Tobs Behind the Plate

May 20, 2020 - Coastal Plain League (Coastal Plain)
Wilson Tobs News Release


Wilson, N.C. - Tobs fans it is time to find out who will be calling pitches behind the plate this summer. The (2) catchers that will be blocking balls and gunning out runners for the Tobs will be Oliver Closner IV (Texas Rio Grande Valley University) and Brady Garrison (Marshall University). Coach Markotay is incredibly happy to have this tried and true catching core that brings value to the ball club offensively and defensively this summer. The Tobs dare runners to try to steal a bag this year at Historic Fleming Stadium!

Our first catcher is Oliver Closner IV, a junior left-hand hitting catcher out of Mercedes, TX. Oliver is a 3-year starting catcher for the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros, who averages 34 starts a season behind the plate. Closner was the slated starter for the 2020 season before it was cut short due to the pandemic. Closner is well-known for being a defensive wall behind the plate, throwing out 30% of runners during his collegiate career. Even though his defense stands out he is no slouch with the bat in his hands. The lefty catcher is coming off a strong sophomore season where he hit .284 with an on base percentage of .419. The Tobs are going to benefit greatly from his experience behind the plate and look forward to watching him continue his offensive success as well this summer.

The 2nd Tob that can be found behind the plate this summer is Brady Garrison, the massive right-hand hitting catcher from Shawnee Kansas, who will be representing the thundering herd. Garrison transferred to Marshall from Neosho County CC (Kansas) where he had 2 stellar seasons with the club. As a freshman Garrison showed that he was a force to be reckoned with on both sides of the ball. Offensively he batted .373 with 22 doubles, 6 HR, 52 RBI, and an OPS of 1.048. Garrison kept his high ability to perform rolling into his sophomore campaign. He has impressive stats which included a whopping 1.203 OPS, 15 doubles, 12 home runs, 62 RBI's, and earned 41 free passes to just 18 strikeouts. Even more impressive was his runners caught stealing percentage. Both his freshman and sophomore years he threw out over 50% percent of runners. This shortened season at Marshall, Garrison started 6 games behind the plate picking up 4 hits and throwing out 1 would be base stealer. Garrison has stated that he is hungry for some baseball and can not wait to join the Tobs lineup this summer.

The Wilson Tobs home opener, Band Jam, and Fireworks Show for the 2020 season is Thursday, July 2nd @ 6:15 PM. The 2nd Fireworks Show of the season will be Thursday, August 6th @ 6:15 PM. Season tickets and ticket packages are on sale now and can be purchased by calling (252) 291-8627, or by visiting www.wilsontobs.com.

The Wilson Tobs enter their 24th season as a founding member of the Coastal Plain League. The upcoming season for the Tobs will see an expanded community outreach effort, increased participation in helping the less fortunate, a Pettit Cup Championship team, and more exciting entertainment for the Wilson Community. We would like to dedicate each successful season to the Wilson Community, Coastal Plain League Organization, Host Families, Corporate Partners, and the Dedicated Fans throughout the city of Wilson. The Wilson Tobs have played host to over 100 alumni taken in the draft and have produced a dozen players who have gone on to play in the MLB, including Cy Young & MVP winner Justin Verlander. For more information on the Wilson Tobs, visit our website www.wilsontobs.com.



Coastal Plain League Stories from May 20, 2020


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