Pete Woodworth Named New LumberKings Pitching Coach

The Seattle Mariners announced today the hiring of Pete Woodworth as the new pitching coach for the Clinton LumberKings. Woodworth's debut will come tomorrow as the LumberKings open up a four game series against the Kane County Cougars. He replaces Rich Dorman, who has left the organization.

Woodworth comes to the Mariners organization from his alma mater Florida Gulf Coast University, where he served as the team's pitching coach for the past two seasons. He played for the Eagles from 2007-10, where he compiled a 25-9 career record, making him the school's all time wins leader. In his senior season, he went 9-2 as part of a pitching staff that included 2010 first round pick and four time MLB All Star for the Chicago White Sox, Chris Sale.

After the 2010 season, Woodworth signed as a free agent with the Tampa Bay Rays, and pitched for the GCL Rays in 2010 before returning to Florida Gulf Coast as a volunteer assistant coach from August 2011 until February 2012. With the GCL Rays, he posted a 2.42 ERA in 26 innings pitched over 17 appearances. Opponents hit just .204 against him while he also struck out 26 hitters. From there he served as an area scout for the Rays before joining the coaching staff at Nova Southeastern University.