Gems Sign Two, Hire Pitching Coach
February 13, 2012 - West Coast League (WCL)
Klamath Falls Gems News Release
KLAMATH FALLS, OR - The Klamath Falls Gems of the West Coast League today announced the addition of two players and the hiring of Pitching Coach Jeff Lyle. Joining the Gems are Klamath Falls native and American Legion Falcons star shortstop Jake Whisler (Western Oregon University), and corner infielder Steven Fisher (UC Santa Barbara). Lyle joins the Gems from Lane (WA) CC, where he currently serves as pitching coach under Head Coach Josh Blunt.
Committing to the Gems are:
Whisler, 5'8", 145, a sophomore at Western Oregon, joins the Gems after a stellar career at Klamath Union High School, where he graduated in 2010. During his baseball career at KU, Jake earned All-League honors in 2009 and 2010, along with Player of the Year status in 2010. He was named to the Oregon 5A-6A All-State team in 2010. Whisler appeared in one game for the WCL Champion Corvallis Knights in 2011, hitting a triple against the Gems on June 8 in Corvallis. Whisler signed a 10-day contract to begin the 2012 season with Klamath Falls.
Fisher, 6'3", 170, a native of San Diego, is a freshman at UCSB. He starred at San Marcos High School, hitting .420 with three home runs and 30 RBIs in earning first-team All League honors. Fisher was also named to the league's All-Academic team each of his four years at San Marcos. Fisher takes the roster spot of infielder Brandon Trinkwon, also of UCSB, who has decided to not play summer ball in 2012.
"We'd tried to add Jake at the end of last year when we were short of infielders," Gems General Manager Chuck Heeman said. "We just didn't get it done, but we're very glad to have him aboard this year. I saw him play a lot with the Falcons during the summer and he'll be a great asset with his hustle and work ethic. He's a class guy all around and we're happy to have him with us. We signed him to a 10-day deal to start the season but obviously we hope he'll be with us longer."
The Gems also announced the hiring of Pitching Coach Jeff Lyle. Lyle is entering his fourth season with the Lane (OR) Community College Titan baseball program. Lyle serves as the pitching coach and recruiting coordinator. He also assists with clinics at the University of Oregon, and works with prospects for USA Baseball. Prior to Lane, Lyle coached at Thurston High School in Eugene and was an associate scout for the Atlanta Braves organization. A native of California, Lyle played at Merced Junior College and Hancock College before transferring to Fresno State where he finished his playing career. Lyle replaces Mitch Karraker (University of Oregon), who accepted a full-time position with USA Baseball, working under Oregon Coach George Horton.
The Gems are members of the West Coast League, a nine-team professional style wood-bat summer college league. The WCL features pro prospects from major conferences across the country. More than 150 WCL alums are playing affiliated professional baseball this season, and more than 20 ex-WCL stars played in the Major Leagues this season. For more information on the league, visit www.westcoastleague.com. For more information on the Gems, visit www.klamathfallsgems.com.
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West Coast League Stories from February 13, 2012
- Black Bears Sign Three Infielders and Catcher - Cowlitz Black Bears
- Gems Sign Two, Hire Pitching Coach - Klamath Falls Gems
- Corvallis Knights Coach Leads Perth to ABL Title - Corvallis Knights
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