Prihoda's Prowess Directs Bullfrogs Hurlers
June 8, 2015 - Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Green Bay Rockers News Release
Green Bay Bullfrogs Pitching Coach Luke Prihoda
(Green Bay Rockers)
Green Bay, Wis.- Bullfrogs Pitching Coach, Luke Prihoda, has mentored a staff that has impressed early in the season. Green Bay ranks second in the Northwoods League in ERA (2.72), and top five in lowest opposing batting average, slugging, and WHIP.
In his first year as a coach under Skip Handelsman, Prihoda has both valuable expertise as a former player in the college ranks and professional circuit.
Prihoda even played for the Bullfrogs' Field Manager as a pitcher for the Fayetteville SwampDogs. He was the 2006 Coastal Plain League defensive pitcher of the year.
"It was probably the best summer I've ever had," said Prihoda. "Some of the most fun I've ever had...I led the league in saves. When I went out there, my teammates knew we were going to get a win that night."
The success rubbed off on his final year at Sam Houston State in Huntsville, TX. In 2007, Prihoda gained the label as one of college baseball's best closers. In his senior season with the Bearkats, Prihoda notched 18 saves in 35 appearances. In over 70 innings of work, he finished the schedule with a 1.61 ERA.
An All-Southland Conference 1st Team pick, Prihoda also was awarded the Southland Conference Tournament MVP after leading the Bearkats to a 3-1 victory over Texas State in the championship contest.
"That was an amazing run," said Prihoda. "We weren't really deep in pitching that year but we had a lot of people step up. That's what it really takes to win a tournament."
He was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 24th Round of the 2007 draft, and pitched that summer in the Pioneer League. After a short tour in the United League and American Association he was picked up by the New York Yankees while pitching for the Grand Prairie AirHogs.
"It was the best feeling ever," said Prihoda of hearing he was picked up by the Yankees. "I had seen scouts at games early in the year and for the last month and a half there weren't any scouts around. And then all of the sudden I got picked up."
He pitched in the South Atlantic League for the Charleston RiverDogs and that same season made the jump to AAA. Between the two teams he finished the 2009 campaign with 14 appearances, a 4-0 record, and struck out 27 batters in 25 2/3 IP with just a lone walk.
Prihoda, both a locator and potent game-ender as a player, tries to get his pitchers to understand the elements that it takes to achieve such a mentality on the mound.
"One thing I try to get my pitchers both here and with the [Texas A&M-Kingsville) Javelinas is that baseball is a tough game, there's a lot of failure," said Prihoda. "The hitters are the ones who typically fail more."
Prihoda looks to continue coaching as he pursues a graduate degree at Texas A&M-Kingsville.
Single game tickets are on sale now. Visit www.greenbaybullfrogs.com to purchase tickets. The Bullfrogs' business hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Images from this story
 Green Bay Bullfrogs Pitching Coach Luke Prihoda |
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