​June 7, 2019 | by: DCGrays.com Press

In 2017, Harrison Freed (Butler) left a lasting impact playing as a member of the DC Grays that summer. The Butler University outfielder has now added to his legend status after being selected in the 13th Round of the 2019 MLB Draft by the San Francisco Giants this week.

“It’s well deserved” said Grays General Manager, Antonio Scott. Although the 2017 season was not successful for the Grays overall, Freed had an outstanding season that summer. After being selected as a Cal Ripken League South Division All-Star, he finished that season with a .330 BA and lead the team in home runs (7) and RBI’s (29). His “legendary” status was probably sealed in a game versus the FCA Braves that summer in which he had a 4-home run game that day. “I’ve never seen that in person and I’m lucky to have been there to see it with my own two eyes” said Scott.

His awesome 2019 season for the Butler Bulldogs does not comes as a surprise to anyone in the Grays organization. He finished his Junior season with a .376 BA which included a team-high and conference leading (17) home runs. He finished with (82) hits and (73) RBI’s which both led the Big East Conference and obviously led to a First Team All-Big East selection. The 82 hits broke a Butler single season record.

“That kid is a true “Bulldog” fitting of the Butler mascot” said Scott. “He worked hard every day and just got better and better, and now it’s paid off for him.” Freed becomes the highest MLB draft pick to have played for the DC Grays.

​June 3, 2019 | by: DCGrays.com Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new year means a fresh start. Coming off a solid 2018, the DC Grays have a new and exciting roster.

Last year was a big step forward for the Grays after two sub-par campaigns, with a late-season rally clinching a 19-20 record, a second place in the Ripken League South Division, and a playoff berth.

In 2019, the Grays look to build a team that will now take the next step and compete for a championship. Grays Manager Reggie Terry, back at the helm for his fifth season as Grays’ skipper, has helped assemble what he feels will be another winning team for the Grays. “This roster has a lot of moving parts with players who can play multiple positions and help this team out in different ways” he said. “It gives us a lot of flexibility to build a winning line-up every day.”

Coach Terry’s approach each year is to build around pitching. “Having a staff of quality pitchers who can buy in to our philosophy is key” he said. “We want strike throwers who aren’t afraid to challenge hitters.”

Several pitchers on the roster will be entering the season coming off some solid outings for their collegiate teams. Reid McLaughlin (BYU) enters this summer after receiving West Coast Conference all-freshman team recognition. He posted a 2.72 ERA and 42 Strikeouts in 42.9 innings of relief work this spring. McLaughlin was 2-0 with two saves and a 3.21 ERA in 12 relief appearances for BYU in conference. Overall, the freshman threw 28.0 innings, allowing 10 earned runs and six walks with 25 strikeouts. Also coming off a solid spring season is Jarren Norman (Virginia State) after posting a 5-2 record and an ERA of 3.78 including four complete games. Rashesh Pandya (Wofford) comes to DC after a very impressive spring of relief pitching for the Terriers posting a remarkable 1.48 ERA in 30.1 innings or work with 36 strikeouts.

Offensively, the Grays have managed to put together another solid group of players expected to compete at the top of the league this summer. Catcher Josh Cowden (BYU-transfer) had a superb spring season at Salt Lake CC with a .367 batting average and 42 RBI. Outfielder Noah Searcy (Georgia Southern) is also expected to bring good athleticism both offensively and defensively. He tallied a 284 batting average, 4 HRs and 20 RBI’s while platooning at all outfield position this spring.

Two JUCO standouts will bolster the roster after posting good spring seasons at their respective schools. Trey Terry (Greensboro College-transfer) returns to the Grays this summer after posting a solid .377 batting average this spring at Thomas Nelson CC. Grays newcomer Jay Hester (Eastern Kentucky-transfer) is expected to make an immediate impact in DC.

Another notable player coming off a good rookie season this spring is middle infielder Justin Johnson (Lafayette). Johnson posted a .284 batting average while starting every game that Lafayette played this spring. He is expected to play mostly shortstop for the Grays.

June 3, 2019 | by: DCGrays.com Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. – – As the Cal Ripken Collegiate Summer league gets ready to open up on Tuesday, June 3rd the league has made it’s official pre-season preview for each team.

Here is a link to the DC Grays 2019 “Ripken League Review”

http://www.calripkenleague.org/view/calripkenleague/2019-season-outlook/dc-grays