Flyers Sign Pitching Ace Brett Gray
Published on April 27, 2004 under Northern League (NL)
Schaumburg Flyers News Release
SCHAUMBURG, IL- With the start of spring training just nine days away, the Schaumburg Flyers continue to add to their pitching staff, signing RHP Brett Gray to a 2004 contract.
Gray, 27, spent the past three-plus seasons in the Cincinnati Reds organization and was granted free agency recently after reporting to Cincinnati's minor league spring training camp. He is well known in independent baseball circles as the owner of a 25-strikeout game in the Frontier League on June 3, 2000. Gray was playing for the London Werewolves at the time, a club managed by current Flyers skipper Andy McCauley. "This is a really good fit for me," said Gray. "I've played for Andy in the past and I'm also very close to Gregg Neuman (Flyers Hitting Coach). He's one of my former teammates. I visited Schaumburg during the playoffs last year and I know it's a great place to play and a great league to be a part of. This is a very exciting time." The right-hander will step into the Flyers starting rotation.
The Reds signed Gray immediately after his 25-K, three-hit gem against Chillicothe in 2000. The signing was handled by Gary Hughes, now a top consultant to Chicago Cubs GM Jim Hendry.
Gray is a proven winner, posting a 43-28 lifetime record and 3.41 career ERA in six professional seasons. He was used as both a starter and reliever in the Reds organization, spending most of last year in a relief role at Class AA Chattanooga. In 2001, the right-hander went 10-4 at Class A Mudville and ranked second in the California League with a 2.42 ERA.
Gray played for McCauley in the Frontier League for three straight seasons from 1998-2000. He was the pitching ace of London's Frontier League Championship team in 1999, closing out the title clinching win with a complete game effort. Gray's arrival in Schaumburg also reunites him with past teammates SS Geoff McCallum (London), RHP Dave Therneau (Reds Org.) and IF Wandel Campana (Reds Org.).
A native of Wyoming, Ontario, Gray played college ball at Oklahoma City University, the home of Neuman and Flyers DH Mario Delgado.
Notes: The Flyers have also signed RHP Jesse Thrasher...Thrasher, 23, was selected by Schaumburg at the recent Northern League tryout camp draft in Peoria, AZ...He has prior experience in the Philadelphia & San Diego organizations and also played briefly for the Cook County Cheetahs last season...
Northern League Stories from April 27, 2004
- RedHawks sign pitchers Culp, Bess - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
- Smith to teach hitters a few more lessons - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- WJOB AM 1230 Partners with T-DUB and the RailCats - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Flyers Sign Pitching Ace Brett Gray - Schaumburg Flyers
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.
