Anderson's Next Top Joe

Published on March 5, 2008 under South Coast League (SCL)
Anderson Joes News Release


(Anderson, SC) The Anderson Joes and the South Coast League of Professional Baseball announced today the hiring of Reggie Harris to lead the team for the 2008 season.

"A person like Reggie, with the experience and extensive knowledge of the game, will help this franchise move in the right direction and be competitive," said league CEO, Jamie Toole.

"Anderson is going to have an exciting year on the field."

The Joes were one of two teams to see two different managers for their Inaugural campaign. This year, the team hopes to make a run at the championship with one skipper and Harris thinks a championship is a definite possibility.

"I am excited about getting the opportunity to put together this team," said Harris.

"We are going to get the best guys possible, and they are going to play hard every time out and they will be sound in all aspects of the game."

Harris' background in baseball as a player is extensive, as he has pitched in professional baseball for around 20 seasons. His first stint as a coach came in the independent ranks as the pitching coach for the Rockford RiverHawks.

"I worked with their staff and took their pitching from the bottom to near the top in one season. Pitching for the Joes will be solid. I already have some talented guys ready to come to camp in May."

As the saying goes, defense wins championships, and the Joes have the right man to help get their arms where they need to be.

The Joes pitching last season ranked near the middle of the league. Anderson was second amongst teams in strikeouts, fewest home runs allowed, and tied for second in complete games. The pitching staff was fourth in ERA and hits, while finishing fifth in wins and walks.

Offensively, Anderson ranked in the lower half of the statistical rankings. The Joes were fourth in batting average, home runs, walks, strikeouts, and stolen bases. They were third in hits and fifth in runs scored.

"We've got a big ballpark in Anderson and I'll be getting guys in here that can put the bat on the ball and run the bases aggressively. With all the room in the outfield, we should be able to score more runs."

One thing that Harris is most excited about is imparting his knowledge of baseball on the youth of the community.

"I think anytime you can get the youth excited about the game, it is a win-win situation. I just want to be able to teach them from a former major leaguer's point of view. Most kids don't get the opportunity to learn from someone who's made it and I am excited to be able to give back to the youth through camps we'll be hosting this year."

Harris currently resides in his hometown of Waynesboro, Virginia. Most people don't know that he earned a scholarship to play Division I-A basketball, but he turned down that opportunity when he was drafted by the Boston Red Sox.

"I have been fortunate to play baseball for so many years, and now I am focusing on the next phase for me which is coaching and instilling all I have learned over the years from working for and with some of the best in the game."

Harris makes his debut as the Joes manager on May 15th at home against the rival Aiken Foxhounds.

For more information on teams, players, schedules, tickets, photos, and all other news and information related to the 2008 season, visit the Anderson Joes' website at www.andersonjoes.com or the South Coast League website at www.southcoastleague.com.

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South Coast League Stories from March 5, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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