
Former Grizzly & Oriole Back to Coach
January 4, 2011 - Coastal Plain League (Coastal Plain)
Gastonia Grizzlies News Release
The Gastonia Grizzlies are proud to announce the addition of former Grizzlies standout and Baltimore Orioles farmhand Tyler Sexton to the coaching staff.
Sexton, a graduate of Western Carolina starred for the Grizzlies in 2005 before beginning a three year career in the Baltimore Orioles farm system. In 2008 Sexton was selected in the 31st round by the Baltimore Orioles. In three seasons pitching for the Bluefield Orioles and Aberdeen Ironbirds Sexton pitched in 40 games and had a career ERA of 4.49.
As a left-handed pitcher at Western Carolina Sexton finished among career leaders in numerous pitching statistics and was named All Southern Conference after his Junior season. Pitching for the Grizzlies in 2005, Sexton helped lead the Grizzlies to the Coastal Plain League playoffs, finishing with a 5-2 record and leading the team in appearances.
"It is a thrill to be back in Gastonia," said Sexton. "I enjoyed my time here in 2005 and I couldn't imagine a better place to begin my coaching career. My main goal is to help each pitcher develop during the summer and hopefully put a team in a great position to win the Petit Cup."
Coach Plourde said, "As a pro ball guy Tyler is a great asset to our pitching staff. He knows the league, knows how to prepare himself and knows what it takes to be successful."
Sexton will join hitting coach Sean Alexander who is back for his second year with the Grizzlies. Alexander and Plourde helped lead the Grizzlies to the most wins in franchise history and the first ever Silver Cup victory over the Forest City Owls.
The Gastonia Grizzlies are a member of the Coastal Plain League, the nation's hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 15th season, the Coastal Plain League features 15 teams playing in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. The CPL gives college players the chance to refine their skills with the use of wooden bats. Players are housed with local host families for the summer and past experiences have been very positive for both players and hosts. Furthermore, the CPL has had over 800 alumni drafted and 39 alums make their Major League debut thus far. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at http://www.coastalplain.com.
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Coastal Plain League Stories from January 4, 2011
- Former Grizzly & Oriole Back to Coach - Gastonia Grizzlies
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