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Owls Sign Three from Winthrop
The Forest City Owls continue to build their team for the 2012 season, and they recently announced the addition of three terrific players from Winthrop University. A trio of juniors in OF/1B Patrick Gamblin, SS/P Jason Driver and LHP Mitchell Knox will add a bevy of experience to the Owls roster, and all three are starters for their respective program.
“The Owls are very fortunate to be receiving three of Winthrop’s core players,” added Forest City Head Coach Phil Disher. “Gamblin and Driver will not only add depth to our infield and outfield rotation, but will also be able to contribute to our offensive production. An added bonus is Mitchell Knox, who will be an invaluable left handed reliever out of our bullpen.”
As a freshman in 2010, the 5-foot-11 and 180 pound Gamblin burst onto the collegiate scene with a .359 batting average to go along with seven homeruns and 31 RBI as he split time between 1B, OF and DH. As a full time starter in 2011, he batted .292 with 28 RBI for the Eagles, and he also led the team with 17 doubles. Pulling double duty, Gamblin has also made six relief appearances in his career, pitching a total of 4.2 innings.
Driver, a 6-foot-2 and 182 pound SS/P, transferred to Winthrop by way of Potomac State College in Maryland, and 2012 will mark his first season with the Eagles. In 2011 he helped lead his team to the JUCO World Series as he hit .355 with three homeruns and 34 RBI. He also posted a .318 average in 2010 to go along with three homeruns and 35 RBI. In both seasons Driver was selected to the All-Region XX squad.
The 6-foot-5 and 200 pound Knox strikes an imposing figure on the mound, and he is coming off a terrific 2011 season at Winthrop where he went 3-1 and led the team with a 3.29 ERA in 23 appearances. A native of Appling, Georgia, Knox transferred to Winthrop from Young Harris College.
Owls Opening Night is set for May 29 vs. the Asheboro Copperheads. A limited number of season tickets are still available for the 2012 season. Season Tickets begin at less than $5 a game. For more info call 828-245-0000 or visit www.forestcitybaseball.com
The Forest City Owls are a proud member of the Coastal Plain League. Players are housed with local host families for the summer and past experiences have been very positive for both players and hosts. For more info on the Coastal Plain League, visit www.coastalplain.com.
