Comeback Continued: Micah to the Mariners

October 25, 2016 - Atlantic League (AtL)
York Revolution News Release

Comeback Continued: Micah to the Mariners
(York Revolution, Credit: Joe Doll)

The six-year Major League veteran returned to professional baseball for the first time in two years with York last season, logging his most innings and starts since 2009 and his most strikeouts since 2008. Owings went 7-6 with a 4.30 ERA in 23 outings (19 starts) for the Revolution, striking out 81 while walking just 38 in 106.2 innings and becoming a workhorse for the club during the second half. Owings went 4-2 with a 3.67 ERA over his final nine starts of the year, logging six innings or more in all nine, including a season-high 7.1 innings in a win vs. Southern Maryland on September 6. It was his longest start since going the distance on a two-hit shutout against the San Francisco Giants almost nine years earlier as a rookie with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2007.

Owings was often dominant, such as in a 10-strikeout performance over six scoreless innings in a win at Long Island on August 27. It was his second-highest strikeout total of the year behind an 11-whiff outing on August 5 at Southern Maryland. He became just the fourth in Revs history to log multiple 10-strikeout games and the second to do it twice in the same month.

"We are very happy for Micah," commented Revolution manager Mark Mason. "He worked extremely hard and got better as the season went along. I'm glad he's getting an opportunity to continue his career with the Mariners. We wish him the best."

Owings reflected on his work with Mason and pitching coach Paul Fletcher this past season.

"I can't say enough about the coaching staff, the opportunity they gave me, and once I got there, the patience they had to work with me. They wanted me to start even when I was telling them I only had an inning or two and that it would take time to get built up. They continued to give me freedom and wanted me in that spot. As that process unfolded, I got stronger and stronger and hit my stride. I can't say enough about them, the opportunity, and what they did with the whole group, not just me individually."

The 2016 season was Owings' 11th as a pro. One of the most accomplished hitting pitchers of all time, Owings has enjoyed tremendous success both on the mound and at the plate at the big league level. The 34-year-old is 32-33 with a 4.86 ERA in 138 Major League outings (68 starts), to go with a 30-11 minor league record and a 3.52 career ERA. At the plate, Owings has batted a combined .283 with nine home runs in the big leagues, and .274 with 10 round-trippers in the minors.

A third round draft pick of the Diamondbacks in 2005, Owings made his Major League debut just two seasons later, winning eight games in helping the Diamondbacks to a division title. Included in his rookie season was National League Silver Slugger honors, as the right-hander batted .333 with four homers at the dish, including a 4-for-5 game with two homers, a double, six RBI, and four runs in a win at Atlanta on August 18 of that year. Owings won six more games for Arizona in 2008 before being dealt to the Cincinnati Reds that September as part of a deal for Adam Dunn. He won seven games for the Reds in 2009 before moving to the bullpen in 2010.

Owings re-signed with Arizona for the 2011 season and went 8-0 with a 3.57 ERA in 33 games (four starts), helping the Diamondbacks claim another division title. He also earned a win in Game 4 of the National League Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers with his team facing elimination.

Owings appeared in six games for San Diego during an injury-shortened 2012 campaign and split time in the Nationals and Brewers organizations during the 2013 season. It was at that time that the Gainesville, GA, native transitioned to batting full-time, as he hit .324 for the Nationals in spring training and posted a .785 OPS at Triple-A Syracuse as an outfielder / designated hitter. Owings also appeared in the Marlins organization in 2014.

Prior to turning pro, Owings was ACC Rookie of the Year at Georgia Tech in 2003. He transferred to Tulane for his junior season and, as 2005 Conference USA Player of the Year, helped lead the Green Wave to the College World Series. Owings also holds Georgia's state high school home run record with 69 long balls, one short of the national record.

About the York Revolution:

The York Revolution Professional Baseball Club is a member of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and Atlantic League Champions in 2010 and 2011. Two thousand sixteen marked the Revolution's 10th anniversary season at 5 Brooks Robinson Way. PeoplesBank Park hosts all 70 home games, in addition to myriad events through the entire calendar year. For tickets or more information, please call 717-801-HITS (4487) or visit the Revolution online at www.YorkRevolution.com .

About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB):

The Atlantic League has been a leader in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball since 1998. Over 36 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 800 players and 50 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB. The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball games, showcasing the talent of top-caliber players and offering affordable family entertainment to metropolitan markets serving nearly 15% of the US population.

For more information, please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com .

Comeback Continued: Micah to the Mariners (Joe Doll)

Atlantic League Stories from October 25, 2016

• Comeback Continued: Micah to the Mariners - York Revolution
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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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