EVENSVILLE, Tenn. (WRCB) -- Atlanta Braves' pitcher Cory Gearrin was named this year's Bill Lucas Award winner as the organization's minor leaguer who exhibits the best character and sportsmanship.
It's not hard to see why.
The former Rhea County High standout was the featured special guest at a fundraiser for the school's baseball team on Friday night, one day before he is set to travel to Turner Field in Atlanta to receive his award.
"That award is just such an honor for me having known who Bill Lucas is and what he meant to the sport, the team and the community down there," Gearrin said. "It's an event I've been looking forward to since they told me about it, and I can't wait to give the recognition back to those who have helped me."
That starts with the folks back home in Evensville.
The right-handed reliever signed autographs and gave the keynote address at a banquet, in addition to being honored as the first RCHS alum to make it to the Majors.
"The season is such a grind and we're constantly going, so you don't get to see as many people as you like other than from time to time," Gearrin said of his return. "To be able to come back for an event like this where so many people are coming out to support the baseball team and this community, it's a real blessing for me.
"I love it here. This is my home. I love the people here, so to come home is always a joy. It's an honor to be here because it's thanks to these people and this community I've been able to achieve my dreams."
Former University of Tennessee quarterback and fellow Rhea County grad Andy Kelly emceed the event, which helped raise money for new team equipment and the construction of new facilities and batting cages.
Gearrin, who is also scheduled to be in Chattanooga for the Braves' annual caravan stop on February 9, will open spring training next month in Florida as a member of Atlanta's 40-man roster. That means he has a great shot of starting the season with the Major League club.
"It's such an honor just to say I'm a Major Leaguer, but now you have to look at how to make it a year-to-year thing," he said. "You want to continue to help your team and keep doing what you've always loved doing, so that's the mentality you have to take.
"It was a thrill to step on that field last year, but now the goal is to continue to progress and develop your abilities and help the team win a World Series. Until your career is over, it's tough to step back and say 'Wow, look what I've done.'"
Gearrin made his MLB debut for the Braves on April 25, 2011, pitching two scoreless innings on the road in San Diego. He appeared in 18 games this past season out of the bullpen for Atlanta, going 1-1 with a 7.85 ERA in 18.1 innings. The right-handed side-armer struck out 25 batters while giving up 17 hits and 12 walks.
