Pippins Sign Trio from Virginia Military Institute
February 4, 2014 - West Coast League (WCL)
Yakima Valley Pippins News Release
YAKIMA, Wash. - The Yakima Valley Pippins announced the signing of three talented Virginians today in the continuing effort to strengthen the roster in preparation for the inaugural 2014 season. All three Virginia Military Institute (VMI) juniors will bring much needed experience to the Pippins roster. Andrew Woods and Reed Garrett will take the hill while Brandon Angus will play the outfield for the Pippins.
"We needed experienced guys who we could count on," Pippins Manager Marcus McKimmy said."All three of these players, coming from a program like VMI, will make them among the toughest players in the WCL."
Woods, a native of Richmond, Va., pitched 35 1/3 innings for the Keydets as a sophomore. He held batters to a .169 batting average in Big South play. As a true freshman for VMI he made two appearances in relief against Virginia Commonwealth and Virginia Tech. The 6'0, 210 lb. pitcher was a two-time all-state selection at Benedictine High School where he was 10-1 with a 2.14 ERA, .177 OBA, while striking out 72 in 62 innings.
"Woods was a great pickup for us, McKimmy said, "He pitched mainly in relief at VMI and hopefully we can utilize him roles that will help us win."
Garrett, who comes from Richmond, Va., earned Big South Pitcher of the Week honors in 2013. He made nine starts for VMI in 18 appearances as a sophomore. In his career he made 43 appearances for the Keydets, allowing a .243 batting average and 92 strikeouts. A graduate of Mills Goodwin High School, he was 10-1 as a junior, earned honorable mention All-Colonial District and named All-State as an outfielder.
"Garrett will be able to many things for us this summer, "said McKimmy."He will be able to start games for us and has the ability to get us out of jams late in games."
The trio from VMI is rounded out by Mechanicsville, Va. native Brandon Angus. He was one of two Keyedets to start every game in 2013. He hit .282 with 11 extra-base hits, including his first two career home runs last season. Angus has recorded a career .289 batting average with a .983 career fielding percentage. He is tied for first in Keydets history for most starts in a season, with 55, and most sacrifices in a season, with 12. At Lee Davis High School he was a standout football, baseball, and track athlete. He garnered All-District and All-Region his junior and senior year in baseball.
"Angus, like Vince Fernandez (UC-Riverside) will hold down our outfield," McKimmy said. "He makes very few mistakes and can really hit the ball well."
The Yakima Valley Pippins will begin their quest for a WCL Championship at Yakima County Stadium on June 6th, 2014 at 7:05 P.M. against East Division rival and WCL powerhouse Wenatchee. Tickets are now on sale for the 2014 season, including full-season and partial-season packages, as well as select team merchandise. Those interested in being part of something great from the start are asked to contact Noel Zanchelli at 206.271.7820 or by email at noel@pippinsbaseball.com.
You can reach the Pippins offices at 509-575-8304.The team store, stadium improvements and other fan-friendly amenity projects will begin in early spring 2014.
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West Coast League Stories from February 4, 2014
- Pippins Sign Trio from Virginia Military Institute - Yakima Valley Pippins
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