Blake Nation to Lead Dawgs in 2014
The Mohawk Valley DiamondDawgs of the Perfect Game Collegiate League (PGCBL) are pleased to announce that Blake Nation has been selected as head coach for the upcoming 2014 season.
Originally from Statesboro, Georgia Coach Blake Nation is a 2008, 22nd round draft pick of the Seattle Mariners and has an extensive college and professional playing resume. Nation, a right-handed pitcher was a member of the 2005-08 Georgia Southern University Baseball team. After being drafted by the Mariners, Nation played three seasons with various Mariners affiliates including the Pulaski Mariners, Clinton Lumberkings, and High Desert Mavericks.
In addition, Nation’s professional playing career also included experience with several independent baseball teams such as the Fort Worth Cats and the Southern Illinois Miners. In his six seasons in professional baseball he accumulated a 29-17 record as a relief pitcher and a 3.21 earned-run-average (ERA).
Following his playing career Blake Nation pursued his passion in coaching and in 2011 was named the Assistant coach of the East Georgia College Bobcats a member of the Division 1 NJCAA were he spent two seasons. Nation’s most recently began his head coaching career when he was named head coach of Middleton High School in Tampa, Florida.
“I am excited about the opportunity to coach for the DiamondDawgs this upcoming season. I hope to fulfill the expectations of the fans, players and front office and lead this team to a championship. As a former collegiate and professional baseball player, I understand the importance of participating in summer collegiate baseball leagues for future professional playing opportunities, I hope to provide the players with the instruction and motivation they need to continue their growth as a collegiate player.”
“The Mohawk Valley DiamondDawgs are pleased to have been able to bring Blake Nation to Little Falls for the summer to coach the DiamondDawgs this upcoming season”, said DiamondDawgs President Travis Heiser. “Blake brings an enthusiasm and passion about the game that is unrivaled and will serve us well as we prepare to bring a championship to the Mohawk Valley – we look forward to what the summer brings.”
The Mohawk Valley DiamondDawgs begin the quest for a Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball Championship title in June at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Little Falls, New York.