GASTONIA, N.C. –Gastonia fell to Asheboro 10-2 Thursday night at Sims Legion Park.

Five straight errors by the Grizzlies’ defense led to four Copperhead runs in the first inning and Gastonia never recovered.

Dallas Burke (Iowa) was 2-for-4 with an RBI, Cass Via (Ouachita Baptist) 1-for-3, David Chester (Pittsburgh) 1-for-4, Byron McKoy 2-for-4 and Zeke Blanton (Gardner-Webb) 1-for-1.  Seth Boyd (Wagner) had an RBI.

Gastonia (17-7, 34-18) travels to Asheboro Friday before returning home Saturday for the regular season finale against Petersburg.

GASTONIA, N.C. – Gastonia swept a doubleheader from Forest City 4-3 in 11 innings and 3-2 in seven innings Tuesday night while capturing the Silver Cup for the first time in franchise history.

The Silver Cup, named for Gastonia and Forest City owner, Ken Silver, goes to the winner of the head-to-head season matchup between the Grizzlies and the Owls. Gastonia took seven of the 12 meetings between the two teams in 2010.

In Game 1, suspended from July 13, the Grizzlies got an RBI single from Seth Boyd (Wagner) in extra innings to complete the two-week old contest.

Brandon Padgett (Lenior-Rhyne) pitched a complete-game, six-hitter for the victory (4-0).

Boyd finished 3-for-6. Cass Via (Ouachita Baptist) went 1-for-3 with an RBI, Matthew Greene (Frostburg State) 1-for-5 with an RBI and Kevin Phillips (Southeastern Oklahoma State) 1-for-4 with an RBI.

In the nightcap, RBI’s by Boyd and David Chester (Pittsburgh) in the fifth inning gave the Grizzlies the 3-2 advantage they would keep for the sweep.

Seth Grant (Appalachian State) earned his 13th save.

Josh Davis (Frostburg State), making his season debut, pitched a two-hitter over 5.2 innings for the win.

Gastonia (17-6, 34-17), ranked No. 17 in the country by PG CrossChecker, clinched a spot in the CPL playoffs and are winners of nine straight games.  

The Grizzlies are off on Wednesday and face Asheboro on Thursday at 7:05 p.m.

MARTINSVILLE, Va. – Gastonia won for the seventh consecutive time Monday night with a 5-4 extra-innings victory over Martinsville at Hooker Field.

Gastonia (15-6, 32-17), ranked No. 17 in the country by PG CrossChecker, scored the go-ahead run and eventual game-winner in the top of the tenth inning when Cass Via (Ouachita Baptist) crossed home on a fielders’ choice and RBI by Dallas Burke (Iowa).

Closer Seth Grant (Appalachian State) pitched the bottom half of the inning for his 12th save.

Reliever Robert Van Cour (Barton County C.C.) picked up the victory (2-0) from the bullpen.

Kevin Phillips (Southeastern Oklahoma) went 2-for-3 with an RBI. Thomas Brittle (College of Charleston) was 1-for-5, David Chester (Pittsburgh) 1-for-3, Byron McKoy (Temple) 1-for-5 with an RBI and Zach Luevanos (Seminole State) 1-for-3.        

The Grizzlies return home Tuesday for a doubleheader with Forest City beginning at 6:05 p.m.

GASTONIA, N.C. – For the first time in the five-year history of the PG CrossChecker summer baseball rankings, the Gastonia Grizzlies are ranked in the top 25.  The Grizzlies are ranked 17th and are one of only three CPL teams to be ranked out of more than 310 collegiate summer league teams.  The Grizzlies (31-7) have the best record in the entire Coastal Plain League. 

The Grizzlies have won six straight games to jump into first place in the Western Division.  With eight games to play, the Grizzlies are guaranteed a playoff spot. 

The team has been led at the plate by David Chester from Pittsburgh (.292-4-23) and Seth Boyd from Wagner (.327-1-19, 12 SB).  On the mound, All-Star pitcher, Robert Jeroszko from College of Charleston has been named Rawlings CPL Player of the Week twice.

Fellow All-Star, Jordan Underwood (Southeast Missouri), is 4-2 with a team-low ERA of 2.02 while Kendall Lewis (Eastern Michigan) is undefeated at 5-0.

The Grizzlies have four home games remaining including a double header Tuesday against the Forest City Owls. 

Playoffs begin Wednesday August 4th.

GASTONIA, N.C. –Dallas Burke’s (Iowa) two-RBI single in the ninth inning gave Gastonia a 6-5 come-from-behind win over Asheboro Sunday night at Sims Legion Park.

Trailing 5-1, the Grizzlies (14-6, 31-17) scored one run in the seventh on Byron McKoy’s home run, added two in the eighth before Cass Via (Ouachita Baptist) tied the game at 5 and Kevin Phillips (Southeastern Oklahoma State) came home for the game-winner on Burke’s key hit.

Burke finished 2-for-5. Seth Boyd (Wagner) was 1-for-4 with an RBI, Via 2-for-4, McKoy (Temple) 1-for-3, Matthew Greene (Frostburg State) 2-for-4 with an RBI and Justin Dunning (Quincy) 1-for-3.

Tyler Lehman (Francis Marion) earned the victory (2-2) in relief with a perfect ninth.

Gastonia travels to Martinsville Monday and returns home Tuesday for a doubleheader with Forest City beginning at 7:05 p.m.   

GASTONIA, N.C. – Gastonia held off Thomasville 6-4 Saturday night at Sims Legion Park.

The Grizzlies (13-6, 30-17) led 6-0 before the Hi-Toms rallied to make the game close at the end.

Jordan Underwood (Southeastern Missouri State) earned his fourth decision of the season with six-plus innings on the mound. The left-handed pitcher scattered nine hits and did not allow an earned run with three strikeouts and four walks.

Seth Grant (Appalachian State) notched his 11th save of the year.

Zach Luevanos (Seminole State) went 1-for-3 with three RBI. Seth Boyd (Wagner) was 2-for-3 with an RBI, Dallas Burke 2-for-4 with an RBI, Austin Potter (Skagit Valley C.C.) 2-for-4, Byron McKoy 1-for-3 and Cass Via 1-for-5.

Gastonia welcomes Asheboro to Sims Legion Park Sunday at 7:05 p.m.  

MARTINSVILLE, Va. – Gastonia blanked Martinsville 2-0 Friday night at Hooker Field.

With the victory, the Grizzlies set the franchise record for wins in season.

Starting pitcher Kevin Kirksey (Union) tossed a five-hitter over seven innings for the victory (4-2). The Gastonia native scattered five hits and struck out eight batters. Reliever Robert Van Cour (Barton County C.C.) earned his second save of the season.

Austin Potter (Skagit Valley C.C.) went 2-for-4 with an RBI. Byron McKoy (Temple) was 1-for-3 with an RBI, Cass Via 2-for-4, Dallas Burke 1-for-3 and Matthew Greene (Frostburg State) 1-for-4.     

Gastonia (12-7, 29-7) returns home Saturday to face Thomasville at 7:05 p.m.

GASTONIA, N.C. – Gastonia tied the franchise record for wins with a 6-3 victory over Thomasville Thursday night at Sims Legion Park.

The Grizzlies (11-6, 28-17) scored six unanswered runs, including a three-run homer by David Chester (Pittsburgh), to dispatch the Hi-Toms and remain in first place of the CPL West.

Chester finished 1-for-4 with four RBI. Dallas Burke (Iowa) was 1-for-3 with an RBI, Thomas Brittle (College of Charleston) 1-for-3, Matt Greene (Frostburg State) 2-for-3, Zach Luevanos (Seminole State) 1-for-3 and Byron McKoy (Temple) 1-for-4. Seth Boyd (Wagner) also had an RBI.

Kendall Lewis (Southeastern Oklahoma State) earned his fifth decision versus no losses by scattering six hits and allowing three runs.

Seth Grant (Appalachian State) picked up his tenth save.

Brendan Hall (Northern Colorado) and Robert Van Cour (Barton County C.C.)  didn’t allow a hit or run in relief.

Gastonia travels to Martinsville Friday before returning home Saturday against Thomasville. 

GASTONIA, N.C. – Gastonia swept a doubleheader with Martinsville 3-2 and 6-4 Wednesday night at Sims Legion Park.

With the pair of wins over the Mustangs, the Grizzlies (10-6, 27-17) take over sole possession of first place in the CPL West Division.

Austin Potter (Skagit Valley C.C.) went 3-for-6 with five RBI, including a homerun and the game-winning hit in Game 1 of the twin bill.

Tim Combs (Eastern Michigan) earned the victory (1-0) from the bullpen in Game 1. Seth Grant (Appalachian State) recorded his ninth save.

In Game 2, Brandon Padgett (Lenoir Rhyne) notched a complete-game victory to improve to 3-0.

Byron McKoy (Temple) went 2-for-4 with an RBI in the nightcap.

Gastonia welcomes Thomasville to Sims Legion Park Thursday at 7:05 p.m.

FOREST CITY , N.C. - David Chester says his swing usually gets worse after competing in a home run derby.

But one night after winning the Coastal Plain League’s longball contest, the Gastonia Grizzlies first baseman felt just fine at the plate and roughed up one of the league’s top pitchers to earn honors in the All-Star Game.

Chester blasted a two-run homer and later added an RBI single, lifting the National All-Stars to a 5-4 victory over the American All-Stars Tuesday at McNair Field.

A Pittsburgh rising senior, Chester finished 2-for-3 with three RBIs and was voted Rawlings offensive player of the game. He became the first player to win the home run derby and win an All-Star Game award in the 12-year history of the all-star festivities.

Chester wasted no time making his mark, sending a first-inning two-run shot over the 25-foot wall in left field known by locals as the Jolly Green Giant. And it came against Martinsville’s Jonathan Cornelius, a right-hander who entered with a 0.47 ERA and had surrendered only three earned runs in 57 innings.

“He’s the best pitcher in the league, and I got fortunate to get a pitch I could drive and I did,” Chester said.

Cornelius usually has Chester’s number, striking him out in three of four at-bats this season.

But this night belonged to Chester, the burly 6-foot-5, 250-pounder who gave the National All-Stars the last run they needed with his run-scoring single in the fourth.

A night earlier on the same field, Chester slugged 11 home runs (10 with a wooden bat, one with aluminum) to run away with the home run derby. Chester earned 31 points, easily eclipsing the 18 points scored by Edenton’s Brian Billigen.

“I’ve been very fortunate,” Chester said. “(Monday) I was seeing the ball really well. Cliff (Allred), our assistant coach, was just throwing perfect, just right where I wanted it. He did the work and I just swung.”

And to think Chester had to sit out Saturday’s game after taking a 92-mph fastball to the elbow a night earlier. Safe to say he’s all better now.

“I just wanted to go up there and have fun and have quality at-bats,” Chester said. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime deal. If I do well, I do well. If not, I don’t. It’s not life or death.”

Thirty-one scouts attended scout day earlier in the afternoon, and most if not all stayed for the game. Chester hopes his draft stock rose dramatically heading into his final collegiate season.

Mac Doyle (Wofford/Florence Red Wolves) also homered for the National All-Stars, scoring two runs in the third for a 4-3 lead.

Mark Montgomery (Longwood/Edenton) was named Rawlings defensive player of the game after striking out two, and giving up no walks, hits or runs and pitching the ninth inning for the save.

Other Gastonia Grizzlies in the All-Star Game:

* Right-handed pitcher Robert Jeroszko took the mound in the fifth inning for the National All-Stars, surrendering one hit, one walk and no runs while striking out one.

* Second baseman Seth Boyd went 0-for-1 and assisted two putouts.

* Left-handed pitcher Jordan Underwood went 2/3 of an inning, striking out two while walking one and giving up one hit.

Courtesy of the Gaston Gazette

FOREST CITY , N.C. - It started off slow, but heated up quickly; and in the end Gastonia’s David Chester (Pittsburgh / photo courtesy of Pat and Brandon Grecinger) hit 11 home runs to be named the Rawlings All-Star Home Run Derby Champion for 2010.

Chester was able to fight off a solid effort by Edenton’s Brian Billigen (Cornell), who finished with six long balls, all with wood, for 18 points. Ten of Chester’s 11 homers were hit with wood - each worth three points - while one was added for good measure in the first round with an aluminum bat for one point.

In the second round, Billigen and Florence’s Ronnie Freeman (Kennesaw State) tied, which forced a swing-off. Each was given five outs, and Billigen advanced after connecting on three bombs to Freeman’s zero.

Click Here for a complete run down of the 2010 CPL All-Star Home Run Derby.

Courtesy of the Coastal Plain League

GASTONIA, N.C. - The Gastonia Grizzlies announced today that they will host James Worthy Night on Wednesday June 21st.   The Gastonia native and NBA Hall of Famer will be making his first ever appearance at Sims Legion Park as the Grizzlies take on the Martinsville Mustangs.

The Grizzlies will host a meet and greet with Worthy from 6:30-7:00 pm with pictures and autographs.  At 7:05, Worthy will greet the crowd and throw out the first pitch.  The James Worthy Foundation is sponsoring the night and will be donating signed memorabilia and a free lunch with James Worthy for one lucky fan.

“We couldn’t be more excited about teaming up with the James Worthy Foundation to host a James Worthy Night,” said General Manager Jesse Cole.  “He is a hero to many in this area and we can’t wait to give fans an opportunity to meet the Hall of Famer at one of our games.”

Executive director of the James Worthy, John Maddux echoed the same excitement about the night.  “We at the James Worthy Foundation strongly believe that organizations like the Gastonia Grizzlies contribute to the quality of life that allows for citizens of all ages in their communities to acquire individual memories to lean on, family members to reminisce about and community memories to boast about.”

Worthy starred at Ashbrook High School in Gastonia before attending the University of North Carolina.  As a junior he led UNC to a National Championship on a team that featured future NBA stars Sam Perkins and Michael Jordan.  Following his junior year, Worthy was selected number one overall in the NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers.  “Big Game James” went on to have a stellar career for the Lakers being named an All-Star seven times and an NBA champion three times.  After retiring in 1994 Worthy was named one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history.

GASTONIA, N.C. – Morehead City’s homeruns powered the Marlins past Gastonia 8-3 Saturday night at Sims Legion Park.

Zach Borenstein’s two-run homer in the fourth inning and Preston Shuey’s solo shot in the fifth helped Morehead City end the Grizzlies’ two-game winning streak.

Robert Jeroszko (4-2) took the loss with six innings of starting pitcher in which he surrendered three runs on five hits with seven strikeouts and two walks.

Zach Luevanos and Matthew Greene led Gastonia’s 11-hit attack. The two players went 1-for-3 with one RBI each.  Dallas Burke and Austin Potter both were 2-for-4 at the plate. Thomas Brittle, Cass Via, Seth Boyd, Byron McKoy and Kevin Phillips all reached base safely.

The Grizzlies (8-6, 25-17) are back in action tonight at 7:05 against Martinsville at Sims Legion Park. The Coastal Plain League breaks for the All-Star game on Monday and Tuesday. 

THOMASVILLE, N.C. – Gastonia scored two runs in extra innings to break open a tie game and edged the Hi-Toms 3-2 Friday night at Finch Field.

Justin Dunning (Quincy) scored on a passed ball in the top of the 11th inning to give the Grizzlies a 2-1 lead and Dallas Burke’s (Iowa) RBI-single plated Thomas Brittle (College of Charleston) for the game-winning run.

Gastonia (8-5, 25-16) and Martinsville (8-5, 19-22) are now tied for first place in the Western Division of the CPL by percentage points over Forest City (9-7, 28-16) after last night’s results. 

Reliever Nicholas Holtgrieve (Ouachita Baptist) earned the victory (1-1) from the bullpen and Seth Grant (Appalachian State) earned his eighth save.

Starting pitcher Jordan Underwood (Southeast Missouri State) was outstanding in the no-decision, working seven innings and allowing just one run on five hits with no walks and 11 strikeouts.

David Chester (Pittsburgh) went 2-for-4 with an RBI. Dunning was 1-for-3, Jhiomar Veras (Western Oklahoma State) 1-for-3, Seth Boyd (Wagner) 2-for-5, Burke 1-for-5 and Brittle 1-for-5.     

The Grizzlies (8-5, 25-16) will be back at Sims Legion Park Saturday against Morehead City and Sunday versus Martinsville. Game time is 7:05 p.m. both nights.

ASHEBORO, N.C. – Gastonia shut out Asheboro 5-0 Thursday night at McCrary Park.

Kendall Lewis (4-0) stayed perfect on the mound this season with six scoreless innings of starting pitching.  The right-hander from Eastern Michigan scattered five hits and struck out three batters.

Jhiomar Veras (Western Oklahoma State) went 1-for-4 with three RBI. Seth Boyd (Wagner) was 2-for-3, Zach Luevanos (Seminole State) 1-for-3 and Kevin Phillips (Southeastern Oklahoma) 1-for-5.  

Tim Combs (Eastern Michigan), Robert Van Cour (Barton County C.C.) and Seth Grant (Appalachian State) worked three innings from the bullpen and only allowed one hit, collectively.

The Grizzlies (7-5, 24-16) visit Thomasville Friday and will be back at Sims Legion Park Saturday against Morehead City and Sunday versus Martinsville. Game time is 7:05 p.m. both nights.

FOREST CITY, N.C. – Gastonia fell to Forest City 10-1 Wednesday night at McNair Field.

Seth Boyd (Wagner) and Jhiomar Veras (Western Oklahoma State) both went 1-for-3. Cass Via (Ouachita Baptist) was 1-for-4. Austin Potter (Skagit Valley C.C.) had an RBI.

The Grizzlies (6-5, 23-16) travel to Asheboro Thursday, Thomasville Friday before returning home Saturday versus Morehead City and Sunday against Martinsville.

The Coastal Plain League All-Star Game will be played July 20 at Forest City. Boyd, David Chester (Pittsburgh), Jordan Underwood (Southeast Missouri State) and Robert Jeroszko (College of Charleston) were selected to participate in the 12th annual event.

There will be no CPL games on July 19. 

Holly Springs, N.C. – The Coastal Plain League announced today the roster for the 2010 National CPL All-Star Team. The Coastal Plain League’s 12th annual All-Star Game will be played at McNair Field in Forest City, N.C. on Tuesday, July 20th.

The National Team features players from 13 of the 15 CPL clubs with the players being selected by head coaches and media representatives from all clubs. The National roster is comprised of 27 players, highlighted by six Player of the Week selections: third basemen Chas Crane (Week 4) and pitchers Brad McAllister (Week 1), Mark Montgomery (Week 2), Coty Saranthus (Week 3), Ben Grisz (Week 4), and Robert Jeroszko (Weeks 5 & 6). 

Furthermore, Outer Banks’ Jake Williams was also selected as an All-Star for the National team, but will not be able to attend due to injury and has been replaced on the roster.

The Forest City Owls, in conjunction with the Coastal Plain League, will host the All-Star Game and festivities beginning on Monday, July 19th and running through Tuesday, July 20th. Game time is set for 7:05 p.m. on July 20th.

Below is the complete roster for the National CPL All-Star Team (starters are shown with an asterisk (*)).

Click Here for full roster.

Holly Springs, N.C. – The Coastal Plain League announced today the roster for the 2010 American CPL All-Star Team. The Coastal Plain League’s 12th annual All-Star Game will be played at McNair Field in Forest City, N.C. on Tuesday, July 20th.

The American Team features players from all 15 CPL clubs with the players being selected by head coaches and media representatives from all clubs. The American roster is comprised of 27 players, highlighted by two Player of the Week selections: second basemen Justyn Carter (Week 1) and starting pitcher Jonathan Cornelius (Week 1). 

Furthermore, Martinsville’s Taylor Oldham was also selected as an All-Star for the American team, but will not be able to attend due to injury and has been replaced on the roster.

The Forest City Owls, in conjunction with the Coastal Plain League, will host the All-Star Game and festivities beginning on Monday, July 19th and running through Tuesday, July 20th. Game time is set for 7:05 p.m. on July 20th.

Below is the complete roster for the American CPL All-Star Team (starters are shown with an asterisk (*)).

Click Here to view full roster.

Holly Springs, N.C. – The Coastal Plain League announced Monday that Alex Yarbrough of Thomasville was named the Rawlings Hitter of the Week, while Gastonia’s Robert Jeroszko was named Rawlings Pitcher of the Week for week six of action (July 5-11)

Yarbrough, a freshman at Mississippi, started in all seven games for the Hi-Toms.  In those games, he batted .464 with 13 hits, four RBIs and four runs scored.  Of his 13 hits, seven went for extra bases, including four doubles, two triples and one home run.  He tallied a league-high 24 total bases, while also maintaining a .857 slugging percentage and .464 on-base percentage. 

On the mound, Jeroszko a junior from College of Charleston, was masterful in his only the start of the week.  The 6-3, 200-pound right-hander threw seven scoreless innings and earned the victory against Thomasville on July 11 while posting a perfect 0.00 ERA.  In his seven innings of work, he scattered six hits, struck out eight and did not allow a walk before allowing his bullpen to finish the game for a combined shutout.

THOMASVILLE, N.C. – Gastonia shut out Thomasville 7-0 Sunday night at Finch Field and won for the second straight game.

Robert Jeroszko (4-1) threw seven innings of scoreless pitching and scattered six hits with eight strikeouts for the victory. Tim Combs and Nicholas Holtgrieve worked two innings of relief and allowed no runs on one hit. 

Seth Boyd went 3-for-5 with three RBI to lead the 12-hit battery. Thomas Brittle was 1-for-4, Matthew Greene 1-for-5, Austin Potter 2-for-5 with one RBI, Dallas Burke 1-for-3 with one RBI, Zach Luevanos 2-for-3 and Kevin Kirksey 2-for-4. Justin Dunning had two RBI.

The Grizzlies (6-4, 23-15) return home Monday to play Team USA at 7:05 p.m.

FOREST CITY, N.C. – Gastonia held off Forest City 8-7 Saturday night at McNair Field.

Jeremey Stack (2-2) pitched six innings, allowed two runs on seven hits and earned the victory on the mound.

Seth Grant picked up his seventh save.

Seth Boyd (3-for-5, 2 RBI) and Dallas Burke (2-for-5, 2 RBI) led the Grizzlies’ 10-hit attack. Thomas Brittle went 2-for-4, Cass Via 2-for-3 and Jhiomar Veras 1-for-4 with an RBI. Byron McKoy had an RBI.  

 Gastonia (5-4, 22-15) travels to Thomasville Sunday and returns to Sims Legion Park Monday for an exhibition game with Team USA at 7:05 p.m.  

GASTONIA, N.C. – Forest City spoiled Gastonia’s Midnight Madness game 11-3 Saturday morning at Sims Legion Park.

Cass Via went 1-for-4 with an RBI, Thomas Brittle 1-for-3, Seth Boyd 2-for-4 and Dallas Burke 1-for-2.  Matthew Greene had an RBI.

The Grizzlies (4-4, 21-15) travel to Forest City tonight and to Thomasville Sunday before returning home Monday to face Team USA at 7:05 p.m.    

GASTONIA, N.C. – The Grizzlies shut out Martinsville 4-0 Wednesday afternoon at Sims Legion Park.

Right-hander Sam Pepper (2-3) earned the victory on the mound by scattering four hits over seven innings of scoreless pitching with three strikeouts. Nicholas Holtgrieve and Tim Combs worked two scoreless innings from the bullpen.

Cass Via was 2-for-4 with an RBI, Dallas Burke 1-for-4 with an RBI, Seth Boyd 2-for-4, Thomas Brittle 1-for-3 and David Chester 1-for-3.

The Grizzlies (4-3, 21-14) entertain Kernersville in an exhibition game Thursday at 7:05 p.m. 

FOREST CITY, N.C. – Gastonia scored five runs in the fifth inning to break open a tie game and went on to beat Forest City 6-2 Tuesday night at McNair Field.

Starting pitcher Kendall Lewis (Eastern Michigan) worked six innings for the victory (3-0) on the mound and only allowed a run on five hits with seven strikeouts and three walks.  Brendan Hall (Northern Colorado), Robert Van Cour (Barton Co. C.C.) and Seth Grant (Appalachian State) entered the game from the bullpen and combined on three innings of one-hit, one-run relief.

David Chester (Pittsburgh) went 1-for-4 with two RBI, Seth Boyd (Wagner) 1-for-5 with two RBI, Jhiomar Veras (Western Oklahoma) 1-for-4 with an RBI and Kevin Phillips (Southeastern Oklahoma) with an RBI. Thomas Brittle (College of Charleston) had two hits, Cass Via (Ouachita Baptist) one hit and Justin Dunning (Quincy) one hit.

The Grizzlies (3-3, 20-14) return home to Sims Legion Park for a noon start Wednesday against Martinsville.   

GASTONIA, N.C. - The Gastonia Grizzlies have set the pregame schedule for the first annual Midnight Madness game on July 9th against the Forest City Owls. 

The first midnight game in the history of the Coastal Plain League will feature a variety of festivities beginning at 8:00PM when the gates open.  From 8:00-9:00 fans will have the opportunity to get autographs from the Grizzlies as well as play catch on the field with the team.  Beginning at 9:00 Grizzlies players will be in the dunk tank.

At 10:00 the first ever Home Run Derby between the Grizzlies and Forest City Owls will take place.  Each team will have four representatives competing for the title.

The sponsor of the night, The Holiday Inn Express will have bed races on the field at 11:00PM and the winners will receive free hotel packages.  The popular Holiday Inn Express Cinnabons will be thrown into the crowd by the players before the game.

In the Beer Garden, the Thom Crumpton Band will be playing live from 9:00PM-midnight.   In the garden there will also be cornhole games and a beer pong Tournament.  At midnight all beer becomes $1.

The Grizzlies are offering ticket discounts for any fans wearing pajamas.  The world famous Krispy Kreme Donut Dog will be on special all night!

First pitch is at midnight and fans that stay throughout the game have the opportunity to win prizes throughout the night. 

Local filter company, Wix has shut down there plants for Friday night and Saturday to provide tickets for all employees for the game.

HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. – The Coastal Plain League announced Monday that Joe Sclafani of Morehead City was named the Rawlings Hitter of the Week, while Asheboro’s Joseph Hughes and Gastonia’s Robert Jeroszko were named the Rawlings Co-Pitchers of the Week for week five of action (June 28-July 4).

Sclafani, a sophomore at Dartmouth, batted .455 with 10 hits, four RBIs and six runs scored for the Marlins. He connected on two home runs and tallied a league-best 16 total bases, while also featuring a .727 slugging percentage and .500 on-base percentage. Furthermore, Sclafani was walked twice and stole a base on the week.

On the mound, Hughes, a sophomore from East Carolina, was dominant in his two appearances. The 6-3, 230-pound right-hander pitched a complete game shutout of Forest City on July 1, helping his Copperheads to a 5-0 win. On the week as a whole, Hughes scattered four hits in 10 innings of work, walked three and struck out 13 to earn a 1-0 record and perfect 0.00 ERA. Opposing batters hit just .121 against him.

Meanwhile, Jeroszko threw a complete game of his own for the Grizzlies. The junior from College of Charleston shut down Thomasville on July 3 to earn the win and finish with a perfect 0.00 ERA. In nine innings pitched, the 6-3, 200-pound right-hander gave up just two hits, walked two and struck out 11; while also holding the HiToms batters to a .069 average.

GASTONIA, N.C. – Robert Jeroszko (College of Charleston) pitched a complete-game, two-hitter as the Grizzlies snapped a two-game losing streak and shut out Thomasville 2-0 Saturday night at Sims Legion Park.  

Jeroszko (3-1) struck out 11 and retired the last 19 batters he faced in order.

Seth Boyd (Wagner) went 2-for-3 with an RBI. Justin Dunning (Quincy) had an RBI on a sacrifice bunt. Jhimor Veras (Western Oklahoma State) was 1-for-1 and Thomas Brittle (College of Charleston) 1-for-4.

The Grizzlies (2-3, 19-14) are off Sunday and Monday before traveling to Forest City Tuesday. Gastonia meets Martinsville Wednesday with a special starting time of 12 p.m.

EDENTON, N.C. – Gastonia was shut out 10-0 by Edenton Friday night.

Austin Potter (Skagit Valley C.C.) and Justin Dunning (Quincy) both went 1-for-3. 

Cass Via (Ouachita Baptist), Kevin Phillips (Southeastern Oklahoma) and Jhiomar Veras (Western Oklahoma State) were all 1-for-4.

The Grizzlies (1-3, 18-14) return home after a two-game road trip to face Thomasville Saturday at 7:05 p.m.  

HAMPTON, Va. – Gastonia was blanked 3-0 by Peninsula Thursday night.

Dallas Burke (Iowa) went 2-for-3. Austin Potter (Skagit Valley C.C.) was 1-for-2 and Kevin Phillips (Southeastern Oklahoma) 1-for-3.

Relievers Nick Holtgrieve (Ouachita Baptist) and Tyler Lehman (Francis Marion)  pitched three scoreless innings from the bullpen and combined to strike out three batters, walk two, with two hits allowed.  

The Grizzlies (1-2, 18-13) travel to Edenton Friday and return home Saturday against Thomasville at 7:05 p.m. at Sims Legion Park.  

GASTONIA, N. C. – David Chester’s (Pittsburgh) RBI single in the ninth inning gave Gastonia a 6-5 come-from-behind victory over Asheboro Wednesday night at Sims Legion Park.

Zeke Blanton (Gardner Webb) went 4-for-5 in the Grizzlies’ 13-hit attack. Kevin Phillips (Southeastern Oklahoma State) was 1-for-4 with two RBI, Thomas Brittle (College of Charleston) 1-for-4, Seth Boyd (Wagner) 2-for-5 with an RBI, Chester 3-for-5 with an RBI, Dallas Burke (Iowa) 1-for-3 with an RBI and Byron McKoy (Temple) 1-for-4.

Reliever Seth Grant (Appalachian State) earned the victory (1-1).

Gastonia (1-1, 18-12) travels to Peninsula Thursday, Edenton Friday before returning home Saturday against Thomasville at 7:05 p.m.

ASHEBORO, N.C. – Gastonia lost to the Asheboro Copperheads 5-2 Tuesday night at McCrary Field.

Kevin Phillips (Southeastern Oklahoma) went 1-for-3 with an RBI.  Byron McKoy (Temple) was 1-for-3, Thomas Brittle (College of Charleston) and David Chester (Pittsburgh) 1-for-4.   Zeke Blanton (Gardner Webb) had an RBI.

Austin Potter (Skagit Valley C.C.) and Tim Combs (Eastern Michigan) pitched three innings of relief and combined to allow only one run on one hit.

The Grizzlies (0-1, 17-12) return home Wednesday to face Asheboro at 7:05 p.m.

FOREST CITY, N.C. – Gastonia defeated Forest City 5-2 Monday night at McNair Field.

Starter Kendall Lewis (2-0) pitched five innings for the victory. He allowed two runs on five hits with five strikeouts and two walks. Tyler Lehman, Robert Van Cour and Seth Grant (6), who earned a save, combined on four innings of scoreless relief with eight strikeouts.

David Chester went 2-for-4 with two RBI. Zeke Blanton was 2-for-4 and Thomas Brittle 1-for-4 with an RBI. Seth Boyd and Kevin Phillips also collected hits.

The Coastal Plain League ended the first half of the regular season with games played on Monday. The second half of the CPL season begins Tuesday.  

The Grizzlies (17-11) travel to Asheboro Tuesday before returning home Wednesday against the Copperheads at Sims Legion Park.

GASTONIA, N.C. – Gastonia dropped 9-6 game to Thomasville Saturday night at Sims Legion Park.

The Grizzlies (16-11) led 4-0 after two innings before the Hi-Toms rallied for five run and the advantage in the fourth. Gastonia tied the game at 5, but Thomasville added four more runs in the seventh and eighth innings.

David Chester (Pittsburgh) was 2-for-3 with three RBI. Thomas Brittle (College of Charleston) and Cass Via (Ouachita Baptist) both went 2-for-5.

Gastonia is off on Sunday. The Grizzlies travel to Forest City Monday and Asheboro Tuesday. Asheboro visits Sims Legion Park Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. 

FOREST CITY, N.C. – Gastonia ended a three-game road trip with a 9-2 loss at Forest City Friday night and return home today at 7:05 p.m. against Thomasville.

Justin Dunning (Quincy) was 1-for-4 with two RBI at McNair Field. David Chester (Pittsburgh) went 2-for-4. Seth Boyd (Wagner) and Austin Potter (Skagit Valely C.C.) both were 1-for-4 at the plate.

The Grizzlies (16-10) are two games out of a first place tie with the Owls in the West Division. After meeting the Hi-Toms tonight and an off day on Sunday, Gastonia travels to Forest City on Monday, which is the last day of the first half of the CPL season. First half division winners clinch a playoff spot. Forest City (18-8) faces Asheboro this evening.

WILSON, N.C. – Gastonia held off Wilson 4-3 Thursday night at Fleming Stadium.

The Grizzlies (16-9) jumped out to a 4-0 advantage after three innings and bounced back from a road loss at Outer Banks a night earlier.

Starting pitcher Jordan Underwood (Southeast Missouri State) improved to 3-0 on the season by working seven innings in which he gave up one run on four hits with three strikeouts and two walks. Seth Grant (Appalachian State) picked up his third save.

Dallas Burke (Iowa) went 1-for-4 with two RBI. Zach Luevanos (Seminole State) was 1-for-4 with an RBI and David Chester 2-for-3. Cass Via (Ouachita Baptist), Seth Boyd (Wagner) and Sam Pepper (Francis Marion) all collected hits.

Gastonia, one game out of a first-place tie with Forest City, visits the Owls at McNair Field Friday.

KILL DEVIL HILLS , N.C. – Gastonia fell to Outer Banks 4-1 Wednesday night in Kill Devils Hills.

The Grizzlies (15-9) managed only two hits and committed three errors.

Seth Boyd (Wagner) went 1-for-4 and David Chester (Pittsburgh) was 1-for-3. 

Relievers Tim Combs (Eastern Michigan) and Tyler Lehman (Francis Marion) pitched three innings from the bullpen and, collectively, didn’t allow a run on three hits.

Gastonia travels to Wilson Thursday before heading to Forest City Friday. The Grizzlies return home Saturday versus Thomasville at 7:05 p.m. 

GASTONIA, N.C. – Seth Boyd’s (Wagner) RBI single in the ninth inning gave Gastonia a 6-5 come-from-behind victory over Thomasville Tuesday night at Sims Legion Park.

The Grizzlies (15-8) trailed the Hi-Toms 3-0 after 3.5 innings, but rallied for six runs over the final six innings, including two in the eighth and the game-winner in the ninth.

Reliever Kevin Kirksey (Union) earned the victory, his third of the year, from the bullpen by pitching four innings and allowing only one run on four hits with three strikeouts and two walks.

Boyd finished 1-for-3 with two RBI. Zach Luevanos (Seminole State) went 1-for-4 with two RBI. Thomas Brittle (College of Charleston) was 2-for-3, Zeke Blanton 2-for-5, Dallas Burke 1-for-4 and Austin Potter (Skagit Valley C.C.) 1-for-4.

Gastonia hits the road for Outer Banks Wednesday, Wilson Thursday and Forest City on Friday. The Grizzlies return home Saturday to host Thomasville.

GASTONIA, N.C. – The Grizzlies split a twin bill with Asheboro Monday night, taking Game 1 5-1 before dropping Game 2 4-3.

In the opening contest of the doubleheader, starting pitcher Kendall Lewis (Eastern Michigan), who was making his season debut, allowed only one hit in six innings of work for the victory.

David Chester (Pittsburgh) homered for the second time this season and finished 3-for-3. Dallas Burke (Iowa) was 2-for-3.  Austin potter (Skagit Valley C.C.)  had a pair of hits and an RBI. Zeke Blanton (Gardner Webb), Cass Via (Ouachita Baptist) and Nathan Hille (Tarleton State) all had hits and one RBI a piece.

In the nightcap, Asheboro snapped Gastonia’s six-game winning streak.

Zach Luevanos (Seminole State) went 2-for-3 with three RBI. Thomas Brittle (College of Charleston), Seth Boyd (Wagner), Chester, Burke and Via all reached base safely.

Gastonia (14-8) is back at home Tuesday against Thomasville. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

2010 CPL Rawlings Players of the Week for Week Three

HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. – The Coastal Plain League announced Monday that Edenton’s Greg Herbst was named the Rawlings Hitter of the Week, while Jeremy Stack of Gastonia and Coty Saranthus of Edenton were named the Rawlings Co-Pitchers of the Week for week three of action (June 14-20).

Herbst, a junior at St. Mary’s (TX), started five games on the week for the Steamers and finished with an impressive .550 average. Of his 11 hits, six of them were doubles, and he racked up six runs scored and six RBIs on the week. Furthermore, Herbst tallied 17 total bases to go with a league-best .850 slugging percentage and .571 on-base percentage.

On the mound, Stack, a sophomore from Union, came through for the Grizzlies in his only appearance on the week. The 6-4, 250-pound right-hander pitched a complete game shutout of Thomasville on June 17, earning a perfect 0.00 ERA and 1-0 record. In nine innings of work, Stack scattered four hits, walked two and struck out one; all while opposing batters hit .143 against him.

Over in Edenton, Saranthus, a junior from Delta State, made four appearances in relief for the Steamers. Pitching 7 2/3 innings, the 6-0, 170-pound righty surrendered just one hit, while striking out 13. Numbers like those helped Saranthus earn a 2-0 record and keep a perfect 0.00 ERA on the week. Furthermore, opposing batters hit just .043 against him.

ASHEBORO, N.C. 6/20/10 – Gastonia swept a weekend road trip with a 2-1 decision over the Copperheads Sunday night, won for the fifth straight time, the ninth victory in ten games, and return home tonight with a doubleheader against Asheboro at 6:05.

Thomas Brittle’s two-run homer in the fifth inning at Asheboro last night lifted the Grizzlies (13-7) past the Copperheads. Cass Via went 2-for-2 and Zach Luevanos was 2-for-4. Zeke Blanton, Seth Boyd and Dallas Burke all had hits.

Brandon Padgett (2-0) pitched six innings for the victory, gave up one run off four hits and had three strikeouts. Robert Van Cour earned a save.

Saturday at Martinsville, Gastonia edged the Mustangs 3-2.

Starting pitcher Robert Jeroszko (2-0) and reliever Seth Grant (4) combined on a win and a save.

Luevanos collected two RBI on a hit. Boyd was 2-for-4.

Friday, the Grizzlies nipped Thomasville 2-1.

THOMASVILLE, N.C. 6/18/10 –  Justin Dunning’s game-winning, sacrifice RBI in the seventh inning gave Gastonia its seventh win in eight games after a 2-1 victory at Thomasville Friday night.

The Grizzlies (11-7) trailed Thomasville 1-0 until Zack Luevanos’ RBI tied the game at one. Dunning grounded out, but Austin Potter scored the go-ahead run.

Jordan Underwood (2-0) earned the victory on the mound by pitching seven innings and scattering six hits with four strikeouts and a walk. Seth Grant picked up a save (3) with a scoreless ninth inning. Robert Van Cour worked a scoreless eighth.

Seth Boyd went 3-for-4. Dunning was 2-for-3. David Chester had a hit.

Gastonia travels to Martinsville Saturday, Asheboro on Sunday before returning to Sims Legion Park on Monday for a doubleheader against the Copperheads.

MARTINSVILLE, Va. - Gastonia defeated Martinsville 10-7 Wednesday night.

The Grizzlies (9-7) scored six runs in the third inning, three in the sixth and one in the eighth to hold off the Mustangs.

David Chester went 4-for-5 with two RBI. Dallas Burke was 2-for-4 with two RBI. Austin Potter had a base hit and two RBI.

Cass Via collected three hits and an RBI. Seth Boyd, Sam Pepper and Nathan Hille all had hits. Boyd and Pepper recorded RBI’s. Thomas Brittle went 2-for-6. Zeke Blanton was 2-for-3.

Tyler Lehman (1-2) earned the victory on the mound by pitching two innings and giving up one hit and one run. Seth Grant earned a save.

Gastonia welcomes Thomasville to Sims Legion Park Thursday at 7:05 p.m.

GASTONIA, N.C. – Jeremey Stack (Union) tossed a complete-game, four-hit shutout as the Grizzlies blanked Thomasville 1-0 Thursday night at Sims Legion Park.

Stack (1-1), a right-handed pitcher, walked two batters, struck out one and forced the Hi-Toms into 18 groundouts and five fly outs.

His performance marked the first complete-game win for the Gastonia pitching staff.

The Grizzlies (10-7)  managed only four hits in the victory. Thomas Brittle (College of Charleston), David Chester (Pittsburgh), Dallas Burke (Iowa) and Austin Potter (Skagit Valley C.C.) all had hits.

Gastonia’s lone run came in the sixth inning when Brittle took home on a double steal after drawing a walk.

The Grizzlies and Hi-Toms meet again Friday in Thomasville. Gastonia returns home Monday for a doubleheader against Asheboro beginning at 6:05 p.m.    

MARTINSVILLE, Va. - Gastonia defeated Martinsville 10-7 Wednesday night.

The Grizzlies (9-7) scored six runs in the third inning, three in the sixth and one in the eighth to hold off the Mustangs.

David Chester went 4-for-5 with two RBI. Dallas Burke was 2-for-4 with two RBI. Austin Potter had a base hit and two RBI.

Cass Via collected three hits and an RBI. Seth Boyd, Sam Pepper and Nathan Hille all had hits. Boyd and Pepper recorded RBI’s. Thomas Brittle went 2-for-6. Zeke Blanton was 2-for-3.

Tyler Lehman (1-2) earned the victory on the mound by pitching two innings and giving up one hit and one run. Seth Grant earned a save.

Gastonia welcomes Thomasville to Sims Legion Park Thursday at 7:05 p.m.

GASTONIA, N.C. – Gastonia’s bid to win for a fifth straight game came up short as Martinsville held off the Grizzlies 8-7 Tuesday night at Sims Legion Park.

Gastonia (8-7) led 4-0, then trailed 8-4 before falling by a single run to the Mustangs.

The two teams meet again Wednesday in Martinsville.

Zeke Blanton (Gardner Webb) led the Grizzlies by going 4-for-6 at the plate with two RBI. Nathan Hille (Tarleton State) and Cass Via (Ouachita Baptist) both went 2-for-3 with RBI’s. Thomas Brittle (College of Charleston), Dallas Burke (Iowa), Justin Dunning (Quincy) and Kevin Kirksey (Union) all had hits.

Nicholas Holtgrieve (Ouachita Baptist) and Tim Combs (Eastern Michigan) combined to pitch two scoreless and hitless innings of relief.

The Grizzlies return home Thursday at face Thomasville at 7:05 p.m.

THOMASVILLE, N.C. – The Grizzlies overcame a three-run deficit after one inning and rallied to defeat Thomasville 7-5 Sunday night at Finch Field, giving Gastonia its’ fourth consecutive victory.

Trailing 5-2, Gastonia (8-6) scored five runs – one in the third inning, three in the seventh and one in the eighth – in mounting the comeback.

Zach Luevanos (Seminole State) homered, the second night in a row a Grizzly had done so, and Kevin Kirksey (Union) pitched 5.2 shutout innings of relief for the victory on the mound and only allowed one hit.

Zeke Blanton (Gardner Webb) went 3-for-5. David Chester (Pittsburgh) was 2-for-5 with an RBI. Seth Boyd (Wagner), Dallas Burke (Iowa) and Nathan Hille (Tarleton State) all had hits. Boyd, Burke and Sam Pepper (Francis Marion) collected RBI’s.

Gastonia is off Monday and returns to action Tuesday at home against Martinsville. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at Sims Legion Park.

GASTONIA, N.C. – Robert Jeroszko (College of Charleston) recorded his 100th career CPL strikeout and David Chester (Pittsburgh) hit Gastonia’s first home run of 2010 season as the Grizzlies downed Forest City 4-2 Saturday night at Sims Legion Park.

Jeroszko, making his season debut, struck out eight batters, and allowed five hits and one run over seven innings. Chester’s dinger in the seventh was his eighth career CPL home run.

Austin Potter (Skagit Valley C.C.) and Cass Via (Ouachita Baptist) both went 2-for-4.  Seth Boyd was 1-for-3.

Nicholas Holtgrieve (Ouachita Baptist) earned his third save of the season.

The Grizzlies (7-6) travel to Thomasville Sunday before returning home Tuesday against Martinsville at 7:05 p.m.  

ASHEBORO, N.C. – The Grizzlies defeated Asheboro 7-5 Friday night to even their record to .500. Gastonia scored two runs in the first inning and five in the seventh to hold off the Copperhead and go to 6-6 on the season. 

Jordan Underwood earned his first victory of the season by pitching six innings and allowing only one run. Seth Grant picked up a save.

Seth Boyd and Cass Via went 2-for-4.  Zeke Blanton, David Chester, Dallas Burke, Byron McKoy and Sam Pepper all had hits. Via, Austin Potter, Chester, Burke and Justin Dunning collected RBI's.

The Grizzlies are at home Saturday night against Forest City at 7:05 p.m

GASTONIA, N.C. –Gastonia trailed Fayetteville 2-0 in the early innings then reeled off seven straight runs to chase the Swampdogs 7-2 Tuesday at Sims Legion Park.

Seth Boyd (Wagner) went 2-for-5 with an RBI. Zeke Blanton (Gardner Webb) was 1-for-3. David Chester (Pittsburgh) had a hit and an RBI as did Sam Pepper (Francis Marion). Austin Potter (Skagit Valley C.C.) and Justin Dunning both reached base safely.

GASTONIA, N.C. – The Grizzlies were handcuffed by Forest City 3-0 Sunday night at Sims Legion Park.

Gastonia (4-6) was limited to two hits – a double by Seth Boyd (Wagner) in the seventh inning and one by and Zeke Blanton (Gardner Webb) in the ninth inning - off Owls’ starting pitcher Ryan Arrowood.

ASHEBORO, N.C. – Gastonia was edged by Asheboro 2-1 Saturday night at McCrary Park.

Sam Pepper (Francis Marion) pitched brilliantly in the loss, allowing only two runs off five hits with a strikeout and a walk. Brandon Hall (Northern Colorado) worked a scoreless inning of relief.

GASTONIA, N.C. – Gastonia’s rally against Martinsville fell short as the Grizzlies dropped a game to the Mustangs 5-3 Friday night.

Down 5-2 in the ninth inning, Gastonia (4-4) edged closer with an RBI by Matthew Greene (Frostburg State) before leaving two base runners stranded at second and third. 

Seth Boyd (Wagner) led the Grizzlies at the plate with two hits. Dallas Burke (Iowa) doubled and stole a base. Byron McKoy (Temple) singled. Greene had two RBI and a stole base. David Chester (Pittsburgh) made his season debut with pinch-hit, RBI single in the sixth inning.

The Grizzlies’ bullpen of Tyler Lehman (Francis Marion), Tim Combs (Eastern Michigan), Cole Moore (Erskine) and Devin Smith (Union) combined to allow only two hits and no runs over 4.2 innings of relief.     

Gastonia travels to Asheboro Saturday.  

GASTONIA, N.C. –Columbia scored three runs in the ninth and two in the tenth inning in a 7-5 come-from-behind victory over Gastonia Thursday night.

The loss dropped Gastonia to 4-3 on the season.

Left-hander Jordan Underwood (Southeast Missouri State), making his season debut, suffered a no-decision after pitching six innings in which he allowed only one run on four hits.

Byron McKoy (Temple) led Gastonia at the plate by going 3-for-3 with two stolen bases. Dallas Burke (Iowa), Zach Luevanos (Seminole State) and Nathan Hille (Tarleton State) all went 2-for-5. Luevanos had two RBI’s, and Burke and Hille each had one. Cass Via (Ouchita Baptist) and Austin Potter (Skagit Valley C.C.) both singled.

The Grizzlies welcome Martinsville to Sims Legion Park Friday at 7:05 p.m.   

MARTINSVILLE, Va. – Gastonia avenged a home loss to Martinsville a night earlier by beating the Mustangs 7-2 Wednesday in Virginia. 

The Grizzlies (4-2) got off to a fast start, scoring three runs in the first inning and two in the fourth, and adding two more insurance runs in the seventh.

Zeke Blanton (Gardner-Webb) went 3-for-5 with an RBI and Seth Boyd (Wagner) was 2-for-5 with one RBI.  Byron McKoy (Temple) had two hits and an RBI. Justin Dunning (Quincy) had a pair of hits. Cass Via (Ouachita Baptist), Austin Potter (Skagit Valley C.C.), Dallas Burke (Iowa) and Nathan Hille (Tarleton State) all reached base safely. Matthew Green (Frostburg State) had an RBI.

Starter Brandon Padgett (Lenior-Rhyne) earned the victory on the mound, his first of the year, by tossing six innings and allowing five hits and two runs. Relievers Robert Van Cour (Barton County C.C.), Potter and Nicholas Holtgrieve (Ouachita Baptist) combined to pitch three innings of shut out ball. Van Cour struck out three batters. Padgett and Potter fanned two each.  

Gastonia hosts Columbia tonight at 7:05 p.m.

GASTONIA, N.C. – The Grizzlies lost for the first time in four games Tuesday, falling to Martinsville 7-1.

The Mustangs (3-2) hit homeruns in the first and second innings and held a 7-0 lead until Gastonia (3-2) plated one run in the bottom of the ninth. Sam Pepper (Francis Marion) scored on a wild pitch to prevent the Martinsville shut out.

Gastonia relief pitchers Devin Smith (Concord) and Cole Moore (Erskine) worked seven innings and didn’t allow a hit or run to the Mustangs.  The pair combined on eight strikeouts.

Zeke Blanton (Gardner-Webb) was 2-for-4 at the plate. Cass Via (Ouachita Baptist), Seth Boyd (Wagner), Byron McKoy (Temple), Pepper, Austin Potter (Skagit Valley C.C.) and Adam Taylor (North Greenville) all had hits.

The Grizzlies travel to Martinsville Wednesday.

GASTONIA, N.C. – Gastonia won their third straight game Sunday at Thomasville 6-1 with an outburst of runs in extra innings.

With the Grizzlies and Hi-Toms deadlocked 1-1 in the top of the 12th inning, Gastonia scored five times to break open a contest that had been even since the fifth.

Cass Via’s (Ouachita Baptist) two-RBI single to left field plated Nathan Hille (Tarleton State) and Justin Dunning (Quincy) to break the tie and give the Grizzlies a 3-1 lead.  Gastonia added three more runs on Adam Taylor’s sacrifice bunt and two errors by Thomasville.

Four Gastonia pitchers – Jeremy Stack (Union), Cole Moore (Erskine), Robert Van Cour (Barton County C.C.) and Kevin Kirksey (Union) - ccombined to scatter 11 hits to Thomasville (2-3) but only allowed one run with 12 strikeouts and two walks. Kirksey earned with victory with three innings of relief.

Zeke Blanton’s (Gardner-Webb) RBI in the fifth inning put the Grizzlies on top 1-0.

Via went 4-for-5 at the plate. Dunning and Devin Smith (Concord) were 2-for-4.

Gastonia (3-1) hosts Martinsville Tuesday at 7:05 at Sims Legion Park. 

GASTONIA, N.C. – Gastonia shut out Forest City 1-0 Saturday night.

Three Grizzlies pitchers - Sam Pepper (Francis Marion), Robert Van Cour (Barton County C.C.) and Nick Holtgrieve (Ouachita Baptist) - limited the Owls to just three hits.

Pepper earned his first victory of the season by pitching 7.1 innings and allowing only two hits. Van Cour tossed two-thirds of an innings of hitless relief and Holtgrieve picked up his second save of the year.

Justin Dunning (Quincy) had the game-winning RBI in the third inning when he drove home Matt Greene (Frostburg State). It was Dunning's first base hit of the season.

Also getting their first base hits of 2010 were Zach Luevanos (Seminole State) and Nathan Hille (Tarleton State). .

Greene had a single and Devin Smith singled (Concord).

Gastonia improved to 2-1. The Grizzlies return home Tuesday to face Martinsville at 7:05 p.m.

GASTONIA, N.C. – The Grizzlies celebrated their 2010 Home Opener Thursday at Sims Legion Park with a 3-2 come-from-behind win over Asheboro.

With Gastonia (1-1) and the Copperheads (1-1) tied 2-2 in the bottom of the eighth inning, Matthew Greene’s RBI single down the right field line scored Byron McKoy (Temple) gave the Grizzlies their first victory of the season.

Nicholas Holtgrieve (Ouachita Baptist) earned a save after allowing a hit in the ninth. Robert Van Cour (Barton County C.C.) got the win by pitching two innings of relief, surrendering a hit and a walk with two strikeouts.

McKoy’s sacrifice fly to centerfield in the bottom of the first inning scored Cass Via, who doubled to lead off the frame, and gave the Grizzlies their first run of the game. McKoy tripled in the third inning for his second RBI of the night and the plated Via (Ouachita Baptist) again.

Greene (Frostburg State) went 3-for-4 with a stolen base. Devin Smith (Concord) had a hit.

The Grizzlies host Forest City Saturday at 7:05 p.m.

GASTONIA, N.C. – The Gastonia Grizzlies Baseball Club announced today the signing of top prospect Andrelton Simmons from Western Oklahoma and Dillon Wilson from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Simmons is a 6’1”, 180 pound shortstop/right-handed pitcher from Curacao, N.A.  In the May edition of Baseball America, Simmons was named the second best defensive player in college as well as having the second best arm in college.  Baseball America projects Simmons to be a third-fourth round draft pick in the MLB Draft this June.  Last year 18 year old Simmons was selected to play for the Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic.  This season as a freshman Simmons is batting .439 with 7 homeruns and 31 RBIs.  As the Western Oklahoma closer, Simmons had an ERA of 0.62 while striking out 19 in 11 innings.

Wilson, a 6’7”, 210 pound left-handed pitcher played with Simmons at Western Oklahoma this season and will transfer to University of Arkansas Little Rock next fall.   This season Wilson is second on the team with wins (6) and strikeouts (65). 

Wilson and Simmons are competing in the Junior College World Series next week.  The Grizzlies expect to them to arrive in early June.

“Simmons is an unbelievable player, we hope to utilize him in the field as well as on the mound,” said Head Coach Jason Plourde.  “Dillon has a high ceiling and is a very projectable pitcher that will be a great addition to our staff.”

The Grizzlies home opener is May 27th and single game tickets are available now on the Grizzlies website at www.gastoniagrizzlies.com or by calling the front office at 704-866-8622.

GASTONIA, N.C. – That Gastonia Grizzlies 2nd Annual Ballpark Beer Fest on Saturday May 15th sold out 35 minutes into the event.  More than 500 patrons attended the festival that included more than 100 Beers and a local winery.  Old Mecklenburg’s Copper Ale was named top beer and will now be served at every Grizzlies game in 2010.  Other top beers based on votes were RJ Rockers Son of a Peach Ale, Leienkugal’s Summer Shandy and Blue Point’s Hoptical Illusion.

The event featured live music from Brent Cates Band and a Cornhole Tournament where the winning team won $125.   A date for the 3rd Annual Ballpark Beer Fest will be announced later in the summer.

GASTONIA, N.C. –  The Gastonia Grizzlies Baseball Club announced today the signing of infielders Seth Boyd, Arthur Charles, Nathan Hille, Austin Potter and Cass Via.

Charles, a 6’6”, 240 pound first baseman will attend Oral Roberts University after two successful seasons at Bakersfield College.  Last year Charles was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 38th round and in 2008 he was drafted in the 33rd round by the Baltimore Orioles.  This season Charles is batting .317 with 6 home runs and 38 RBI’s.  A two-way player, Charles is second on the team with four wins.

Boyd, a 6’1”, 180 pound junior from Wagner College was All-NEC as a sophomore playing second base for the Seahawks.  This season Boyd is batting .308 with 4 home runs, 27 RBI’s and is 12-12 in stolen bases. 

Hille is a 6’0”, 175 pound junior from Tarleton State University.  In his first two collegiate seasons Hille batted over .400 for Ranger Junior College.  For the Texans in 2010 Hille has been the everyday shortstop and is batting .298 with 34 hits and 17 RBIs.

Potter, a 6’3”, 210 pound junior from Beaverton, Oregon is in his final year at Skagit Valley College.  The third baseman is batting .368 with 19 RBIs and an on base percentage of .462.

Via, a 5’11”, 175 pound junior from Fruita, Colorado is attending Ouachita Baptist.  The middle infielder is batting .299 with 29 RBIs and 10 stolen bases.

“Charles is an impact player that should get a lot of at bats and help us on the mound,” said Head Coach Jason Plourde.  “Boyd is another versatile player, as he can play the INF and OF.  Left handed hitting middle infielders are hard to come by, add the fact that we can slide him into the OF makes him that much more of an asset to our team.

Potter

Via

GASTONIA, N.C. – Single Game Tickets for all Gastonia Grizzlies 2010 games will go on sale Tuesday at 9:00 AM.  Tickets can be bought through the club’s website, www.gastoniagrizzlies.com, by calling the front office at 704-866-8622 or by visiting the office at Sims Legion Park.

Ticket prices remain the same as 2009: Box Seats $8, Adult General Admission $6 and Senior/Child/Military General Admission $5.

Tickets can be purchased for Grizzlies Opening Night on May 27th, Midnight Madness on July 9th, Team USA on July 12th and all four fireworks shows including the popular July 3rd show.

The Grizzlies have already sold more tickets than they did for the entire 2009 season and are expecting potential sell outs in 2010. 

GASTONIA, N.C. – The Gastonia Grizzlies Baseball Club announced today that they will be filming their 2010 Grizzlies commercial at Sims Legion Park on April 29th.  The Grizzlies will be working with their presenting sponsor, Time Warner Cable and will be filming at the ballpark from 8:00-9:30 pm.

The Grizzlies are looking for at least 50 fans to come out to the ballpark and join them in filming the commercial for the 2010 season.  The Grizzlies are in need of a wide range of people of all ages.  No pets will be allowed. 

Last season the Grizzlies had more than 50 people come out to shoot the 2009 “Movie Trailer” commercial.

GASTONIA, N.C. – The Gastonia Grizzlies announced their 2010 Promotional Schedule today.

The schedule is highlighted by Aaron’s Dig for the TV, Midnight Madness, Team USA, four fireworks shows and the first ever Pregnant Night. 

Aaron’s of Dallas will be sponsoring the first ever Dig for the TV on July 25th.  Before the game the Grizzlies will bury a remote control to a flat screen TV and fans will have the chance to dig for the remote and win the TV immediately following the game.

Other highlights include Midnight Madness on July 9th vs. Forest City with first pitch at midnight.  For the first time in team history, the Grizzlies will host Team USA on July 12th and will honor hometown heroes as well.

Thursday June 17th will be the first ever Pregnant Night sponsored by CaroMont Health.  During this game fans that are pregnant will get free tickets for both themselves and their unborn babies.  The Grizzlies will have a craving station with weird food items, a stroller race, diaper contests and women in their third trimester will be able throw out the first pitch.

GASTONIA, N.C. – The Gastonia Grizzlies Baseball Club announced today the signing of Seth Grant from Appalachian State University.  As the Grizzlies closer this past season, Grant led the Grizzlies in appearances and saves.

Grant, a 6-4, 215 pound redshirt sophomore made 25 appearances on the mound for the Grizzlies in 2009.   Grant’s 2.41 ERA led the team and opponents batted only .200 against the right hander which was also the lowest on the Grizzlies. Grant finished second on the team in wins with four and third on the team in strikeouts with 46. 

This season for App State, Grant is 1-0 with a 5.40 ERA and 18 strikeouts.

Grant is expected to anchor the closer’s role for the team again in 2010.

“Seth features a lively 88-92mph fastball and a breaking ball that misses bats,” said General Manager Jesse Cole.  “His control was outstanding in 2009 and that is exactly what you look for in a closer.  Coach Plourde is excited to have such a reliable arm at the end of the game.”

GASTONIA, N.C. – The Gastonia Grizzlies Baseball Club announced today the signing of catchers Dallas Burke, Justin Dunning and Zach Luevanos. 

Burke, a 6’1”, 200 pound sophomore from the University of Iowa comes to Gastonia after being named to the All-Freshman Big Ten team in 2009.  Burke played in 35 games as a freshman and batted .367 in conference play.  Playing at Central High School in Davenport, Iowa, Burke was ranked the #4 player in the state by Perfect Game Crosschecker.

Dunning is a 6’0”, 195 pound junior from Quincy University.  In the summer of 2009, Dunning won a championship with the Quincy Gems while being named to the Prospect League All-Star Team.  As a junior, Dunning is currently batting .281 with 2 homeruns while throwing out 35% of base runners.

Luevanos, a 5’10”, 200 pound sophomore from Corpus Christi, Texas is in his final year at Seminole State Junior College.  The left-handed hitting catcher is currently batting .394 with 3 home runs and 15 RBIs.

“Dunning will shut down the running game behind the plate,” said Head Coach Jason Plourde.  “He's also a leader on the field. The left handed hitting Luevanos is no slouch behind the plate either and he will give us another offensive weapon from the left side. Burke is very versatile. He can catch, play 1B and the OF. He will be another offensive weapon from the left side.”

The Grizzlies home opener is May 27th and ticket packages are available including the all new “All You Can Eat Package” which includes tickets to the five biggest game and all you can eat hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and soda for only $50.

GASTONIA, N.C. – The Gastonia Grizzlies announced today that they will host USA Baseball’s national collegiate team on Monday July 12th.  The game will be the first time in the Grizzlies nine year history that they will host the national team.

The matchup on July 12th will be the opening game for Team USA’s 2010 schedule as they prepare for the World Baseball Championships on July 30th.   Other stops on their tour include Fayetteville, NC where they will play the SwampDogs of the Coastal Plain League and the Durham Bulls Athletic Park where they will host Korea Republic.

“Playing on July 12 in advance of the Korea series is essential for the 2010 USA Baseball Collegiate National Team,” said Team USA General Manager, Eric Campbell.  “With the energy that Gastonia has shown for this game, USA Baseball is honored to open its tour against the Grizzlies at Sims Legion Park.”

USA Baseball uses the national team to showcase the best American baseball in the country.  Many of the players will be drafted in the first-round of the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.  Former players include 2009 #1 overall pick Stephen Strasburg and a list of MLB All-Stars including Mark Teixeira, Nomar Garciaparra, Jason Giambi, Mark McGwire, and 2008 American League MVP Dustin Pedroia.

Team USA’s 2010 list of roster invitees include All Americans Gerrit Cole (UCLA), Danny Hultzen (Virginia) and Anthony Rendon (Rice).

“Hosting Team USA has been one of my top goals since becoming GM of the Grizzlies,” said Jesse Cole. “The team features the top players in the country and the fans that come out will be guaranteed to see some future Major League stars.”

Medical Center Pharmacy will be sponsoring the Team USA game and will be selling tickets for the game beginning on May 1st. 

As of press time, there were less than 35 box seats season tickets available for the 2010 season.  All new for 2010 is the “All You Can Eat Ticket plan”. Both are available on the Grizzlies website www.gastoniagrizzlies.com. For more information about any of the Grizzlies ticket plans you can call the Grizzlies front office at 704-866-8622.

GASTONIA, N.C. – The Gastonia Grizzlies Baseball Club has offered a one year contract to former Carolina Panthers quarterback, Jake Delhomme.  After seven seasons with the Panthers, Delhomme was released Thursday and has officially become a free agent.

The Grizzlies are looking for Delhomme to be a starting pitcher and pitch quality innings during the 2010 season.

After N.C. State quarterback Russell Wilson was a top prospect in the Coastal Plain League in 2009, the Grizzlies are hoping for similar success with Delhomme.

While all the specifics of the contract have not been released a few details have surfaced.  The Grizzlies are unable to pay Delhomme because of the Coastal Plain League rules, but they have agreed to set him up with a job as a coach for the Grizzlies summer camp.  The Grizzlies have also offered him the opportunity to sell autographs and merchandise.

The Grizzlies have also offered Delhomme a host family throughout the summer if needed.

“Our goal is to provide Jake with a more relaxed environment in which he can succeed, said General Manager Jesse Cole.  He has obviously demonstrated tremendous arm speed for the Panthers, we just hope we can harness his control and make him a top pitcher in the league in 2010.”

With the potential signing of Delhomme and possible return of Russell Wilson, the Gastonia Grizzlies have also considered entering this team into the Canadian Football League in 2010.

If Delhomme signs with the Grizzlies, head coach Jason Plourde has agreed to make him the starting pitcher on opening night on May 27th against the Asheboro Copperheads.

GASTONIA, N.C. – The Gastonia Grizzlies Baseball Club announced today the signing of franchise home run leader Randolph Oduber from Western Oklahoma.  This past season Oduber’s nine home runs broke the previous record held by Seth Waller who hit seven in 2007.

Oduber, a 48th round draft pick of the San Francisco Giants in 2009 recently signed a National Letter of Intent to play baseball at Oklahoma State University. 

Oduber, a 6-2, 210 pound sophomore from Aruba, started 42 games in the outfield for the Grizzlies in 2009.  While leading the team in home runs (9), and stolen bases (19), Oduber also finished second on the team in RBIs with 30 and did not make an error during the season. 

In the fourth week of the season, Oduber was named Rawlings Hitter of the Week batting .538 with 14 hits, four home runs and 10 RBIs. 

After the 2009 season, Perfect Game named Randolph Oduber as the 11th best prospect in the Coastal Plain League.

In his freshman year at Western Oklahoma, Oduber led the team in hitting at .472 clip to go along with 32 home runs and 98 RBIs.  He also led the team in slugging percentage (.995), total bases (217) and stolen bases (25).

“Randolph proved himself as one of the top prospects in the entire Coastal Plain League in 2009,” said General Manager Jesse Cole.  “We are very lucky to have Randolph back in Gastonia.  After this season we expect him to begin a very long and successful professional career.”

The Grizzlies home opener is May 27th and ticket packages are available including the new “All You Can Eat Package” which includes tickets to the five games of the year including four fireworks shows and All You Can Eat hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and soda for only $50.

GASTONIA, N.C. – The Gastonia Grizzlies Baseball Club announced today the signing of pitchers Tim Combs and Kendall Lewis from Eastern Michigan.

Combs, a 5’9”, 170 pound Junior starred for the Petersburg Generals in the CPL in 2009 and led the team with 3 wins and 41 strikeouts.  As a sophomore at Eastern Michigan, Combs made 20 appearances and finished third on the team with strikeouts with 40.

Lewis, a 6’4”, 195 pound freshman led Eastern Michigan with five wins in 2009 including beating Ohio State and Ohio in the MAC Tournament.  This past summer Lewis pitched for the Waimea Waves in the Hawaiian Collegiate League and went 2-0 with a 3.69 ERA.

“Combs, a rubber armed RHP, has experience in the league, and will be an asset out of the pen,” said Head Coach Jason Plourde. “Lewis was an all star and a top prospect in the Hawaiian Collegiate League last summer. Both of these guys come highly recommended by Western Michigan Coach Jay Alexander.”

The Grizzlies home opener is May 27th and ticket packages are available including the all new “All You Can Eat Saturday Package” which includes tickets to the five biggest Saturday games of the year including four fireworks shows and all you can eat hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and soda for only $50.

Lewis

GASTONIA, N.C. – The Gastonia Grizzlies announced today the release of their 2010 schedule.  The schedule is highlighted by the July 9th “Midnight Madness Game” against the Forest City Owls with first pitch at 12:00 AM.   The game will feature a pregame party, play catch with the Grizzlies, and Grizzlies Home Run Derby.  The Grizzlies plan to have discounts for fans wearing pajamas and big prizes for fans that stay past midnight. 

The Grizzlies home opener is Thursday May 27th against the Asheboro Copperheads, followed by the first fireworks game of the year on Saturday May 29th against the Forest City Owls.

The Grizzlies will host an exhibition game on Thursday July 8th against the Carolina-Virginia Collegiate League 2009 Champions, the Kernersville Bulldogs.

The schedule includes seven Saturday games, seven of the popular “Thirsty Thursday” games and six “All You Can Eat & Drink” Tuesday games.

“We couldn’t be more excited about our 2010 schedule, said General Manager Jesse Cole.  The Midnight Madness game will be the first of its kind in the Coastal Plain League and it has already generated a lot of buzz.  We are also very excited about our heavy load of Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday games.”

In addition to the midnight game the Grizzlies will play one day game on July 7th with a noon start against the Martinsville Mustangs.  Every other Grizzlies home game will start at 7:05.

As of press time, there were less than 40 box seats season tickets available for the 2010 season.  General Admission season tickets, Grizzlies family plans, bonus books and the new “All You Can Eat Saturday Ticket packages are available at the Grizzlies website www.gastoniagrizzlies.com. For more information about any of the Grizzlies ticket plans you can call the Grizzlies front office at 704-866-8622.

GASTONIA, N.C. – The Gastonia Grizzlies Baseball Club announced today the signing of Zeke Blanton, a Forest City native who attends Gardner-Webb University.

Blanton, a 6-0, 200 pound outfielder transferred from the University of North Carolina in 2009 and will begin his first season with Gardner-Webb in 2010.   Blanton, who is projected to play left field for the Bulldogs, comes to the Grizzlies with an impressive pedigree.  The sophomore won a state championship at East Rutherford High School in 2007 and earned All-State honors.  Blanton played 19 games for the College World Series bound North Carolina Tar Heels in 2008 before transferring to Gardner-Webb.

This past summer Blanton led the Southern Collegiate League in hitting while playing for the Morganton Aggies.  Blanton batted at .415 clip while leading the league with 71 hits in only 45 games played.  He had 3 triples, 3 homeruns and drove in 21 runs while stealing 18 of 19 bases.  Blanton was selected as a starter in the Southern Collegiate All-Star game. 

“Zeke is one of the top hitters in not only the state of North Carolina but in the country,” said General Manager Jesse Cole. “This past summer in Morganton he demonstrated his outstanding hitting abilities by leading the league in hitting.  We expect this success to carry over with the Grizzlies in 2010 and for Zeke to be an exciting player to watch this summer.”

Grizzlies 2009 All-Star Byron McKoy also starred in the Southern Collegiate league in 2008 before playing for the Grizzlies last summer.  

The Grizzlies home opener is May 27th, against the Asheboro Copperheads. Limited season tickets are available.  For more information call the Grizzlies front office at 704-866-8622 or visit the website at www.gastoniagrizzlies.com.

GASTONIA, N.C. – The 2009 Summer Ball Conference came to a close Tuesday afternoon marking the first ever promotional seminar for college summer baseball.  More than sixty-five representatives from college teams around the country came together for three days to discuss the growth, innovations and ideas that are unique to college summer ball.

The event organizers, Infinity Pro Sports, put together the action packed three-day seminar that included a trade show, big panel discussion and ballpark tour.  One of the highlights of the event included a feature presentation on Sunday from Steve DeLay, the Chief Marketing Officer of Mandalay Sports, who owns six Minor League teams.  DeLay discussed the sell out mentality that has helped lead the Dayton Dragons to 704 consecutive sell outs.

Monday’s events included six breakout sessions dealing with all aspects of summer college ball from ticket sales and community relations to player recruiting.  Monday night all attendees visited Sims Legion Park, the home of the Grizzlies and were given a ballpark tour and feature presentation from Vern Stenman, GM of the Madison Mallards.  Stenman discussed the promotions and events that have made Madison become the top team in college summer ball, averaging more than 6,000 fans per game.

The event concluded on Tuesday with a final speech from Minor League Baseball’s promotional guru, Mike Veeck.  Veeck lead a hilarious speech discussing the importance of having fun promotions at the ballpark and trying anything and everything.  All attendees were then treated to a Big Panel discussion where all speakers answered questions and wrapped up the event.

The 2009 Summer Ball Conference marked a remarkable success for an industry that began as a small business and is now primed and ready to grow at a tremendous rate.  Gastonia Grizzlies and Forest City Owls owner Ken Silver stated: “This is exactly what happened to Minor League Baseball in the 1990’s.  The industry became almost an over night success after the teams began to treat each game as entertainment and putting on a show for the fans. We may look back at this Conference and say this is what propelled college summer baseball into what Minor League Baseball is today.”

With the success of SBC 09, the Madison Mallards have already agreed to host in 2010.

GASTONIA, N.C. – The Gastonia Grizzlies Baseball Club announced today the signing of pitcher Ben Booker from East Tennessee State and first baseman David Chester from the University of Pittsburgh.  Booker was named to the All-Star team after leading the Grizzlies with six wins.  Chester finished second in home runs for the Grizzlies with seven.

Booker, a 6-2, 175 pound junior, started 10 games on the mound for the Grizzlies in 2009.  While leading the team in wins, Booker also finished second on the team in ERA (3.65) and limited opponents to a .283 batting average.  In his last start of the season, Booker beat the Forest City Owls, who finished the season as the #1 team in the country. 

Booker will begin his first season at ETSU after pitching two seasons at Cleveland State Community College.  As a sophomore, Booker led the team in innings pitched (69.2) and strikeouts (76) while compiling a 6-2 record.

Chester, a 6-5, 230 pound junior, started 48 games for the Grizzlies in 2009.  Chester batted .238 with 7 doubles, 7 home runs and 28 RBIs to go along with a .990 fielding percentage.  The seven home runs were the second most hit by a Grizzlies player in franchise history.  

Chester will begin his first season at Pittsburgh after starring for Seminole State Community College.  In both his freshman and sophomore seasons Chester led the team in home runs and finished his career with 36 home runs.

GASTONIA, N.C. – The Gastonia Grizzlies Baseball Club has been named the host of the first ever Summer Ball Conference on November 8-10th.  The event will be held at the Sheraton hotel in Charlotte and will feature college summer teams from all over the country.  Leagues represented include the Alaska Baseball League, Northwoods League, West Coast League, Texas Collegiate League, Southern Collegiate League, Great Lakes League and the Coastal Plain League. 

The Summer Ball Conference will be headlined by feature speeches from Mike Veeck, President of the Goldklang Group, Steve DeLay, EVP of Mandalay Baseball Properties and Vern Stenman, GM of the Madison Mallards.  The conference will feature 24 breakout sessions involving all aspects of college summer baseball include tickets, sponsors, marketing and recruiting.  A trade show featuring more than 20 vendors will also be present during the three day event. 

The Grizzlies home stadium, Sims Legion Park will be visited and toured by all attendees on Monday November 11th. 

“We are very excited about this opportunity, said General Manager Jesse Cole.  College summer ball has grown tremendously in recent years and this event is shaping up to be a can’t miss for all college summer teams.  We are honored to be recognized and chosen to host the first ever conference and we hope to start a great tradition with this event”

The Grizzlies finished 15th in the country in average attendance in college summer ball with 1,637 fans per game.  The Grizzlies also finished 7th overall in all of minor league and college summer baseball in increased attendance with 465 more fans per game in 2009.  The franchise attendance record was broken with 39,296 fans in attendance in addition to the single game record being set on August 4th with 3,788 fans.

The website for the event is www.summerballconference.com and a complete agenda is available as well as registration forms.

GASTONIA, N.C. – The Gastonia Grizzlies Baseball Club named Jason Plourde from Belmont Abbey College as the new Head Coach for the 2010 season.  Plourde was recently named the new pitching coach at Belmont Abbey after serving as the Assistant Coach at Fort Hays State from 2006-2009.

Plourde is no stranger to the Coastal Plain League after spending four seasons with the Fayetteville SwampDogs.  In 2009, Plourde served as Associate Head Coach leading the SwampDogs to the second round of the playoffs with a 30-23 record.  Plourde also served as Associate Head Coach for Fayetteville from 2005-2007, compiling a 114-47 record.

In 2008, Plourde was the Head Coach of the Rochester Honkers of the Northwoods League and had six players selected to the All-Star Game.  He also served as a pitching coach for the Madison Mallards in 2003 and 2004.

“We are very excited to have Jason as our new manager,” said General Manager Jesse Cole.  “He has a tremendous amount of experience in this league and has proved to be a winner.  We expect big things from him and feel he is the perfect fit for this organization in leading the Grizzlies to a Coastal Plain League Championship.”

As a player, Plourde played baseball at LA Valley College where he was an Academic All Western State Conference player in 1998 and 1999.   He graduated from Cal State Northridge in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and a secondary in Physical Education.

The Grizzlies now have a Facebook fan page and are attempting to get more than 7,500 fans.  If the Grizzlies reach 7,500 fans, any Facebook fan can win free Chick-fil-a chicken sandwich from the Chick-fil-a at Westfield Eastridge Mall in Gastonia on November 5th.  Also, Facebook fans will have the chance to win a free five night Bahamas Cruise from Creative Travel, the official travel agent of the Grizzlies on Facebook Fans night during the 2010 season.

GASTONIA, N.C. -  The Gastonia Grizzlies announced today the completed field renovations for Sims Legion Park.  Immediately following the Grizzlies season, the City of Gastonia began work on repairing the field and adding drainage.  Both foul lines were dug up as well as the area behind the infield and new sod was planted.  In addition to the sod, new mats were placed around both dugouts to help with drainage.

The project which took just under a month added brand new Bermuda Grass down both foul lines and out of play areas, in addition to around the infield.

 “The City of Gastonia did a tremendous job on the field,” said General Manager Jesse Cole.  “We can’t wait until next year when our team play on one of nicest playing surfaces in the Coastal Plain League.”

The field hosts over 180 games a year including the Grizzlies, American Legion, Highland Tech, college baseball and youth tournaments.

In 2009 the Grizzlies shattered their franchise attendance record with 39,296 fans.  The single game attendance record was broken on the last game of the season with 3,788 fans. 

GASTONIA, N.C. - 2009 Gastonia Grizzlies Russell Wilson and Randolph Oduber were named top prospects by Baseball America and Perfect Game Crosschecker.  Wilson (N.C. State) was named the 5th top prospect in the Coastal Plain League while Oduber (Western Oklahoma) was named the 11th top prospect by Perfect Game.

Wilson, also the starting quarterback for the Wolfpack starred for the Grizzlies in his short time with the team.  Before leaving the team after the first half, Wilson led the team with 12 stolen bases. 

Oduber was named a starter in Coastal Plain League All-Star game after leading the Grizzlies in home runs and stolen bases.  His 9 home runs broke the Grizzlies franchise record and placed him in the top five in the league.  Oduber was drafted in June by the San Francisco Giants in the 48th round.

Baseball America’s Recap on Wilson:

5. Russell Wilson, 2b, Gastonia (Jr., North Carolina State)

Wilson is better known to Atlantic Coast Conference sports fans as the all-ACC quarterback for the N.C. State football team, and his commitment to the gridiron as well as a knee injury suffered in the Papajohns.com Bowl last season have limited him on the baseball field. But Wilson is undersized for football at 5-foot-11, 200 pounds, and scouts believe he has a brighter pro future in baseball. Wilson played just 20 games in the CPL before heading back to campus for football obligations, and he hit just .205/.320/.241, but he did steal 12 bases in 16 tries. An exceptional athlete, Wilson is an average or slightly better runner with untapped raw power and all the skills to be a good defender at second base. Scouts insist that Wilson's pure baseball instincts are off the charts, and if he focused full-time on the game he could take off in a hurry. He has outstanding makeup, earning plaudits for his work ethic, energy and humility. Wilson's bat is very raw, obviously, but he has plenty of bat speed and the ability to make consistent contact; he just needs at-bats. Scouts say they hope he'll shelve his football career after this fall to give his baseball career all the attention it needs.

The Grizzlies box seat season tickets are on sale now at the discounted price of $100.  With a $25 deposit fans can secure their tickets now until October 1st.   

GASTONIA, N.C. - The Gastonia Grizzlies enjoyed a record breaking 2009 season at Sims Legion Park.

The team drew a total crowd of 39,296, breaking last year’s season attendance total of over 29,000.

The Grizzlies also broke the single-game franchise attendance record by drawing 3,788 fans on Aug. 4.

Gastonia 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.

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.

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.

Robert Jeroszko (College of Charleston) broke the Grizzlies single-season record of 91 K's.

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

Gastonia’s Joe Rodriguez was picked as the Rawlings Pitcher of the Week for week three of action (June 15- June 21).  

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Randolph Oduber was tabbed Rawlings Co-Pitchers of the Week for week four of action (June 22nd-28th).

Greyson Schram (Concord University) broke Seth Waller's RBI record in 2007.