Mitch Karraker Named Klamath Falls Gems Head Coach
October 23, 2012 - West Coast League (WCL)
Klamath Falls Gems News Release
Klamath Falls, Oregon: Tuesday, October 23, 2012: Mitch Karraker has been named the new Head Coach of the Klamath Falls Gems. Karraker is currently assisting with the University of Oregon baseball program under legendary coach George Horton.
"He's energetic, knows the game, and has the contacts to bring in top college players to the Klamath Falls Gems," said Gems General Manager Grant Wilson in making the announcement Tuesday. "Our fans are going to love Mitch".
Karraker is from Fresno, CA. He went to Buchanan High School before enrolling at Fresno City College. He was a first team all-league and all-state selection as a catcher. After Fresno City College, Karraker was recruited to George Horton's program at the University of Oregon. He was part of the 2009 first team to usher baseball back to the University of Oregon since 1982. In 2010 Karraker played in the WCL for the Bend Elks. After finishing his playing career, he decided to move into coaching. He was an undergraduate assistant for Coach Horton in 2012 at Oregon as the catching coach. That year the Ducks made their first Super Regional appearance since bringing the program back, missing an opportunity to go to the College World Series in Omaha by one game.
"I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to Coach the Klamath Falls Gems, said Head Coach Mitch Karraker. "I am looking forward to each player taking an active part in the community and encouraging the youth of the area to be involved with the Gems."
This past summer Karraker had the opportunity to be the bullpen coach for team USA and traveled to Cuba and the Netherlands to play some of the best competition in the world. Karraker is now in his second year on the Oregon Ducks baseball staff.
"We are thrilled about the opportunity to name Mitch Karraker the first head coach under new ownership" said Jerry Walker, Owner of the Klamath Falls Gems.
2013 Klamath Falls Gems Ticket Packages are available by calling 541-883-4367.
The Klamath Falls Gems are members of the West Coast League, the Diamond Standard among summer college baseball. The eleven-team, professional style wood-bat league features pro prospects from major conferences across the country. More than 120 WCL alums played affiliated professional baseball last season, and 15 ex-WCL stars have played in the Major Leagues. For more information on the league, visit www.westcoastleague.com .
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West Coast League Stories from October 23, 2012
- Mitch Karraker Named Klamath Falls Gems Head Coach - Klamath Falls Gems
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