Fond du Lac High School graduate Chad Pierce never made it to the WIAA
State Baseball Tournament at Fox Cities Stadium. Pierce will finally get his chance to pitch on Time Warner Cable Field as a member of the Class A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.
Following high school, Pierce pitched collegiately at UW-Milwaukee before being selected in the 38th round of Major League Baseball’s amateur draft.
Pierce pitched in rookie ball last season, going 2-4 with a 6.64 ERA in 15 games, including five starts. He may have been headed back there this spring, but some injuries elsewhere, earned Pierce the promotion to the Fox Cities.
Pierce said he’s getting more comfortable in the organization. He said pitching at Fox Cities Stadium is a dream come true.
AUDIO: Pierce on pitching at Fox Cities Stadium :20
Pierce said the development of his curve ball this spring gave him a third pitch that he could count on, which is a big reason for his good start in spring training.
AUDIO: Pierce offers a scouting report on himself :15
Pierce transferred to Milwaukee from Arkansas, where he played his first two seasons. He made the move to get more opportunities to pitch. At Arkansas, Pierce started as a catcher. The Razorbacks turned him into a pitcher.
Pierce is optimistic about his future and he’s glad to be spending time this season, so close to home.
AUDIO: Pierce on being able to pitch so close to home :23
Pierce can start and pitch in relief. He’ll start this season coming out of the bullpen for the Timber Rattlers and see where that takes him.
The Timber Rattlers will open their season on Thursday night at home against Cedar Rapids (6:35pm first pitch).