Outfielder Turned Pitcher Joins Peanuts

Published on April 13, 2007 under South Coast League (SCL)
South Georgia Peanuts News Release


The South Georgia Peanuts have announced the signing of right handed pitcher Josh Cowles. The 2007 season will mark his fifth season in professional baseball but only his second as a pitcher. Cowles, a native of Nampa, ID, was drafted out of high school in the eighth round of the 2003 draft by the Angels organization. Cowles has spent his entire career in the Angels system and was recently released during spring training.

Cowles spent the first three years of his career as an outfielder. In those three seasons, Cowles hit .204 with 7 home runs and 51 RBI. The Angels had been pushing for him to become a pitcher throughout his career but he finally made the switch following the 2005 season.

"They asked me what I thought about pitching after my first year but I still wanted to be an everyday player," Cowles said. "I finally came to the conclusion that I was ready to pitch."

Last season for the Orem Owlz, Cowles made 10 appearances and finished with a 5.23 ERA. Cowles went to spring training with the Angels this year but only pitched one inning before he was released. He felt good about his spring and was surprised when the news came.

"I was absolutely surprised," Cowles said. "I was real happy with the way spring training was going."

Cowles' connection to the Peanuts came through a friend of his who is already a member of the Peanuts. Pitcher Chris Howell got Cowles in contact with Peanuts manager Wally Backman. After Cowles and Backman spoke a number of times, the decision was made to sign Cowles. For Cowles, he sees this as a great opportunity.

"I am extremely excited (about playing for Backman). I have heard so many good things from so many people," Cowles said. "My goal is to get back to affiliated ball but my ultimate goal is to get to the major leagues."

The Peanuts will begin to report to Albany the first week of May. Spring training will begin on May 8th.

Peanuts tickets are currently on sale by contacting the team office at (229) 435-8900! The home opener for the Peanuts is scheduled for May 24 against the Charlotte County Redfish. South Georgia Peanuts...One Shell of a Good Time!

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South Coast League Stories from April 13, 2007


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