of the eighth and final playoff spot with eight games to play.

Gastonia (7-13, 21-27 overall) welcomes Martinsville Tuesday night.

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Jeroszko

07/25/09

ASHEBORO, N.C. - Gastonia was beaten by Asheboro 8-2 Saturday night.

Gastonia (6-13, 20-27 overall) returns home Monday night versus Thomasville.

David Chester (Pittsburgh), Matt Hamlet (Boston College) and Greg Van Horn (Princeton) were all 2-for-5 at the plate. Ty Nelson (Tennessee-Martin), Joshua Ashton (Montreat College) and Joey Stevens (Eastern Kentucky) also had hits.

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Chester

07/24/09

THOMASVILLE, N.C. - Gastonia's rally fell short Friday night as the Grizzlies were edged by the Hi-Toms 7-6.

Matt Hamlet's (Boston College) RBI in the top of the ninth inning tied the game at 6-6 but the Grizzlies couldn't escape with a win.

Randolph Oduber (Western Oklahoma State ) was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Seth Canipe (Elon University) was also 2-for-4. Joshua Ashton (Montreat College) and Joey Stevens (Eastern Kentucky) both had hits. Ty Nelson (Tennessee-Martin) and David Chester (Pittsburgh) collected RBI's.

Gastonia (6-12, 20-26 overall) travels to Asheboro Saturday night.

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Hamlet

07/23/09

GASTONIA, N.C. - Gastonia and Asheboro were washed out by rain Thursday night.

The two teams will make up the game up as part of a doubleheader on August 2 at 6 p.m. at Sims Legion Park.

Martinsville and Thomasville were also rained out. They will play a twin bill on August 2.

Gastonia (6-11, 20-25 overall) travels to Thomasville Friday night.

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CPL

07/23/09

MOUNT HOLLY, N.C. - The Gastonia Grizzlies reported today that their Grizzly Bear Mascot, Chizzle has been reported loose in Mount Holly.  After reports of bear sightings throughout downtown Mount Holly, it is now clear that the 300 pound bear is in fact the Grizzlies Mascot.

Residents and store owners in downtown Mount Holly have been taking shelter in their homes since the sightings were first reported on Tuesday.   Local business owner J.C. Lewis said “People have been talking about the bear all around town, it has been a buzz among local business and people downtown.”

The bear was reported first seen on Tuesday night on the intersection of Main and Crest Street.  Police Officer Mike Lloyd was patrolling downtown when he saw the bear and said it was staring right at him.  He estimated the bear to be between 300 to 350 pounds. 

Grizzlies General Manager Jesse Cole says, “It not uncommon for Chizzle to wander the streets and it surprised that this story has created so much buzz.” 

It is reported that Chizzle left the Grizzlies on Monday because of boredom with no Grizzlies games being played until Thursday. 

“With it being our All-Star break we should have expected Chizzle to grow bored and look for something to do, however we never thought he would make his way downtown,” said General Manager Jesse Cole.

If any residents in Mount Holly see Chizzle please direct him back to Sims Legion Park as the Grizzlies have a game tonight against the Asheboro Copperheads.  Cole said, “Do not be afraid of Chizzle, he is a good bear mascot and will not harm you.”

Chizzle

07/22/09

MARTINSVILLE, Va., – Gastonia returned to action Wednesday after the CPL All-Star game and lost to Martinsville 9-1.

Greg Van Horn (Princeton) and Joey Stevens (Eastern Kentucky) had hits. Van Horn collected an RBI.

Drew Hardee (Belmont Abbey) and David Laufer (Boston College) combined to pitch two innings of scoreless relief.

Gastonia (6-11, 20-25 overall) entertains Asheboro Thursday night.

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Hardee

07/18/09

GASTONIA, N.C. – The Gastonia Grizzlies were shut out by Columbia 7-0 Saturday night.

Jose Cuevas (Lee University), Matt Hamlet (Boston College), Randolph Oduber (Western Oklahoma State) and Greyson Schram (Concord University) all had hits.

Gastonia (6-10, 20-24 overall) entertains Asheboro Thursday night.

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Oduber

07/17/09

GASTONIA, N.C. – The Gastonia Grizzlies were doubled up by Forest City 8-4 Friday night.

Joey Stevens (Eastern Kentucky), Jose Cuevas (Western Oklahoma State) and Seth Canipe (Elon University) were all 2-for-4 at the plate. Matt Hamlet (Boston College) and Randolph Oduber (Western Oklahoma State) also added hits.

Hamlet had two RBI and Canipe drove home one run.

Gastonia (6-9, 20-23 overall) entertains Columbia Saturday night.

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Stevens

07/16/09

GASTONIA, N.C. – The Gastonia Grizzlies welcomed their 30,000th fan of the season Thursday night and set a new franchise record for attendance.

However, Outer Banks spoiled the celebration with a 6-5 win over the Grizzlies in 10 innings.

The crowd of 1, 321 broke last year's season attendance record and pushed the club over 30,000 fans for the first time in franchise history with seven home games remaining on the schedule.

Gastonia has eclipsed fan totals three times in 2009.

The Grizzlies set an attendance record on opening day with 3,402 fans.

On July 3, Gastonia drew a record crowd of 3,514 and rewarded the fans in attendance with a fireworks extravaganza after the game.

And on July 7,  a crowd of 1,611 enjoyed the largest attendance for a day game in team history.

In 2008, The Grizzlies broke the all-time attendance record by drawing 29,120 fans to Sims Legion Park.  Gastonia averaged 1,172 fans and drew more than one-thousand 13  times.  The highlight was on July 3 when the Grizzlies drew 3,355 fans, breaking the previous attendance record set on opening night in 2003.

Gastonia (6-8, 20-22 overall) travels to Forest City Friday night.

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Gastonia Grizzlies

07/15/09

GASTONIA, N.C. – The Grizzlies mashed out 12 hits and bashed Martinsville 10-6 Wednesday night.

Ty Nelson (Tennessee-Martin), a 2009 Coastal Plain League All-Star,

went 2-for-4 with three RBI. Greg Van Horn (Princeton) was 3-for-4 with an RBI. Jose Cuevas (Lee University) collected two hits. Greyson Schram (Concord University), David Chester (Pittsburgh), Joshua Ashton (Montreat College), Joey Stevens (Eastern Kentucky) and Seth Canipe all reached base safely.

Schram had two RBI; Chester one RBI; Van Horn one RBI and Canipe two RBI.

Joe Rodriquez (Indiana State) pitched five innings for the win (3-1). He allowed four runs on seven hits before giving way to relievers Connor Sestak (Purdue) and Seth Grant (Appalachian State), who together surrendered two runs on four hits in four innings.

Gastonia (6-7, 20-21 overall) entertains Outer Banks Thursday night.

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Nelson

07/14/09

RALEIGH, N.C. – Former East Lincoln standout Greyson Schram was among six Gastonia Grizzlies voted to the 2009 National Coastal Plain League All-Star team.

Schram, a junior at Concord University and native of Stanley, was named a starter along with Boston College’s Matt Hamlet and Randolph Oduber of Western Oklahoma State.

Ben Booker of East Tennessee State and Temple’s Byron McKoy, from Independence High in Charlotte, were also named to the National All-Star team.

Catcher Ty Nelson was named to the 2009 American Coastal Plain League All-Star team.

Schram, a third baseman, is batting .302 through 39 games with 30 RBI, third best in the CPL, five homeruns and 10 extra-base hits. Schram is fourth in the CPL in total appearances at the plate with 168.

Hamlet, a sophomore from Chesapeake, Va., is third in the CPL with a batting average of .363 and second with an on-base percentage of .468. Hamlet, a second baseman, has 18 RBI’s in 27 games for Gastonia.

Oduber, a native of Aruba, is second in the CPL in home runs with eight. Oduber, a freshman outfielder, is batting .314 with 24 RBI in 27 games and has a fielding percentage of 1.000.  Oduber’s slugging percentage of .590 is third best in the CPL.      

Booker, a sophomore from Knoxville, Tn., has an ERA of 3.47 and a record of 5-2 in eight appearances on the mound. Booker has struck out 33 batters in 46.2 innings with 17 walks.

McKoy, a sophomore, was also selected as an All-Star for the National team, but will not be able to attend due to injury. McKoy remains second in the CPL with a batting average of .380 and first in slugging percentage at .650. McKoy had 21 RBI with 10 doubles, third best in the CPL, in 29 games for the Grizzlies.

Nelson, a junior from Tennessee-Martin, is batting .225 with 12 RBI and three homer runs in 35 games for Gastonia. Nelson, a native of Knoxville, Tn., has only committed two errors behind the plate.

The National Team features 27 players from 11 CPL clubs (Edenton, Florence, Forest City, Gastonia, Martinsville, Outer Banks, Peninsula, Petersburg, Thomasville, Wilmington and Wilson), with the players being selected by head coaches and media representatives from all teams.   

The Coastal Plain League’s 11th annual All-Star Game will be played at Buck Hardee Field in Wilmington, N.C. on Tuesday, July 21 at 7:05 p.m.

Gastonia (5-7, 19-21 overall) entertains Martinsville Wednesday night.

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Schram

07/13/09

GASTONIA, N.C. - Gastonia dropped a home game to Forest City 9-4 Monday night.

Matt Hamlet (Boston College), David Chester (Pittsburgh), Joey Stevens (Eastern Kentucky) and Seth Canipe (Elon University) all had two hits each while Ty Nelson (Tennessee-Martin), Joshua Martin (Montreat College) and Greyson Schram (Concord University) reached base safely once a piece.

Hamlet, Schram, Chester and Canipe collected RBI's.

Gastonia (5-7, 19-21 overall) entertains Martinsville Wednesday night.

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Stevens

07/12/09

THOMASVILLE, N.C. - Gastonia fell to the Hi-Toms 8-3 Sunday night.

Joshua Ashton (Montreat College) went 2-for-3, including a homer, and had a pair of RBI. Seth Canipe (Elon University) was 2-for-4. Joey Stevens (Eastern Kentucky) also had a hit.

Gastonia (5-6, 19-20 overall) returns home Monday night against Forest City.

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Ashton

07/11/09

GASTONIA, N.C. - Matt Hamlet's ninth-inning hit to shallow right field scored two runs and gave the Gastonia Grizzlies a 4-3 come-from-behind victory over the Asheboro Copperheads Saturday night.

Hamlet's (Boston College) RBI single plated Will Helms (Appalachian State) and Joey Stevens (Eastern Kentucky) to cap off the last at-bat rally.

David Chester (Pittsburgh) went 2-for-4 with an RBI. Hamlet was 2-for-5. Stevens, Ty Nelson (Tennessee-Martin), Greyson Schram (Concord University), Joshua Ashton (Montreat College) and Greg Van Horn (Princeton) all had hits. Helms was pinch running when he crossed the plate in the ninth inning for the tying run.

Robert Jeroszko (College of Charleston) pitched eight innings for a no decision. He scattered eight hits and allowed only three runs with nine strikeouts. Seth Grant (Appalachian State) earned the win in relief (3-1). Together, the two pitchers combined on six scoreless innings of work off the mound after Asheboro took a 3-2 lead into the fourth inning.

Gastonia (5-5, 19-19 overall) travels to Thomasville Sunday night.

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Hamlet

07/10/09

EDENTON, N.C. - The Gastonia Grizzlies tumbled to Edenton 6-4 Friday night.

David Chester (Pittsburgh) went 3-for-3, including a homer, and knocked in two runs. Matt Hamlet (Boston College) was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Greg Van Horn (Princeton) collected three hits. Ty Nelson (Tennessee-Martin), Greyson Schram (Concord University) and Joey Stevens (Eastern Kentucky) also had hits.

Gastonia (4-5, 18-19 overall)  returns home Saturday against Asheboro.

Follow the Grizzlies on Twitter @GastoniaCPL or listen live at http://www.coastalplain.com/index.php/cpl_08/webpass

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Chester

07/09/09

KILL DEVIL HILLS, N.C. - The Gastonia Grizzlies lost to Outer Banks 12-3 Thursday night.

Joshua Ashton (Montreat College) hit a home run and went 2-for-4 at the plate. Jose Cuevas (Western Oklahoma State) was 2-for-3. Matt Hamlet (Boston College), David Chester (Pittsburgh) and Joey Stevens (Eastern Kentucky) also had hits. Stevens collected an RBI.

Kurt Frisbee (Appalachian State) and Dave Laufer (Boston College) pitched three innings of scoreless relief.

Gastonia (4-4, 18-18 overall) travels to Edenton Friday.

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Ashton

07/07/09

GASTONIA, N.C. - The Gastonia Grizzlies stopped Forest City 6-4 Tuesday afternoon before a crowd of 1,611, the largest attendance for a day game in team history.

Jose Cuevas (Western Oklahoma State) led Gastonia at the plate by going 3-for-4 with one RBI. Seth Canipe (Elon University) was 2-for-2 with an RBI and Ty Nelson (Tennessee-Martin) went 2-for-4 with one RBI. Greyson Schram (Concord University) and Joey Stevens (Eastern Kentucky) added base hits.

Joe Rodriquez (Indiana State) earned the victory on the mound (2-1) with 6.1 innings of work. He scattered six hits and gave up only four runs. Drew Hardee (Belmont Abbey), David Laufer (Boston College) and Seth Grant (Appalachian State) combined to pitch three-plus innings of scoreless relief. Grant got his second save of the season.

Gastonia (4-3, 18-17 overall) travels to Outer Banks on Thursday.

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Cuevas

07/06/09

ASHEBORO, N.C. - Greg Van Horn of Princeton hit a two-run homer in the fifth inning to help lead Gastonia to a 3-1 win against the Asheboro Copperheads Monday night.

Joshua Ashton (Montreat College) went 2-for-4 with an RBI in the sixth inning. Matt Hamlet (Boston College) was 2-for-5. Greyson Schram (Concord University), Jose Cuevas (Western Oklahoma State), Joey Stevens (Eastern Kentucky) and Seth Canipe (Elon University) all had hits in the Grizzlies batting attack. Van Horn collected a pair of hits with his home run. 

Will Helms (Appalachian State) pitched six innings for the win, scattering six hits but only allowing one run. 

The Grizzlies (3-3, 17-17 overall) return home Tuesday for a 12:05 p.m. start against the Forest City Owls. Tom Fishback of Ithaca College (1-3, 5.83 ERA) is the probable starting pitcher

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Van Horn

07/04/09

MARTINSVILLE, Va. - Gastonia came up on the losing side of a 7-6 game at Martinsville Saturday night.

David Chester (Pittsburgh) went 3-for-4 with a homer and three RBI. Greyson Schram (Concord University) homered, as well. Joshua Ashton (Montreat College) was 2-for-5 with two RBI. Randolph Oduber (Western Oklahoma State) also had two hits. Greg Van Horn (Princeton) reached base safely.

The Grizzlies (2-3, 16-17) travel to Asheboro Monday before returning home Tuesday for a 12:05 start against Forest City.

Chester

07/03/09

GASTONIA, N.C. - The Gastonia Grizzlies defeated Thomasville 10-6 Friday night in front of a record crowd of 3,514 and rewarded the fans in attendance with a fireworks extravaganza after the game

The Grizzlies (2-2, 16-16) scored runs in the first five innings to take a 9-0 lead into the top of the sixth. Gastonia added an insurance run in the eighth inning.

Ty Nelson (Tennessee-Martin) led the Gastonia battery by going 2-for-4 with an RBI. Greyson Schram  (Concord University), Byron McKoy (Temple),  Joshua Ashton (Montreat College), Randolph Oduber (Western Oklahoma State), David Chester (Pittsburgh) and Seth Canipe (Elon University) all had hits.

Matt Hamlet (Boston College), Schram, McKoy, Ashton, Oduber, Chester and Canipe collected RBI's.

Ben Booker (East Tennessee State) earned the victory (5-1) on the mound by pitching six innings and allowing five runs on six hits with seven strikeouts.    Drew Hardee (Belmont Abbey), Jesse Cadenhead (Charleston Southern) and Seth Grant (Appalachian State) combined on three innings of relief with only one run scored.   

Nelson

7/2/09

THOMASVILLE, N.C. - The Grizzlies were defeated by Thomasville 12-6 Thursday night.

Greg Van Horn (Princeton) went 1-for-4 with one RBI. Matt Hamlet (Boston College) was 2-for-3. Randolph Oduber (Western Oklahoma) had two hits in five at-bats with an RBI. Greyson Schram (Concord University) collected one hit and drove home two runs. David Chester (Pittsburgh) had a hit.

The Grizzlies will be back at home on the 3rd of July to face the Hi-Toms on Firework's night.

Van Horn

7/1/09

GASTONIA, N.C. - The Grizzlies beat Martinsville by a score of 8-3 on Wednesday night.

Randolph Odubur (Western Oklahoma) led the 14-hit attack with two home runs, his seventh and eighth of the season. Byron McKoy (Temple) and Ty Nelson (Tennesse-Martin) also homered for the Grizzlies, who improved to 1-1 in the second half. 

Oduber, last week's CPL Rawlings Hitter of the Week, now leads the league with eight home runs.

Kurt Frisbee (Appalachian State) pitched six solid innings and struck out six to improve to 2-2.

The Grizzlies will be on the road tomorrow against the Thomasville Hi-Toms before coming back home on the 3rd of July to face the Hi-Toms again on Fireworks night.

Oduber

6/30/09

ASHEBORO, N.C. - Gastonia was defeated by Asheboro 6-5 Tuesday night.

The Grizzlies banged out 13 hits. Matt Hamlet (Boston College) and Joshua Ashton (Montreat College) both went 3-for-5. Ashton also had an RBI. Byron McKoy (Temple) was 2-for-4 with two RBI. Greg Van Horn (Princeton) had two hits and drove in one run. Greyson Schram (Concord University) was 1-for-4 with an RBI. Seth Canipe (Elon University) and David Chester (Pittsburgh) both reached base safely. Joey Stevens (Eastern Kentucky) plated a run.

Tom Fishback (Ithaca College) scattered ten hits over 6.1 innings but only allowed four runs. David Laufer (Boston College) pitched 0.2 innings of scoreless relief.

Gastonia (14-15) entertains Martinsville Wednesday at 7:05 p.m.

Fishback

6/29/09

RALEIGH, N.C. – The Coastal Plain League announced Monday that Gastonia’s Randolph Oduber and Asheboro’s Craige Lyerly were named the Rawlings Co-Hitters of the Week, while Forest City’s Bryan Breedlove and Martinsville’s Trent Rothlin were tabbed Rawlings Co-Pitchers of the Week for week four of action (June 22nd-28th).

Oduber, a freshman at Western Oklahoma State, started six of his six games played on the week for the Grizzlies and finished with a .538 average.  Of his 14 hits, he had eight runs, with two doubles and four home runs, as well as 10 RBIs.  With his high slugging percentage of 1.077, he has gained a total of 28 bases and a .538 on-base percentage.

Throughout the season so far, this 6-2, 200-pound Aruba native, has had 79 at bats with a .304 batting average.  With a slugging percentage of .582, he has made 24 hits and 15 runs, including four doubles, six home runs, and 18 RBIs.  In addition to his strong swing, Oduber has totaled 46 bases for the season so far, including 13-for-15 stolen bases. 

The Coastal Plain League is the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league, heading into its 13th season.  Featuring 14 teams playing in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, the CPL is certified by Major League Baseball, and gives college players the chance to refine their skills with wooden bats during the summer months.  Players are housed with local host families for the summer and past experiences have been very positive for both players and hosts.  For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at www.coastalplain.com.

6/27/09

THOMASVILLE, N.C. - Gastonia and Thomasville split a doubleheader Saturday.

The Grizzlies salvaged an 8-6 win in Game two after dropping the first contest of the twin bill 6-5.

In Game one, Randolph Oduber (Western Oklahoma State) went 3-for-4, including a homer, and knocked home four runs. Greyson Schram (Concord College) was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Bryon McKoy (Temple) had two hits. Jose Cuevas (Western Oklahoma State) and Matt Hamlet (Boston College) reached base safely.

In the second game, Ty Nelson (Tennessee-Martin) and Byron McKoy (Temple) both went 3-for-4 to lead the Grizzlies' 12-hit battery. McKoy had a home run and three RBI. Greyson Schram (Concord College) was 2-for-4 with three RBI. Matt Hamlet (Boston College), Randolph Oduber (Western Oklahoma State), Greg Van Horn (Princeton) and Josh Ashton (Montreat College) all had base hits.

Gastonia (13-13) entertains Martinsville Sunday at 5:05 p.m.

Schram

6/26/09

GASTONIA, N.C. - Gastonia won for the fifth straight time Friday night with a 9-3 victory over Petersburg.

Matt Hamlet (Boston College) went 4-for-5 while Ben Booker (East Tennessee State) scattered ten hits but only allowed three runs in seven innings for his fourth victory of the season.

Randolph Oduber (Western Oklahoma State) also went 4-for-5 at the plate with two RBI. Byron McKoy (Temple) was 2-for-3 with a pair of RBI. Ty Nelson (Tennessee-Martin), Greyson Schram (Concord College), Jose Cuevas (Western Oklahoma State) and David Chester (Pittsburgh) all reached base safely in the Grizzlies 14-hit attack.

David Laufer (Boston College) and Jesse Cadenhead (Charleston Southern) combined on two innings of scoreless relief.

The Grizzlies trail Thomasville by one game for second place in the West Division of the Coastal Plain League.

Gastonia (12-12) travels to Thomasville for a doubleheader Saturday starting at at 5 p.m.

Hamlet

6/25/09

FLORENCE, S.C. – Randolph Oduber’s (Western Oklahoma) home run in the ninth inning propelled Gastonia to a 3-1 win over Florence and gave the Grizzlies their fourth win in a row.

Oduber hit a two-run homer, his fifth of the season, to break a 1-1 tie and collected RBI’s 11 and 12 of the season. He was 2-for-4 at the plate.

Robert Jeroszko (College of Charleston, 2-1) went the distance for a complete game win. He pitched nine innings and allowed only one run while scattering seven hits with seven strikeouts.

David Chester (Pittsburg), who went 2-for-4, homered in the bottom of the fourth inning to tie the score 1-1.

Greg Van Horn (Princeton), Greyson Schram (Concord University), Byron McKoy (Temple) and Joey Stevens (Eastern Kentucky) all had hits. 

Gastonia (11-12) entertains Petersburg Friday at 7:05 p.m.

Oduber

06/24/09

WILMINGTON, N.C. – Gastonia won for the third time in a row Wednesday night by escaping an extra innings attack by the Wilmington Sharks.

The Grizzlies (10-12) rallied and netted the Sharks 5-4 in 12 innings to pull within a one game of the Thomasville Hi-Toms for second place in the West Division of the Coastal Plain League.

Thomasville (11-12) lost to Forest City 6-5 last night.

Relief pitcher Seth Grant (Appalachian State) survived a bases loaded jam in the bottom of the 12th inning to give Gastonia its second come-from-behind win in the last two games. The Grizzlies outlasted Asheboro 12-11 Tuesday night by scoring three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning.

Grant pitched four innings of scoreless ball to bail out the Grizzlies and only allowed two hits, a walk with seven strikeouts. He combined with Connor Sestak (Purdue), who added an inning and a second of hitless relief from the bullpen. 

The lead changed hands eight times as the two teams went back-and-forth for over three and a half hours.  

Gastonia tied the game 4-4 in the top of the ninth inning when Greyson Schram (Concord University) scored on a wild pitch.

Grant left a Shark stranded at third base in the bottom of the ninth to send the game into extra innings.

Matt Hamlet’s (Boston College) RBI in the top of the 12th inning gave the Grizzlies a 5-4 advantage and the final margin of victory.

Randolph Oduber (Western Oklahoma State) homered for the sixth time this season and Schram hit his second round-tripper of 2009. Oduber went 2-for-5 at the plate and stole two bases. Hamlet led the team with three hits and had an RBI. Russell Wilson (N.C. State) was 2-for-4 with a steal.  Byron McKoy (Temple) reached base one time on a single.

Gastonia travels to Florence Thursday before returning home Friday against Petersburg.

Grant

6/23/09

GASTONIA, N.C.-  Matt Hamlet's (Boston College) RBI in the ninth inning, which scored Russell Wilson (N.C. State), gave Gastonia an exciting come-from-behind win over Asheboro Tuesday night by a score of 12-11.

Trailing 11-9, the Grizziles scored three times on RBI's by Hamlet, Wilson and Jose Cuevas (Western Oklahoma).

Wilson finished with a 3-for-4 night and drove home two runs. Hamlet went 2-3 with two RBI. Cuevas was 2-for-5.

In all, the Grizzlies mashed out 15 hits against Copperhead pitching.

Greyson Schram (Concord College) collected two hits and two RBI. Byron McKoy (Temple) had three hits and an RBI. Randolph Oduber (Western Oklahoma) reached safely twice and had an RBI. Ty Nelson (Tennessee-Martin) added a hit and an RBI.

David Laufer (Boston College) earned the win in relief by pitching two innings from the bullpen. He gave up two hits but didn't allow a run.

Gastonia (9-12) travels to Wilmington Wednesday.

ollow the Grizzlies on Twitter @GastoniaCPL or listen live at http://www.coastalplain.com/index.php/cpl_08/webpass

6/22/09

RALEIGH, N.C. – The Coastal Plain League announced Monday that Fayetteville’s Brendan Rowland and Forest City’s Konstantine Diamaduros were named the Rawlings Co-Hitters of the Week, while Gastonia’s Joe Rodriguez was picked as the Rawlings Pitcher of the Week for week three of action (June 15- June 21).  

On the mound, Rodriguez, the 6-0, 210-pound lefty from Indiana State finished the week with a perfect 0.00 ERA and 1-0 record with two appearances, while also striking out 13 batters. Rodriguez pitched nine total innings, allowing three hits, but no runs. On the season, Rodriguez has made four appearances for the Grizzlies and pitched 17.1 innings with a record of 1-0. In four appearances he has struck out 23 batters and only allowed eight hits with an ERA of 2.08.

The Coastal Plain League is the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league, heading into its 13th season.  Featuring 14 teams playing in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, the CPL gives college players the chance to refine their skills with wooden bats during the summer months.  Players are housed with local host families for the summer and past experiences have been very positive for both players and hosts.  For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at www.coastalplain.com.

06/21/09

ASHEBORO, N.C. - Gastonia  took a 7-4 decision over Asheboro Sunday night.

Ben Booker (East Tennessee State) pitched seven innings for the win on the mound. He scattered eight hits but only gave up three runs. Robert Jeroszko (College of Charleston) earned a save with two innings of relief.

Byron McKoy (Temple) went 4-for-4 with three RBI. Greyson Schram (Concord College) was 3-for-4. Ty Nelson (Tennessee-Martin) collected a pair of hits in four at-bats. Matt Hamlet (Boston College), Jose Cuevas (Western Oklahoma) and Randolph Oduber all had RBI's.

Gastonia (8-12) entertains Asheboro Tuesday night.

Follow the Grizzlies on Twitter @GastoniaCPL or listen live at http://www.coastalplain.com/index.php/cpl_08/webpass

Booker

06/20/09

GASTONIA, N.C. - Gastonia fell to Thomasville 7-1 Saturday night.

David Chester (Pittsburgh), Ty Nelson (Tennessee-Martin) and Jose Cuevas all had base hits for the Grizzlies. Nelson's single in the fifth inning broke a string of 14 Gastonia players who were retired in a row by Thomasville's Pat Dean (Boston College).

Relievers Seth Grant (Appalachian State), Jesse Cadenhead (Charleston Southern), Joe Rodriquez (Indiana State) and Kurt Frisbee (Appalachian State) combined to allow only one run to Thomasville in eight and one-third innings of work from the bullpen.

Gastonia (7-12) travels to Asheboro Sunday night.

Follow the Grizzlies on Twitter @GastoniaCPL or listen live at http://www.coastalplain.com/index.php/cpl_08/webpass

Nelson

06/19/09

FOREST CITY , N.C. - Gastonia lost to Forest City 16-1 Friday night.

Gastonia (7-11)  entertains Thomasville Saturday night.

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Coastal Plain League

06/18/09

GASTONIA, N.C. - Gastonia lost to Peninsula 12-6 Thursday night.

Three Grizzlies homered - Byron McKoy (Temple), Randolph Oduber (Western Oklahoma) and Ty Nelson (Tennessee-Martin).

McKoy went 3-for-4 with an RBI. Oduber was 2-for-4 with three RBI.

Gastonia (7-10) travels to Forest City Friday.

Follow the Grizzlies on Twitter @GastoniaCPL or listen live at http://www.coastalplain.com/index.php/cpl_08/webpass

McKoy

06/16/09

GASTONIA, N.C. - Gastonia won back-to-back games for the third time this season as the Grizzlies blanked Martinsville 6-0 Tuesday night..

Joe Rodriquez (Indiana State) earned the victory on the mound by pitching seven innings of three-hit ball. He struck out 10 batters and walked just two.

Jose Cuevas (Oklahoma State) went 2-for-3 with an RBI and two runs scored. Matt Hamlet (Boston College) was 2-for-3 with a sacrifice fly and three RBI.

Gastonia (7-9) entertains Peninsula on Thursday.

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Rodriquez

06/13/09

MARTINSVILLE, Va. - The Gastonia Grizzlies trimmed Martinsville 2-1 Saturday night.

Three Gastonia pitchers - Ben Booker (East Tennessee State), Seth Grant (Appalachian State) and Teddy Fallon (USC Upstate) - combined on a six-hitter and only allowed one run to the Mustangs.

Booker (2-1), who started the game, worked seven innings, scattereing six hits and giving up just one run. Grant and Fallon pitched two perfect innings in relief. Fallon earned his second save of the season.

Matt Hamlet's (Boston College) RBI in the third inning, which plated Greg Van Horn (Princeton), gave the Grizzlies a 1-0 lead. Greyson Schram (Concord College) doubled in the eighth inning and later scored on a Martinsville error to put Gastonia ahead 2-1.

Gastonia (6-9) entertains Martinsville on Tuesday.

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Booker

06/12/09

GASTONIA, N.C. - The Gastonia Grizzlies fell to Thomasville 7-5 Friday night.

The Grizzlies' 13-hit attack with was led by Byron McKoy (Temple) and Joey Stevens (Eastern Kentucky), who combined on six singles. Stevens and Randolph Oduber (Western Oklahoma) homered for Gastonia. Oduber had two RBI and Ty Nelson used a sacrifice fly to bring home a run. Jose Cuevas (Western Kentucky) went 2-for-4.

Tom Fishback (Ithaca College) took the loss, allowing seven runs and five hits in seven innings.

Gastonia (5-9) travels to Martinsville Saturday.

Follow the Grizzlies on Twitter @GastoniaCPL or listen live at http://www.coastalplain.com/index.php/cpl_08/webpass

Cuevas

06/11/09

GASTONIA, N.C. - Five members of the Gastonia Grizzlies – Travis Witherspoon, Jamaine Cotton, Randolph Oduber, Teddy Fallon and Eric Valdez – were selected in the Major League Baseball draft.

Witherspoon (Georgia Southern) was picked in the 12th round by the Angels.

Cotton (Western Oklahoma) went in the 28th round to the Giants.

San Francisco also selected Oduber (Western Oklahoma) in the 48th round.  

The Mariners grabbed Valdez (Indiana State) in the 35th round. He had a record of 1-0 and an ERA of 1.80 with Gastonia.  

Fallon (USC Upstate) was taken by the Pirates in the 43rd round. He earned a save for the Grizzlies.

Gastonia (5-8) returns home Friday to face Thomasville at 7:05 p.m.

Thursday's game at Thomasville was rained out. The teams will make up the contest on June 27 at 5 p.m. in Thomasville.

Follow the Grizzlies on Twitter @GastoniaCPL or listen live at http://www.coastalplain.com/index.php/cpl_08/webpass

Fallon

06/10/09

GASTONIA, N.C. -The Gastonia Grizzlies were swept by Forest City 7-4 and 2-1 in a doubleheader Wednesday night.

Seth Canipe (Elon) went 2-for-3 with an RBI in the twin bill.

.In Game 1, Byron McKoy (Temple) was 2-for-2. Joey Stevens (Eastern Kentucky) and Jose Cuevas (Western Oklahoma) both had sacrifice flies which scored runs. Greyson Schram (Concord College) had a hit in three trips to the plate.

In Game 2, Matt Hamlet (Boston College) was 1-for-3 with an RBI. Starting pitcher Robert Jeroszko (College of Charleston) was a tough-luck loser, allowing just three hits while striking eight batters.

Gastonia (5-8) returns home Friday to face Thomasville at 7:05 p.m.

Follow the Grizzlies on Twitter @GastoniaCPL or listen live at http://www.coastalplain.com/index.php/cpl_08/webpass

Canipe

06/09/09

GASTONIA, N.C. -The Gastonia Grizzlies snapped a three-game losing streak with a 4-3 win over Thomasville Tuesday night .

Jose Cuevas (Western Oklahoma) homered to lead off the sixth inning to give the Grizzlies their first run of the game. Cuevas finished 2-for-3 at the plate. David Chester (Seminole State) went 2-for-4 with an RBI. Greyson Schram (Concord College) also had two hits in four at-bats with an RBI.

Eric Valdez (Indiana State) earned his first victory of the season by scattering six hits and striking out six. Teddy Fallon (USC Upstate) got the save.

Gastonia (5-6) returns home Wednesday to face Forest City in a doubleheader at 6:05 p.m.

Follow the Grizzlies on Twitter @GastoniaCPL or listen live at http://www.coastalplain.com/index.php/cpl_08/webpass

Cuevas

06/08/09

ASHEBORO, N.C. -The Gastonia Grizzlies lost to Asheboro 8-5 Monday night.

Byron McKoy (Temple) hit a two-run homer. David Chester went 1-for-2 with two RBI. Travis Witherspoon (Georgia Southern) was 2-for-4. Greg Van Horn (Princeton) collected two hits and knocked home one run. Josh Ashton had two hits in three trips to the plate.

Gastonia (4-6) returns home Tuesday to face Thomasville at 7:05 p.m.

Follow the Grizzlies on Twitter @GastoniaCPL or listen live at http://www.coastalplain.com/index.php/cpl_08/webpass

McKoy

06/06/09

FOREST CITY, N.C. -The Gastonia Grizzlies dropped of a pair of games to Forest City 4-1 and 4-3 in a doubleheader Saturday night.

Denver's Greyson Schram (Concord College) went 3-for-6 with four RBI, including his first homerun of the season. Russell Wilson (N.C. State) was 2-for-6 with two stolen bases.

Gastonia (4-5) returns home Tuesday to face Thomasville at 7:05 p.m.

Follow the Grizzlies on Twitter @GastoniaCPL or listen live at http://www.coastalplain.com/index.php/cpl_08/webpass

Wilson

06/05/09

GASTONIA, N.C. - The Gastonia Grizzlies and Forest City Owls were rained out Friday night.

The teams will make up the game as a part of a doubleheader on June 10 at 6:05 p.m. at Sims Legion Park.

The Grizzlies(3-3) travel to Forest City (5-1) Saturday night and return home June 9 versus Thomasville.

Follow the Grizzlies on Twitter @GastoniaCPL or listen live at http://www.coastalplain.com/index.php/cpl_08/webpass

CPL

06/04/09

ASHEBORO, N.C. – The Gastonia Grizzlies defeated Asheboro 9-6 in six innings Thursday night when the game was called due to rain.

Russell Wilson led the Grizzlies, going 3-4 with three runs.  David Chester hit a three run homerun in the third inning to put the Grizzlies ahead 5-0.  Robert Jerozsko pitched 5.2 innings and didn't allow an earned run.  He struck out 10 to earn his first win with the Grizzlies.

Rain began in the sixth inning but the teams played through it. Heavier showers descended upon McCrary Park about 9:30 p.m. and play was suspended in the top of the seventh inning.

At 9:50 p.m., the umpires called the game and the Grizzlies (4-3) escaped Mother Nature with their second win in a row against the Copperheads (1-7). Gastonia beat Asheboro Wednesday night 3-2 in 10 innings.

Coastal Plain League West Division opponents Forest City, Thomasville and Martinsville were all rained out.

Gastonia plays a doubleheader with Forest City (5-1) at 6:05 p.m. Friday.    

Follow the Grizzlies on Twitter @GastoniaCPL or listen live at http://www.coastalplain.com/index.php/cpl_08/webpass

Chester

06/03/09

GASTONIA, N.C. – The Gastonia Grizzlies edged Asheboro 3-2 in extra innings.

Randolph Oduber (Western Oklahoma State) scored on a past ball in the 10th inning to give Gastonia the final margin of victory. Oduber also had an RBI double in the eighth inning that put the Grizzlies on top 2-1.

Teddy Fallon (USC Upstate) picked up his first win of the season from the bullpen by striking out the side in the top of the 10th.

The Grizzlies (3-3) return to action Thursday at Asheboro.

Follow the Grizzlies on Twitter @GastoniaCPL or listen live at http://www.coastalplain.com/index.php/cpl_08/webpass

Oduber

06/02/09

MARTINSVILLE, Va. – The Gastonia Grizzlies lost to Martinsville 5-3 Tuesday night.

The Grizzlies led 3-0 until the Mustangs (3-2) scored five runs in the bottom of the eighth inning.

The Grizzlies (2-3) return to action Wednesday against Asheboro.

Follow the Grizzlies on Twitter @GastoniaCPL or listen live at http://www.coastalplain.com/index.php/cpl_08/webpass

CPL

06/01/09

GASTONIA, N.C. – The Gastonia Grizzlies' rally fell short as the team lost to Asheboro 6-4 on Monday night.

Trailing 6-0, Gastonia scored four runs in the eighth and ninth innings, but couldn’t prevent the Copperheads (1-4) from winning their first game of the 2009 Coastal Plain League season.

An outage of the lights at Sims Legion Park at 9:34 p.m. delayed the game 61 minutes with two out in the top of the eighth inning and Asheboro ahead 6-0.

David Chester (Seminole State) homered to lead off the bottom of the eighth inning to start the rally. Gastonia scored three more runs in the ninth on RBI’s by Greyson Schram (Concord College) and Randolph Oduber (Western Oklahoma State).

Many of the 2,413 fans in attendance stayed to enjoy the Grizzlies' late night comeback effort.

The Grizzlies (2-2) return to action Tuesday at Martinsville.

Follow the Grizzlies on Twitter @GastoniaCPL or listen live at http://www.coastalplain.com/index.php/cpl_08/webpass

Benefield

5/30/09

GASTONIA, N.C. – The Gastonia Grizzlies set an attendance record as 3,402 fans watched the team defeat Martinsville 6-1 in the home-opener.

The previous record was 3,355 fans on July 3, 2008. The game also marked the fourth time in team history that the Grizzlies (2-1) drew over 3,000 fans.

Four Gastonia pitchers – Ben Booker (Cleveland State), Seth Grant (Appalachian State), Teddy Fallon (USC Upstate) and Kurt Frisbee (Young Harris) – combined on a three-hitter against the Mustangs.

“It was a fun night,” said Gastonia manager Eli Benefield. “I hope the fans enjoyed it.”

Russell Wilson (N.C. State) was 2-for-4 win an RBI. Byron McKoy (Temple) and Seth Canipe (Elon) both went 2-for-3 with an RBI. Ty Nelson (Tennessee-Martin) had a hit and an RBI.

Gastonia returns to action Monday at 7:05 versus Asheboro.

Jesse Cadenhead (Charleston Southern) is the probable pitcher.

Follow the Grizzlies on Twitter @GastoniaCPL or listen live at http://www.coastalplain.com/index.php/cpl_08/webpass

McKoy

5/29/09

THOMASVILLE, N.C. – The Gastonia Grizzlies earned their first victory of 2009 with a 3-2 win at Finch Field Friday night.

The Grizzlies (1-1), who lost on the road Wednesday at Forest City 5-4, also picked up their first decision away from Sims Legion Park in Gastonia.

Gastonia’s home-opener was washed out Thursday, but the Grizzlies will celebrate Opening Night Saturday with a 7:05 p.m. start versus Martinsville.

Against the Hi-Toms, Greyson Schram (Concord College) went 3-for-4 with an RBI to help lead the Grizzlies’ nine-hit attack. Russell Wilson (N.C. State) was 2-for-4 at the plate with two stolen bases while Byron McKoy (Temple) hit his first homer of the year.

Gastonia starting pitcher Tom Fishback (Ithaca College) gave up only one run and scattered four hits over 5.1 innings for the win. Kurt Frisbee (Appalachian State) finished out the ninth for his first save of the season.

The Grizzlies led 2-0 before allowing Thomasville (1-2) to cross the plate in the sixth inning. Schram’s single in the eighth, which scored Gregory Van Horne (Princeton), gave Gastonia a 3-1 advantage.

Contact

Derek Smith
Director of Media Relations, Broadcasting
Gastonia Grizzlies Baseball Club
Sims Legion Park
1001 N. Marietta St.
980-721-6472 (cell)
www.gastoniagrizzlies.com
Follow the Grizzlies on Twitter @GastoniaCPL or listen live at http://www.coastalplain.com/index.php/cpl_08/webpass

Schram

5/19/09

The Gastonia Grizzlies are pleased to announce the signing of NC State’s Russell Wilson for the upcoming summer season. A 5-11, 208-pound sophomore middle infielder, Wilson is also the quarterback of the Wolfpack football team.

Seeing limited time as a freshman in 2008 due to spring football, Wilson quickly worked his way into the lineup for NC State head coach Elliott Avent in 2009. He saw action in 27 games - 22 of them starts - and finished the season batting .236 with a pair of doubles and a triple. Furthermore, the Richmond, Va., native scored 13 runs, drove in 10 RBIs, walked 10 times and tallied 21 total bases.

In 2008, he batted .296 with a pair of doubles, a triple and two home runs. His first collegiate homer was at Clemson March 21 - a game NC State won, 5-4. He later helped lead the Wolfpack into the postseason, where it swept the Raleigh Regional and advanced to the Super Regionals. In NC State’s 10-6 win over No. 7 Georgia in game two of the Athens Super Regional, Wilson went 2-for-4 with two RBIs. 

Wilson earned all-metro and all-state honors as a senior at Collegiate High School in 2007 after batting .536 with seven home runs and 29 RBIs. He also pitched, finishing with a 6-2 record and 1.83 ERA to go with 52 strikeouts. After his senior season, he was drafted in the 41st round of the Major League Baseball Draft by the Baltimore Orioles, but came to NC State as a two-sport athlete.

On the football field, Wilson immediately stepped in and made a difference for head coach Tom O’Brien’s squad in 2008. A dual-threat quarterback, Wilson quickly become a fan favorite; leading the Wolfpack to four straight wins and its first bowl appearance since 2005. Through the air, he completed 150-of-275 attempts for 1,955 yards and 17 touchdowns, while rushing for 388 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. Wilson was named the Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Year and earned first-team All-ACC recognition - the first time a freshman quarterback has done so.

The Grizzlies are a member of the Coastal Plain League. Celebrating its 13th season, the Coastal Plain League features 14 teams playing in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. The CPL gives college players the chance to refine their skills with the use of wooden bats. Players are housed with local host families for the summer and past experiences have been very positive for both players and hosts. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at http://www.coastalplain.com. 

Press Release Courtesy of the Coastal Plain League

Picture Courtesy of NC State Athletics

5/15/09

GASTONIA, N.C. - The Gastonia Grizzlies announced today the signing of Robert Jeroszko from College of Charleston, Matt Thielepape from Winthrop University, Eric Valdez from Indiana State,  and Greg Van Horn from Princeton University.

Jeroszko, a 6-3, 195 pound sophomore pitcher from Greenville, South Carolina has gone undefeated on the mound for the Cougars this season, posting a 3-0 record with a 5.01 ERA striking out 15 batters in 23.1 innings pitched.  The right-hander features an 88-92 mph fast ball.

Thielepape, a 6-0, 200 pound junior infielder from Austin, Texas was named the Big South Conference Choice Hotels Player of the Week during April 6-12 batting .684 with four doubles, four home runs, six RBIs and 29 total bases.  So far this season, Thielepape is batting .329 with 10 doubles, seven home runs and 27 RBIs. 

At Angelina Community College, Thielepape was named First Team All-Conference in 2008 and was a participant in the Texas-New Mexico All-Star Game before signing with Winthrop last fall.

Valdez, a 6-1, 190 pound junior pitcher from Kearny, New Jersey has posted a 5-3 record on the mound so far this season with the Sycamores, with a 4.52 ERA and leads the team in strikouts with 68 in 77.2 innings pitched. 

Last season at Clarendon Community College, the right-hander led the team to an overall record of 31-6 and posted a 6-1 record while striking out 60 batters in 47.1 innings before signing with Indiana State.

Van Horn, a 5-11, 185 pound infielder from Cranford, New Jersey helped lead the Tigers this season, batting .303 with eight doubles, 4 home runs and 21 RBIs.  Last season for Princeton, Van Horn was the team’s leadoff hitter batting .323 with 11 doubles, 2 triples, 4 home runs and 20 RBIs.

At Cranford High School, Van Horn was a two-time all-county selection batting.447 as a junior.  He was also named all-conference as a senior leading his team to winning the conference championship that year.

"We expect these four players to be impact guys for us this summer," said General Manager Jesse Cole.  "Matt and Great are experience infielders who have proven themselves at a high level.  Eric is the ace of Indiana State and is used to pitching in big games and Robert has a plus fastball who we expect to log significant innings. "

The Grizzlies home opener is Thursday, May 28th at 7:05 and is Monster Giveaway Night at the ballpark with giveaways including a Nintendo Wii, hotel packages and some surprises you don’t want to miss.  The popular Thirsty Thursday’s are back in swing on opening night featuring a DJ and $1 beer specials.

Jeroszko

Thielepape

Valdez

Van Horn

4/29/09

GASTONIA, N.C. - The Gastonia Grizzlies Baseball Club announced today the 2009 promotional schedule.  The schedule is highlighted by Job Fair Night, three fireworks displays, Gastonia’s Got Talent, Mr. Gastonia Beauty Pageant and the first ever “Little League Homerun Derby.”

Job Fair Night will be held during the Grizzlies first Monday game on June 1st.  Job seekers will receive free admission with their resume and families will receive discounted admission.  The Grizzlies are looking for over 25 employers to attend this event.

Opening night will once again be Monster Giveaway Night, with giveaways between every inning including a Nintendo Wii, hotel packages and some surprises you don’t want to miss.

Wednesday, June 3rd will be the “2nd Annual High School Home Run Derby.”  All the area high schools will compete again to be crowned the Home Run Derby Champion of Gastonia County.

The next Wednesday, June 10th will be the “2nd Annual Grandma Beauty Pageant.”  After the outstanding performances by last year’s contestants, the Grizzlies are excited to crown the next Mrs. Grizzlies Grandma.

Other promotions include “Mr. Gastonia Beauty Pageant” on June 12th, “Gastonia Eating Contest” with eating contests between every inning on June 16th, “Camp Rock Night” on June 26th, “Salute to Underwear Night” on July 1st, “Gastonia’s Got Talent” on July 11th, “Fan Photo Night/Team Poster Giveaway” on July 18th, “Gastonia Grizzly Man Contest” on July 28th, “High School Musical Night” on July 31st and “Fans Batting Practice Night” on August 2nd.

The Grizzlies will wrap up their season on August 4th with a fireworks show and a burrito eating contest brought to you by Moe’s Southwest Grill.  The winner will walk away with a one year supply of burritos to Moe’s on East Franklin in Gastonia.

“Our promotions are a big part of what we do each year and we see each game as a different event at the ballpark,” said General Manager Jesse Cole.  “This year is no different as we have planned outrageous giveaways, exciting theme nights and fantastic family fun.  Our goal is to make our fans understand that unless they come to the ballpark, they will miss something.”

The Grizzlies look forward to seeing everyone on Opening Night on May 28th.  Don’t forget to try the new Krispy Kreme “Grizzly Donut Dog.”

4/21/09

GASTONIA, N.C. - The Gastonia Grizzlies Baseball Club announced today they will be filming the first ever Grizzlies commercial at Sims Legion Park on April 23, 2009.  The Grizzlies will be working with their presenting sponsor, Time Warner Cable and will be filming at the ballpark from 12:30-3:00 p.m.

The Grizzlies are looking for at least 40 fans to come out to the ballpark and join them in filming the commercial for the 2009 season.  The Grizzlies are in need of a wide range of people of all ages.  No pets will be allowed. 

The commercial will be similar to a movie trailer, catching the actions of people rushing to the ballpark for opening day.  Other shots include: fans coming into the ballpark, someone eating a donut burger and even dunking General Manager Jesse Cole in the dunk tank.  The commercial is built around the slogan: "This isn't just baseball."

If you are looking for your five minutes of fame, head to Sims Legion Park this coming Thursday and take part in this exciting opportunity.

“We would not be where we are today without this community and the fans,” said General Manager Jesse Cole.  “We want to give back to them and involve all our fans in our first ever television commercial.”

The Grizzlies home opener is Thursday, May 28th at 7:05 and is Monster Giveaway Night at the ballpark with giveaways including a Nintendo Wii, hotel packages and some surprises you don’t want to miss.  The popular Thirsty Thursday’s are back in swing on opening night featuring a DJ and $1 beer specials.

4/14/09

GASTONIA, N.C. - The Gastonia Grizzlies Baseball Club announced today they will be holding the First Annual Ballpark Beer Fest at Sims Legion Park on May 23, 2009.  The Grizzlies will be working in conjunction with the Gastonia Jaycees and will be hosting the event at their ballpark under the lights from 6-10 p.m.

The festival will be celebrating craft beers in the Southeast and will be featuring more than 50 total beers.  Breweries involved include: Carolina Beer, RJ Rockers, Rock Bottom, Kona, Widmer, Sweet Water, Beck’s, Blue Moon, Starr Hill, Red Hook, Coastal, South Hampton, McSorley’s and Gordon Biersch. 

The event will also include a live performance from local band Eclipse.  In addition, there will be games and a wide variety of food available.

“We are very excited to have this festival,” says General Manager Jesse Cole.  “This is the first of its kind in Gaston County and the response that we have received has been outstanding.  We are expecting a tremendous turnout and we look for this to be an annual event here in Gastonia.”

The Gastonia Grizzlies are limiting this event to 450 people and expect tickets to sell out before the festival.  Tickets are on sale on for $20 at the Gastonia Grizzlies website, www.gastoniagrizzlies.com/beerfest.htm.  Ticket includes entry into the event and a 6 oz. sampling glass.  Designated driver tickets are on sale for $5.  A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Gastonia Jaycees.   

The Grizzlies home opener is Thursday, May 28th at 7:05 and is Monster Giveaway Night at the ballpark with giveaways including a Nintendo Wii, hotel packages and some surprises you don’t want to miss.  The popular Thirsty Thursday’s are back in swing on opening night featuring a DJ and $1 beer specials.

4/8/09

GASTONIA, N.C. – The Gastonia Grizzlies Baseball Club announced today the signing of pitcher Jeremy Penn and outfielder Randolph Oduber from Western Oklahoma.

Penn, a 6-4, 158 pound sophomore from Tortola, BVI has signed a Letter of Intent to play at Oklahoma State University in 2010.  He was selected in the 50th round of the 2007 MLB draft by the Philadelphia Phillies and in the 37th round of the 2008 MLB draft by the San Francisco Giants. 

Penn is rated as the #3 Junior College player in Oklahoma and is rated #70 nationally by Perfect Game Crosschecker.  As a freshmen, he posted a 6-1 record on the mound with a 4.60 ERA striking out 34 batters in 29 innings last year for the Pioneers.  This season, Penn is 4-0 on the mound with a 4.91 ERA striking out 40 batters in 25.2 innings.

Oduber, a 6-2, 200 pound freshman from Paradera, Aruba was rated as the #7 Junior College player in Oklahoma and is rated #226 nationally by Perfect Game Crosschecker.  Oduber has developed into one of the top Pioneers’ players as a freshman. He leads the team with 18 HR’s, 56 RBIs and 18 stolen bases.  Oduber is batting .424 with 53 hits and 9 doubles.

“Randolph and Jeremy are two of the top prospects in the country,” said General Manager Jesse Cole.  “We expect Jeremy to be one of our aces on the mound and Randolph to lead our offense.”

Family plans are still available for $125 and include four tickets to seven of the biggest home games and dinner for the family.  You can secure your tickets right now by calling the Gastonia Grizzlies front office at (704) 866-8622 or by visiting the Grizzlies online at www.gastoniagrizzlies.com.

Penn

Oduber

4/1/09

GASTONIA, N.C. – The Gastonia Grizzlies baseball club announced today that former president George W. Bush has accepted the offer to become an intern for the 2009 season.   The Grizzlies received the letter from Bush Wednesday morning formally accepting the position.

In the letter Bush proclaimed, “It is time for me to get back into baseball and I can’t imagine any place better than in Gastonia with the Grizzlies.”

Bush signed the letter and said “I’ll see you on Opening Day.”

The internship position offered back in January guaranteed Bush $1,000 for the summer, plus commission and cash bonuses based on ticket sales.  Bush’s responsibilities will include ticket sales, on-field promotions and working in both the souvenir stand and concession stand.

“We were very excited to receive his acceptance letter,” said General Manager Jesse Cole.  “However, we do not plan on giving any special treatment to the former president.

As an intern he will have to pay his dues and pull his own weight.  There are many people lined up to take his job and we expect immediate results from the former president.”

Based on discussions with the Grizzlies front office, Bush will begin the season working the new Mickey Mouse House Inflatable and Dunk Tank.

The Grizzlies are still looking for a host family for Bush and if you are interested in housing the former president please call the Grizzlies front office.  All that is needed is a spare bedroom and a shower.  Please be mindful that the former president will also need additional rooms for secret service and his bodyguards.

3/25/09

GASTONIA, N.C. – The Gastonia Grizzlies Baseball Club announced today the signing of pitcher Jesse Cadenhead from Charleston Southern University and infielder Greyson Schram from Concord University.

Cadenhead, a 6-4, 205 pound sophomore from Denver, NC was voted the #7 prospect in the Southern Collegiate League in 2008 by Baseball America.  He was also named the MVP of the Southern Collegiate League’s All-Star game.

Cadenhead developed into one of the Buccaneers' top pitchers in his freshman season, making 15 appearances on the mound and compiling a 1-2 record while striking out 24 batters in 32 innings.  He starred at East Lincoln High School, batting over .350 every season with the Mustangs, receiving all-conference all four seasons and being named Southern Piedmont Player of the Year.

Schram, a 6-0, 190 pound junior from Stanley, NC was recognized as a NCAA Division II All-American in 2008.  He was a second team pick on the Rawlings/ABCA coaches' squad and earned third team honors from Daktronics.

Schram returns to the Coastal Plain League after batting .293 with 8 doubles, 2 triples, 7 homeruns and 37 RBIs in 2008.  He was also named to the Coastal Plain League All-Star team and placed 2nd in the All-Star Homerun Derby.  Last season for Concord, he led the team in homeruns and RBIs batting .451 with 15 doubles, 2 triples, 16 homeruns and 64 RBIs. 

“We are really excited to have two local players from East Lincoln,” said General Manager Jesse Cole.  “Both excelled in collegiate summer leagues last season.  We look for Jesse to log significant innings and for Greyson to be a mainstay in the middle of our lineup.”

General Admission Season Tickets are still available for $100.  You can secure your tickets right now by calling the Gastonia Grizzlies front office at (704) 866-8622 or by visiting the Grizzlies online at www.gastoniagrizzlies.com.

Cadenhead

Schram

3/19/09

GASTONIA, N.C. – The Gastonia Grizzlies Baseball Club announced today the signing of pitchers Dallas Beeler and Jordan Underwood along with first baseman David Chester from Seminole State College.

Beeler, a 6-5, 200 pound freshman from Tulsa, OK was selected in the 37th round of the 2008 MLB Draft by the Toronto Blue Jays.

So far this season for the Trojans, Beeler is 1-1 on the mound with a 4.50 ERA striking out 9 batters in 14 innings pitched.  At Jenks High School, he posted a 4-1 record on the mound with a 1.09 ERA striking out 34 batters in 38 innings pitched.  Beeler was All-Conference, All-Metro and All-State leading his team to the 2008 Regional Championship, where his team won the title.

Underwood, a 6-2, 185 pound sophomore from Edmond, Oklahoma posted a 3-3 record on the mound with a 4.16 ERA striking out 37 batters in 54 innings last year for the Trojans.  This season, Underwood is 3-0 on the mound with a 3.80 ERA striking out 23 batters in 28.1 innings.

Chester, a 6-5, 230 pound sophomore from Collinsville, Oklahoma has verbally committed to the University of Pittsburgh for the 2010 season.

His freshmen season with the Trojans, Chester batted .340 with 18 HRs and 52 RBIs.  So far this season, he is batting .352 with 5 doubles, 3 HRs and 25 RBIs.

“Seminole State is one of the top Junior College programs in the country and we are very excited to have three of their top players this summer,” said General Manager Jesse Cole.  “David is a premier power hitter and we expect him to be a big part our lineup.  Jordan brings a lot of experience to our rotation and Dallas is your prototype power arm with a fastball that lives in the low 90’s.  We can’t wait to see what these three can do this summer.”

Bonus books are currently available and include 10 undated tickets for $40.  Tickets are good for any game during the season.  You can purchase bonus books right now by calling the Gastonia Grizzlies front office at (704) 866-8622 or by visiting the Grizzlies online at www.gastoniagrizzlies.com.

Beeler

Underwood

Chester

2/26/09

GASTONIA, N.C. –

The Gastonia Grizzlies Baseball Club announced today the signing of pitchers Jimmy Cox from the University of Maine and Benson Merritt from Canisius College.

Cox, a 6-3, 185 pound sophomore from Bangor, Maine led the team in saves his freshman season going 1-1 with a 4.37 ERA.  At Bangor High School, Cox led his team to the state championship in 2006.  As a senior, he went 9-0 and led the KVAC conference in strikeouts.

Merritt, a 6-1, 180 pound freshmen from Smithville, Ontario, was selected in the 42nd round of the 2008 MLB Draft by the Cincinnati Reds. 

In high school, Merritt played for the Guelph’s Intercounty Terriers, in the Premier Baseball League of Ontario.  He led the team to the league championship in 2006 and the Sandlot 18-and-under World Series Championship, where his team won the title.  He was also a member of Team Canada and the Junior National team.

“Both Jimmy and Benson will be looked upon to log significant innings for us this summer,” said General Manager Jesse Cole.  “Both bring a tremendous amount of experience to the mound and we expect big things out of them this season.”

Family plans are still available for $125 and include four tickets to seven of the biggest home games and dinner for the family.  You can secure your tickets right now by calling the Gastonia Grizzlies front office at (704) 866-8622 or by visiting the Grizzlies online at www.gastoniagrizzlies.com.

Cox

Merritt

2/19/09

GASTONIA, N.C. – The Gastonia Grizzlies Baseball club announced today the dates for the 7th Annual Grizzlies Training Academy for kids ages 6-13.  After almost tripling attendance in 2008, the Grizzlies are excited about having two training camps for the first time in history.  For the second year in a row, the CaroMont Health Human Motion Institute will be sponsoring the camps during the weeks of June 15-19 and July 27-31.  The camps will run from 9a.m. to 12p.m.

The 2009 coaching staff and Grizzlies players will be instructing campers throughout the week to improve their hitting and fielding skills.  Kids will be divided into groups based on age and skill level.  “The instructional camps provide a great experience for Grizzlies players and kids to interact more closely at Sims Legion Park,” said Marketing Manager Lauren Lee.

The registration fee includes instruction Monday-Friday, a Grizzlies t-shirt, lunch and drink on Friday, and two tickets to watch the Grizzlies in action at the conclusion of the camp week.  There will also be a player and physician presentation from the Human Motion Institute on prevention and treatment of common baseball injuries.

The first instructional camp will be held the week of June 15-19, 2009.  Campers will receive tickets to the Grizzlies home game on Saturday, June 20th at 7:05p.m.  Campers will be able to take the field with the Grizzlies for the National Anthem and be recognized on this night.

The second camp will be held the week of July 27-31, 2009.  Campers will receive tickets to the Grizzlies game on Friday, July 31st at 7:05p.m. and will also be recognized on this night.

The registration fee is $100 and the deadline is one week before the first day of each camp.  Both camps are offered for a discounted price of $175.  Registration forms can be picked up at the Grizzlies front office or you can register online at http://www.gastoniagrizzlies.com/camps.htm.

2/9/09

GASTONIA, N.C. –

The Gastonia Grizzlies Baseball Club announced today the signing of freshmen Micah Jarrett and Zach White from Wake Forest University.

Jarrett, a 6-0, 180 pound outfielder hails from Salisbury, North Carolina.  Jarrett starred at East Rowan High School where he was a three-time All-County selection.  As a senior, Jarrett tied the school record with seven home runs while batting .410 with 40 RBIs and 17 stolen bases.  He finished second in county history for career hits with 120.  

White, a 6-1, 241 pound left handed pitcher from Lexington, North Carolina starred at North Davidson High School where he was named All Conference three times. White finished his high school career with a 36-15 record, a 1.65 ERA and 336 strikeouts in 256 innings. He was ranked as the 11th-best prospect and the second-best left handed pitcher in North Carolina by Impact Baseball.

Wake Forest Coach Greg Baur said both Jarrett and White will contribute immediately as freshmen with both of them having the chance to start for the Deamon Deacons.

Grizzlies General Manager Jesse Cole said, “We are really looking forward to seeing what Micah and Zach can do this summer in Gastonia.  Both will play significant roles and we are expecting them to be very valuable to our organization.”

Wake Forest opens their Season on February 20 at home vs. Akron.  The Grizzlies opening night is May 28th vs. Forest City.

Family plans are currently available for $125 and include four tickets to seven of the biggest home games and dinner for the family.  You can secure your tickets right now by calling the Gastonia Grizzlies front office at (704) 866-8622 or by visiting the Grizzlies online at www.gastoniagrizzlies.com.

Jarrett

White

Gaston Gazette

1/26/09

GASTONIA, N.C. – General Manager Jesse Cole received a phone call on Monday morning from Jim Shafer, an on-air personality from Lite 102.9 FM.  Shafer wants to do an interview tomorrow morning on air about the recent job offer to former President Bush.  The interview will be live Tuesday morning around 7:10 AM. 

When asked how he heard about the offer to Bush, Shafer said, “I read about it in the Charlotte Business Journal.”  When Cole heard the news he was very surprised because he didn’t know the story was even covered by the Journal. 

“This story has picked up more steam than I expected,” said Cole.  “Last week I received a phone call that the article was in the Lincoln Times as well.  The Charlotte Observer has also inquired about doing an interview about the story.”

In case you missed it:

Charlotte Business Journal

Gaston Gazette

1/20/09

GASTONIA, N.C. – The Gastonia Grizzlies baseball team announced today the formal offering of a job to former President George W. Bush.  The Grizzlies sent a letter to Bush requesting his services with the team this year.  The job offered was an intern position with opportunities for advancement.

Responsibilities would include sales and marketing, operations, on-field promotions and working in the souvenir stand.  The Grizzlies are offering the former President $1,000 for the summer but compensation will also include commission on sales as well as bonuses.   In the letter the Grizzlies also stated they would provide a host family and meals after the games.

The Grizzlies expressed interest in the President because of his experience in the White House and his knowledge of baseball and baseball management.

Bush served as managing partner of the Texas Rangers baseball team from 1989-1994.  It was here that he had indirect involvement with Gastonia as the Single-A Gastonia Rangers played at Sims Legion Park from 1989-1992.  He actively managed the team's projects and regularly attended games, often choosing to sit in the stands with fans.

We feel that this is a great opportunity for the former President to get back involved in baseball,” said General Manager Jesse Cole. “We feel taking this position should be a no-brainer and we look forward to hearing from him.”

In the letter Cole gave reference to Assistant GM, Jamie Curtis and Marketing Director, Lauren Lee.  He mentioned that both of them served as interns with Lee serving in 2008 and Curtis in 2006 and were hired full-time.  He wrote that he could see Bush taking the same path and becoming a full-time employee with the Gastonia Grizzlies.

“Obviously our goal is to develop and prepare our interns for full-time jobs in sports.  We feel Bush could be very valuable to our organization as an intern and if he works hard and gets results, we would definitely entertain the possibility of hiring him full-time with the Grizzlies.”

The Grizzlies still have two spots open for interns for the 2009 season.  If you are interested in the opportunity to work with the Grizzlies and possibly work beside the former President, please email info@gastoniagrizzlies.com with your resume and cover letter.  The Grizzlies opening night is May 28th against the Forest City Owls.

1/14/09

GASTONIA, N.C. - The Gastonia Grizzlies Baseball Club announced today the forming of its inaugural Board of Advisors.  The board is the first of its kind and is made up of leaders throughout the community in business, education and city government. 

The role of the board is to serve as an ambassador for the Grizzlies throughout the community.  The board will assist in public relations and help identify potential community organization that would benefit from partnering with the Grizzlies.

The board will advise the team with ideas on promoting future growth and promotion of the Grizzlies.  The board will meet quarterly with Grizzlies management and help make decisions with the Grizzlies on marketing, community relations and overall operations.

“This is a completely new thing for our team and for baseball teams in general,” said General Manager Jesse Cole.  “With the growth of our team last season, we knew this was a great opportunity for us to expand even more in Gaston County.  We feel this board will help us do just that and serve as a liaison for us with the community.  We are very fortunate to have such a strong group of community leaders be a part of this inaugural board and we look forward to becoming an even bigger part of Gaston County this year.”

The Grizzlies board consists of: Butch Adams, Athletic Director of Gastonia School System; Elyse Cochran, President of the Gaston Chamber; Alan Cloninger,

Gaston County Sherriff;  Sherry Collins, Gaston Gazette; Ted Hall, President of Montcross Chamber of Commerce; Tom Keigher, Gaston County Commissioner; Don Lawrence, Vice President of Parkdale Mills; Larry McElreath, Executive Director, Greater Gaston Baptist Association; Tony Sigmon, CEO of Gaston YMCA; Jeff Stanton, McDonalds; Mark Stephens, CPA; Jay Falls, Sun Drop; Mike Sumner, The Sumner Group; Jeff Vawter, OrthoCarolina.

In 2008 the Grizzlies set the franchise attendance record drawing 29,310 fans to Sims Legion Park.  The Grizzlies also broke the record for single game attendance with 3,355 fans on July 3rd.

1/12/09

Gastonia, N.C. - The Gastonia Grizzlies Baseball Club announced today the signing of catchers Joey Stevens from Eastern Kentucky and Ty Nelson from the University of Tennessee at Martin.  Stevens and Nelson starred for the Grizzlies in 2008 while sharing time behind the plate.

Stevens, a 6-4, 215 pound junior started 21 games for the Grizzlies in 2008 before fracturing his thumb halfway through the season.  Stevens threw out 30% of base-runners in 38 attempted steals.   On June 24 against Asheboro, Stevens hit the game winning double in the bottom of the 9th inning to lead the Grizzlies to a 4-3 win.

Stevens spent his first two college seasons at Pensacola Junior College before signing a Letter of Intent to play for Eastern Kentucky.  In 2007, he was a 32nd round draft pick by the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Nelson, a 6-0, 195 pound junior started 25 games for the Grizzlies in 2008 and finished second on the team in hitting with a .321 average to go along with 3 doubles and 4 RBIs.  Nelson finished second on the team in on base percentage at a .410 clip. 

Nelson spent his first two college seasons at Cleveland State before signing a Letter of Intent to play at UT-Martin. 

Joey Stevens

Ty Nelson

“We are very excited about bringing Ty and Joey back to Gastonia for the 2009 season,” said General Manager Jesse Cole.  “They were both instrumental to our team behind the plate and are natural leaders.  Joey and Ty were also fan favorites in 2008 and I know our fans are looking forward to seeing them back at the ballpark.”

Grizzlies Family Plans are still available and consist of four tickets to seven of the biggest home games and dinner for the family. The home opener is May 28th against the Forest City Owls.   For more information on the Grizzlies schedule and ticket deals please contact the front office at 704-866-8622 or visit our website at www.gastoniagrizzlies.com.

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