Pitcher Douglas honored

By Daimon Eklund
American Sports Writer

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Former University of Southern Mississippi baseball pitcher Shea Douglas is still earning honors.

A starting pitcher in his Southern Miss days, the past two seasons Douglas has been a relief pitcher in the Cleveland Indians' minor league system. Recently, USA Today Sports Weekly named Douglas the minor league co-closer of the year.

Pitching for the Class A Lake County Captains, along with a brief stint with the AA Akron Aeros, the left-handed Douglas had 10 saves with a 1.42 earned run average in 89 innings pitched and holding batters to a .159 average.

"It seems like as soon as I hit the minor leagues something just clicked with me," Douglas said. "It's probably just maturity."

Douglas said he quickly adjusted to the move to the bullpen when he started playing professional ball.

"I'm usually able to have the pitches when I need them. Maybe putting me in the bullpen is what made my overall control and everything step up a notch," Douglas said. "I feel like I can be the go-to guy when men are on base."

Douglas reports for spring training March 7.

<a href='http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/news/stories/20040122/southernmissnews/276927.html' target='_blank'>HATTIESBURG AMERICAN: Douglas named top closer</a>