Blowfish Make Change at Helm
The Columbia Blowfish announced a coaching change for the remainder of the 2009 Coastal Plain League season. Former University of South Carolina pitcher Lee Gronkiewicz will take the helm as head coach of the Blowfish for the second half of the year.
Gronkiewicz pitched for South Carolina from 1999 to 2001 and was the closer on the 2001 team, going 2-1 with 19 saves in 61.2 innings pitched. He only gave up nine earned runs the entire season. His two year record at USC was 3-2, with a 2.71 ERA. He struck out 128 batters while walking only 35. He has spent the last seven years in the minor leagues, reaching the majors with Toronto in 2008.
It will be Gronkiewicz's first stint as a coach. He is excited about the chance, "It's a great opportunity to come out and manage a team from the Coastal Plain League. It's getting to be a more prestigious league than when I was in college. To do it in my hometown is a great opportunity."
Gronkiewicz replaces Tim Medlin, who led Columbia for the franchise's first three and a half seasons. Medlin's record as coach was 77-114 during that time. The Blowfish are presently 10-20 overall this season, and 1-1 in the second half.
"I want to thank Coach Medlin for his services over the last three and a half seasons and I appreciate his commitment in working with our players," team owner/president Bill Shanahan said. "At this point, I felt it was necessary to make a change and move ahead in a new direction."
The Blowfish also announced that assistant coach Mike Pulaski is no longer with the team. Assistant coach Adam Brown will remain for the rest of the season, however.
Coach "Gronk" will make his debut tonight, as the Blowfish travel to take on the Florence Red Wolves at 7:30 p.m. On Friday, Gronkiewicz will lead the Blowfish in an exhibition match against the alumni of the University of South Carolina. The opposing squad features some of his former fellow Gamecocks. The series between both teams is tied 1-1.
"I'm excited about the alumni game," Gronkiewicz said, "It's going to be a thrill managing against my old teammates. I'm looking forward to it."
The matchup between Columbia and the USC alumni will be Friday night at 7:05 at Capital City Stadium. Fireworks will follow the game. The Blowfish will also play on Saturday, July 4th against the Ashboro Copperheads. Kids can play catch on the field with the players from 6:00 to 6:30.
The Columbia Blowfish are a member of the Coastal Plain League, the nation's hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 13th season, the Coastal Plain League features 14 teams playing in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. The CPL is certified by Major League Baseball and gives college players the chance to refine their skills with the use of wooden bats. Players are housed with local host families for the summer and past experiences have been very positive for both players and hosts. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league Web site at www.coastalplain.
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