Former Western Baptist baseball player Rich Dorman is currently a member of the Seattle Mariners' Double A affiliate in Jackson, Tennessee. (Photo courtesy of www.diamondjaxx.com)
Former Corban Pitcher Named Southern League Pitcher of the Week
MARIETTA, Ga. – Former Warrior Rich Dorman (Medford, Ore.) has been named Southern League Pitcher of the Week for May 19-25, as announced Tuesday by the league office after the right-hander pitched the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx into a tie for first place in the North Division.
Dorman, a member of the 2000 Western Baptist baseball team, narrowly missing out on his first career shutout last Thursday in helping the Diamond Jaxx to a 5-1 victory against Chattanooga.
The 29-year-old Dorman pitched a three-hitter with 10 strikeouts, as West Tenn climbed into a tie with Huntsville atop the division.
After facing one batter over the minimum through seven innings, Dorman gave up a single and a double to lead off the eighth. He nearly emerged from the jam unscathed by retiring the next two batters, but a passed ball ended the shutout bid before he induced an inning-ending ground out.
The Medford native currently ranks third in the league with a 2.23 Earned Run Average (ERA), while leading the team with 54 K's.
While donning the Warrior navy & gold in 2000, Dorman accumulated a win-loss record of 6-6 in 83.0 inning pitched. The Oregon State transfer recorded a team-high 81 strikeouts, while registering an ERA of 4.66 in his lone season in the Capitol City.
Dorman, who was the first-ever Western Baptist player to be drafted in the annual MLB draft, was originally selected by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the 13th round (376th player overall).
The converted catcher made his pro debut in 2000 with the Devil Rays' short-season 'A' team, Hudson Valley. In nine seasons, Dorman has bounced around the Minor League ranks and has been promoted as high as Triple A in 2005 with the Mariners' Tacoma Rainiers. In 2004, Dorman was named San Antonio's Most Valuable Pitcher by the Seattle Mariners' organization after fanning 137 batters in less than three months with the team.
To follow Dorman's season, visit www.diamondjaxx.com.