Our #7 reliever, Charleston Southern sophomore Tyler Thornburg, is a two-way player: at CSU in his freshman year, he played both in the field and pitched from the mound. In fact, he started 40 games in the outfield, and 11 on the mound out of the Buccaneers' 53 games.
Appearing at the plate, Tyler hit 276/331/455 in 145 at-bats, with 11 doubles, 5 home runs, and a 12/31 BB/K ratio. Throwing to the plate, he went 2-5, 7.04, with a 1.64 WHIP, 4.4 BB/9, and 9.2 K/9 in 53 2/3 innings.
In the Valley League in 2008, it was a different story. Tyler was the last man to emerge from the Winchester Royals bullpen, and he seldom let Coach John Lowery down. In 24 1/3 innings for the Royals, Tyler went 1-1, 1.48, with a 1.029 WHIP, 3.7 BB/9, and 14.1 K/9 (that's from 38 strikeouts in those 24 innings). He came in 2nd in the league in saves, and was voted first team All-League at relief pitcher.
For the record, Tyler did appear at the plate for the Royals as well, hitting 225/225/375 in 40 at-bats.
Below is a youtube of Tyler's two ridiculous catches in right field for Charleston Southern.
Congratulations on an excellent summer season, Tyler!
Good glove Tyler. Nice acrobats too! A very athletic player!
Posted by: Teresa Wease | March 13, 2009 at 11:36 AM
WOW! I remember Tyler as having a ridiculously high speed 90mph+ fastball. I had no idea he played the outfield too. He is multidiomensional.
Posted by: Melissa Dodge | March 15, 2009 at 08:58 AM