Wildcat Baseball News – Page 11 – Normal West Baseball

February 6, 2013February 22, 2013

Coach Rodgers Inducted into IHSBC Hall of Fame

Coach Dave Rodgers was inducted in the Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame on Saturday, January 26, 2013. Coach Rodgers has served as an assistant coach at Normal West for the past six seasons, working with the pitching staff. During that time, the Wildcats have an overall record of 166-55 and have won 4 conference championships and 3 regional crowns. The 2012 pitching staff compiled a school record 1.87 ERA with seven different pitchers winning more than 2 games.

Coach Rodgers was recognized for over 25 years of coaching baseball at East Peoria High school, as well as many years of summer baseball there. The high school baseball field at East Side Centre in East Peoria is named in honor of Coach Rodgers as well.

June 14, 2012

Harold Riggins, class of 2008, tearing up the South Atlantic League

Normal West alumnus Harold Riggins, 08′, has been selected as a starter at first base for the 2012 South Atlantic League All-Star game for the Southern Division. After graduating from West in 2008, Harold was chosen by the White Sox in the 35th round of the MLB draft, but chose to continue his baseball career at North Carolina State University. After his junior year there, he was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 7th Round, and has played in their organization for two years now. Read more about this on the Asheville Tourists website.

June 14, 2012June 14, 2012

Blake Brown, class of 2009, drafted in 5th Round by Atlanta Braves

Normal West alumnus Blake Brown, 09′, was taken in the recent Major League Baseball draft with the 179th pick in 5th round by the Altanta Braves. Brown, a junior at the University of Missouri, led the Tigers to the Big 12 Conference Tournament championship and an NCAA tournament berth this year. Blake was drafted in the 48th round by the Pittsburgh Pirates after his senior season at Normal West. Read the full Pantagraph story.