WMU News

Bronco Tyler Grinnell inks deal with Yankees

May 28, 2002

Western Michigan University senior pitcher Tyler Grinnell has signed a free agent contract with the New York Yankees. As a fifth-year senior, Grinnell was able to sign a professional contract before the June Major League Baseball Draft.

"The Yankees were really impressed with his slider, he's got a hard slider," WMU head baseball coach Fred Decker said. "He's got a professional breaking ball and a pretty good fastball. They're looking at him in a similar role as a closer, set-up guy."

The 6-2, 210 lb. righthander saved three games for the Broncos in 2002 and led the team with a 3.68 ERA. Grinnell appeared in a team-best 20 games. He recorded a total of seven saves in two seasons at Western Michigan, the fifth-best career total in program history. Grinnell was a second team All-MAC pick in 2001.

The MLB amateur draft is June 4 and 5.

Media contact: Geoff Brown, 269 387-4138, geoffrey.brown@wmich.edu


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