GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – Coppin State pitcher
Dillon Kirksey, who is playing his summer ball with the Greeneville Flyboys, has been named the team's nominee for the Appalachian League's Humanitarian of the Year Award. The award is given to the player who makes the most notable community contributions through volunteer work and service projects during the season.
Kirksey is one of eight nominees across the league which will announce its award winner at a later date. This summer, Kirksey has volunteered in several kids' camps, taken courses in CPR, attended financial advising classes and always says yes to sign autographs and take photos with fans.
"Dillon is the kind of student-athlete that every coach hopes to have in their program," said Coppin State head coach
Sherman Reed. "He represents Coppin State, the Greeneville Flyboys and his family with integrity and a genuine commitment to serving others. This nomination reflects the character, leadership, and selflessness that he demonstrates every day, and we couldn't be prouder to see him recognized as Greeneville's nominee for the Appalachian League Humanitarian of the Year Award."
A rising senior from Ridgefield, Wash., Kirksey was the Eagles' top starting pitcher this past season, going 3-6 with a team-best 6.69 earned run average while striking out 58 batters in 72.2 innings of work. The opening day starter for the Eagles, Kirksey picked up his wins over NEC rivals Mercyhurst, Le Moyne and Central Connecticut State and got through seven innings in three other starts, holding the lead in each.
This summer, Kirksey has gone 2-3 with a 6.28 ERA, striking out 28 batters in 38.2 innings over nine starts. Kirksey earned the win in his last outing on Wednesday, tossing five shutout innings while allowing just two hits and striking out three.
