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WE ARE RHEA COUNTY THE SOURCE FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS HEALTH CELEBRATING OUR VETERANS GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
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Hometown hero faces Lookouts  Rhea County minor leaguer Cory Gearrin pitched a shut out eighth inning Thursday night for the Class AA Mississippi Braves who were visiting the Chattanooga Lookouts at AT&T Field. Dozens of former teachers, coaches, neighbors and friends were on hand to witness the event.
Author: Cathy Barnes Close to 100 Rhea Countians were on hand at AT&T Field this week to see a local hero come home.
Mississippi Braves relief pitcher and Dayton native Cory Gearrin signed autographs and shook hands with family and friends as well as former teachers, neighbors and classmates before each game of the five-game series with the Chattanooga Lookouts. Gearrin is in his third year with the Braves farm system, having spent stints at Danville, Va., Rome, Ga., and Myrtle Beach, S.C. This series marked his closest appearance to the county line, however, and the town flocked to see the former Rhea County High School Golden Eagle who's flown the nest. "It's great to see the people who have helped get me where I am," Gearrin said. "It's always great seeing anybody come out to watch me, but it really means a whole lot coming home and being able to play in front of family and friends. "Me being here is a testament to the schools, teachers and coaches in Rhea County being able to get you here - that it's what you want to put into it. I wouldn't be here without them," he added. Gearrin has made the most of his God-given abilities, currently holding the second lowest ERA on the Mississippi Braves staff at 2.61. Thursday night he was given the opportunity to showcase that talent in front of his hometown crowd, striking out two and allowing only one hit in a shutout eighth inning. Though the Braves lost 6-2, the Gearrin-faithful went home happy having gotten to see a young man realizing the dream of every player to ever don a baseball uniform. "I've been really blessed, and I'm very thankful," Gearrin said. "My advice to young players is when you get your opportunity, put the most you can in it. It takes a lot of practice and performing at the right time." Cathy Barnes can be contacted at cathy.barnes@rheaheraldnews.com.
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