Young talent from the 804 once again finds its way into the collegiate level. Nicholas Griffin, a rising senior pitcher, announced earlier this week that he plans to attend Virginia Wesleyan College.
Why did Griffin decide on a school for Thomas Dale as early as before his senior year?
“I toured the campus and loved it, and the coaches seem like great coaches from talking with them, and I really liked them,” Griffin explained. “All of those positives factored into my decision.”
In his first year on varsity last season, the 5-foot-8, 135 pounder, appeared in seven games as a pitcher logging in 19 – 2/3 innings with a 3-2 record.
Facing 92 batters, the lefthander allowed 15 hits and gave up 12 walks. He also registered six strikeouts and a 2.84 ERA, and had a .414 on base average.
Offensively, Griffin had a .261 batting average, and he recorded three RBIs and seven runs.
Thomas Dale veteran coach Chris Marshall praised the young star. “Nick is a crafty pitcher, he won’t overpower you, but mixes up his pitches well and throws a lot of strikes,” Marshall said.
Marshall also defended Nick’s offensive game by saying this:
“He didn’t get many at-bats on offense, but he did have a few timely hits for us,” Marshall added. “He’s a quiet kid, just goes and gives it his all.”
Looking to improve on a 9-8 record last season, Griffin and his teammates have high hopes for his squad. His goal is to ultimately contend for a state title.
“My hopes for the upcoming season are for my teammates and I to be a competitive team, win games, and try to play for a state title for my senior year.”
With that optimistic mindset, Griffin, along with the rest of the talent-filled team, seek not only to improve on their performance last year, but also to compete with the best of them and possibly be a state title contender.
