Flames baseball gets a new pitching coach
Trenton HillPhoto by Neethu Athimattathil
Relocating just 130 miles down the road from his old college grounds in Nashville, Tennessee, Richie Goodenow started 2016 with 30 new family members and they all have one thing in common, Flames baseball.
Goodenow is the new pitching coach for the Flames baseball team, and he comes in with an impressive baseball background. He was a pitcher and hitter at Vanderbilt and Lipscomb University before becoming a coach at Franklin College.
With years of experience on the mound, along with training from the dugout, Goodenow is able to share that experience with the Flames.
'Definitely the most talent I have coached in college, which is an exciting opportunity for me,' Goodenow said.
Head Coach Mark Brew said he knew he was gaining a respectable coach when many strong recommendations mentioned Goodenow's admirable reputation.
After interviewing him, Brew was happy that Goodenow was bringing his own coaching style to the team.
'We had some areas that we wanted to keep the same as far as purposes with our pitchers, but we also had an understanding that Coach Goodenow is a different coach,' Brew said.
Goodenow said it did not take long to apply the team's vision to his coaching plans.
'I have been caught up to speed very quickly and adapted to the Lee baseball program,' Goodenow said. 'Coach French did a great job with the pitchers in the fall, and we have similar pitching philosophies, so I was able to hit the ground running.'
Kyle Briner, Flames team captain, is excited to have a coach that will provide wisdom and unique strengths to the team.
'He will benefit us because he has been in our shoes,' Briner said. 'He knows exactly what it takes to be a successful athlete and brings a ton of experience from one of the premiere pitching staffs in the whole country, at Vanderbilt.'
As the season quickly approaches, Goodenow knows every day is a workday.
'I am ready to get to work each and every day to better the pitching staff,' Goodenow said. 'It is my goal for the pitching staff to improve every chance we get to play or practice. The kids do the hard work, and I want to help them achieve success at the highest level possible.'
