Grissom, Gray to Play for Chico State
LAMC Baseball standouts Tyler Grissom and Sam Gray have both signed to Chico State University, an NCAA Div. II school in Chico, California.
Grissom, a 2017 ABCA Golden Glove and two-time 1st Team All-Conference winner, has been a key player for Mission for two years.
In his freshman season, he led the team with a 1.000 fielding percentage as the starting 2nd baseman. In 192 total chances, he made no errors with 71 put-outs and 120 assists. He also batted .370 overall with a .417 on-base percentage and .481 slugging percentage, collecting nine doubles, three triples, a homerun, and 22 RBI along with seven stolen bases.
As a sophomore, Grissom once again put up impressive numbers. With a .318 batting average and .363 on-base percentage, he increased his slugging percentage to .466 with 12 doubles, four triples, and two homeruns. He additionally picked up 22 RBI and scored 42 runs, while maintaining a .962 fielding percentage at 2nd base.
"Tyler is one of the better defensive guys I've ever coached," Head Coach Joe Cascione said. "He's a hard-working player, smart on and off the field, extremely clutch."
Gray, another returning 1st Team All-Conference winner, has been an anchor in the outfield for the Eagles in the last two seasons.
As a freshman, Gray batted .328 with a .364 on-base percentage and a .450 slugging percentage. In 131 at-bats he tallied 43 hits with 10 doubles, three triples, 33 RBI, and 20 runs scored. He also stole 11 bases on the year.
In the 2018 season, Gray kept his numbers up to earn a 2nd Team All-Conference nod. He posted a .316 batting average, .355 on-base percentage, and .462 slugging percentage. Gray led the team in doubles with 13 and RBI with 38, while adding two triples, two homeruns, 35 runs scored, and five stolen bases.
"Sam is an extremely talented young man with a lot of upside to him, and he has a bright future," Cascione said.
Grissom and Gray were also WSC Golden Glove winners this year; Grissom for infield, and Gray for outfield.
The Chico State Wildcats are coached by Dave Taylor. The team is part of the California Collegiate Athletic Association, and has won five CCAA Tournament championship titles since 2000 – including two back-to-back championships in 2016 and 2017. The Wildcats have also made 19 appearances at the NCAA Championship Tournament in that span. They ended their 2018 season in the first round of playoffs at the Div. II West Regional in Azusa.
Grissom and Gray are two of four baseball players so far who have committed to play for NCAA schools. Outfielder Jonathan Tyler has signed to Campbell University, and catcher Cade Spurlin has signed to Dixie State University.