A Trio of Lefties Head to Wilson
March 20, 2019 - Coastal Plain League (Coastal Plain)
Wilson Tobs News Release
The Wilson Tobs are excited to add to their 2019 roster as a trio of dangerous lefties will be making their way to Wilson, NC. Chandler Coates (Arkansas State University), Jacob Gilmore (Illinois State University), and Josh Ray (Missouri Baptist University) will be the newest members of the Wilson Tobs family. Head coach Bryan Hill had the following to say about the lefty trio, "I am excited to have these men as part of our pitching staff because they all have the ability to start and relieve effectively, which makes their value even greater for us in the summer".
Chandler Coates is a junior left-handed pitcher from Republic, Missouri playing for the Red Wolves at Arkansas State University. Currently, Coates is a weekend rotation starter for the university and one of their best pitchers. In high school Chandler posted a 5-2 record with a 1.28 ERA striking out 98 batters in 71 innings of work and was named as a class 5 All-State Honorable Mention in 2016. He also set a school record with 19 strikeouts and no walks in his final game with the Tigers, while also not allowing a run in his final 3 appearances. Following high school Chandler attended the University of New Mexico where he made 8 appearances and pitched 5 complete innings in relief as a true freshman striking out 4 batters. After his time with the Lobos he transferred to Howard College in Big Springs, Texas where he made 13 starts while compiling three complete games with one shutout. Chandler then decided to transfer to Arkansas State University in 2019, where he currently posting a solid 3-0 record with a 4.00 ERA while holding opposing batters to a .240 batting average and striking out 21 through his first five starts.
Jacob Gilmore a red-shirt Sophomore, left handed pitcher, from Bloomington, Illinois throws for his hometown Illinois State University. He is currently the closer for the Redbirds and is considered their shut down guy. Jacob attended Central Catholic High School, where he was named a first team all-conference three out of his four years there. As a senior he posted an incredible 11-1 record with a 1.32 ERA striking out 107 batters. He also found success in his sophomore and junior years posting 5-1 and 9-2 records with sub 3.00 ERA's. After high school Jacob decided to stay close to home and pitch for Illinois State University, where as a freshman he only appeared in one game due to an injury. Returning from injury for his red-shirt freshman season in 2018 Jacob appeared in seven games with 3 starts posting a 6.57 ERA, striking out 12 and throwing four straight outings without surrendering a run. To date in 2019 Jacob has appeared in 7 games as relief posting a 2-0 record and an impressive 0.77 ERA, striking out 15 and holding opposing batters to a .171 batting average.
Josh Ray is a junior left-handed pitcher from Imperial, Missouri throwing for Missouri Baptist University. He is currently a weekend starter with a high velocity fastball that keeps every batter on their toes. Josh previously played at Jefferson College, where he appeared in 13 games and collected 2 wins, 2 saves, 22 innings pitched, 27 strikeouts, and posted a 3.27 ERA. During the 2019 season Josh has thrown a team high 30 innings with 40 strikeouts and has only allowed 24 hits. He currently has a 4.85 ERA and has held batters to an impressive .220 batting average.
The Wilson Tobs home opener, Band Jam, and Firework Show for the 2019 season is Sunday, May 26th @ 6:15 PM. The final Firework Show of the season will be Tuesday, July 2nd @ 6:15 PM. Season tickets and ticket packages are on sale now and can be purchased by calling (252) 291-8627, or by visiting www.wilsontobs.com/tickets.
The Wilson Tobs enter their 23rd season as a founding member of the Coastal Plain League. The upcoming season for the Tobs will see an expanded community outreach effort, increased participation in helping the less fortunate, a Pettit Cup Championship team, and more exciting entertainment for the Wilson Community. We would like to dedicate each successful season to the Wilson Community, Coastal Plain League Organization, Host Families, Corporate Partners, and the Dedicated Fans throughout the city of Wilson. The Wilson Tobs have played host to over 100 alumni taken in the draft and have produced a dozen players who have gone on to play in the MLB, including Cy Young & MVP winner Justin Verlander. For more information on the Wilson Tobs, visit our website www.wilsontobs.com.
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Coastal Plain League Stories from March 20, 2019
- A Trio of Lefties Head to Wilson - Wilson Tobs
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