FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Marie Gentry
(912) 712-2482
Photo available upon request
SAVANNAH BANANAS SIGN CLEMSON PLAYERS
SAVANNAH, GA. April 21, 2016 – The Savannah Bananas are excited to announce the signing of three pitchers from Clemson University. Freshmen Ryley Gilliam and Zach Goodman have signed full time contracts while Junior Garrett Lavorn has signed a conditional contract for the 2016 season.
Ryley Gilliam, a 5’10” RHP from Kennesaw, Georgia ranked as the 94th freshman in the nation during the preseason by Perfect Game.
In 8 appearances this spring, Gilliam is 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA this season for Clemson. Opponents are batting only .182 against the freshman.
Zach Goodman, a 5’11” RHP was a member of the East Cobb Astros and lettered four times at Kennesaw Mountain High School.
“We are very excited to team up with Clemson this year,” said Coach Sean West. “Gilliam & Goodman are considered to be our “two headed monster” from Clemson, they are huge pick-ups for the Bananas this summer. Gilliam will be a starter for us this summer, and Goodman will be used in both starting and relief roles, whichever compliments our team the best.”
Garrett Lovorn, a 6’3” RHP from Pendelton, SC also joins the Bananas as a conditional player. Lovorn has made 5 appearances this spring for the Tigers and sports a 3.38 ERA.
Lovorn pitched for West with the Martinsville Mustangs in the CPL in 2015. Lavorn led the team in innings pitched with 65, games started with 11, and strikeouts with 54.
“We are excited to add Garrett Lovorn as a conditional player to our roster for the ’16 summer,” added West. “Lovorn was a vital part of the Martinsville Mustangs staff last summer. Garrett has the ability to start for us, but also has the velocity to close games as well. My hope is that we will find room for a full contract offer for Garrett.”
The Savannah Bananas introduced the five game plan this spring that includes tickets to the five biggest games of the year including Opening Night and all four fireworks shows. All tickets include All You Can Eat Chicken Sandwiches, Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Popcorn, Dessert, Soda and Water for only $15 a ticket. For more information and to purchase the five game fans can visit www.TheSavannahBananas.com or call 912-712-2482.
The Savannah Bananas are owned by Fans First Entertainment who also owns and operates the Gastonia Grizzlies of the Coastal Plain League. The Grizzlies have led the league in attendance the past three seasons, been named Organization of the Year and recognized regionally and nationally for unique from promotions and their fan experience.
The Coastal Plain League is the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 20th season in 2016, the CPL features 16 teams playing in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. The CPL has had nearly 1,300 alumni drafted and 82 of those – including 2011 AL MVP and Cy Young winner Justin Verlander – make their Major League debut; while another notable alum – Russell Wilson – won Super Bowl XLVIII. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at www.coastalplain.com and follow us via Twitter @CPLBaseball.