Gateway Grizzlies manager Phil Warren has made his first signing of the offseason, inking pitcher Drew Bryson to his first professional contract on Thursday. 

Bryson, a 22-year-old left-handed pitcher, wrapped up his collegiate career at Division II University of West Florida in 2013.

“We’re excited to add Drew to our 2014 Spring Training roster,” Warren said.  “UWF has an outstanding baseball program and Drew performed at a high level there.”

Bryson went 6-2 with a 2.93 ERA in 2013, while starting a team-best 15 games.  The Vinemont, AL native pitched a team-high 89 innings with 60 strikeouts and only 19 walks. 

During his career, Bryson went 11-3 in two years at UWF, finishing fifth in school history with a .786 winning percentage.  He also finished fifth in school history with 1.98 walks per nine innings in his career.

The 5-10 180-pound hurler is able to pitch in the rotation or out of the bullpen.  He comes from the same University as Grizzlies starting pitcher Jake Stephens, who enjoyed a successful 2013 rookie season after being signed on July 1st. 

Bryson and Stephens led West Florida to a 39-14 2013 season, in which they finished ranked fifth at NCAA Division II.