Tom Graham
Head Coach, 2012 Spring 12U Black Tom looks forward to coaching younger kids again as he takes over the 12U Black team in the spring of 2011 after compiling a 53-18 record with last spring’s tremendously successful 13U Black team. Tom’s list of successful seasons dates back to the Grizzlies first season in 2004. Since then he’s compiled nothing short of one of the most impressive lists of winning seasons while coaching teams ranging in age from 8U through 13U. A few highlights include several #1 finishes in local USSSA power ratings, a #9 national ranking with his 2007 11U team and a #2 national ranking with the 2009 13U squad that went 55-12.
Tom was selected in the fourth round of the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft in 1996 by the Oakland Athletics. He also played for the 1996 United States 18U National Team where he won a Bronze Medal. After playing for the National Team he decided to accept a scholarship offer to play college ball for Fresno State. While at Fresno State Tom was voted 3 time WAC player of the week, 2 time ESPN player of the week, and received the prestigious Bulldog Award which demonstrates excellence both on and off the field. During his senior season with the Bulldogs, Tom finished 2nd in the nation in innings pitched and 2nd in the WAC in strikeouts. He went on to receive his degree in Sociology. In 2000, Tom signed with the Texas Rangers. His success continued during his first year with the Rangers where he gained the Gulf Coast League Most Outstanding Pitching Award. He was 1st in the league in innings pitched. His 2.29 ERA was good enough to rank him 2nd in the league while he ranked 4th in strikeouts. In 2001, Tom was sent to the Class A Savannah Sand Gnats. Only 3 months into the season he was called up to the Charlotte Rangers of the Florida State League. In 2002 he had one of his best years as a pitcher. In one month with the Charlotte Rangers he racked up 13 saves and was moved up to the AA Tulsa Drillers. Tom's stay with the Drillers lasted only one month as he climbed up to the AAA Oklahoma City Red Hawks. In 2003, he finished his professional playing career with the Red Hawks before relocating to the Livermore area. Tom can be reached via email at tomg@norcalgrizzlies.org |