JOLIET, ILLINOIS – The Joliet JackHammers announced today that former Major League pitcher Bryce Florie will join the team as the pitching coach for the 2010 season. Florie coached alongside new JackHammers manager Chad Parker with the River City Rascals of the Frontier League in 2009.
“In my opinion, Bryce is the premier pitching coach in Independent baseball,” said Parker. “He has the ability to relate to players in a positive way and still teach vital aspects of pitching. I am extremely pleased that Bryce will be joining us.”
Florie made his Major League debut in July of 1994 with the San Diego Padres and also pitched for Milwaukee, Detroit, and Boston. In September of 2000, he was struck in the face by a line drive while pitching in relief for the Red Sox, breaking several bones, but made a comeback the following year. He finished in the Big Leagues with a 20-24 record, 4.47 ERA, and 395 strike outs in 493 innings.
