Richards Signs with Gateway

RHP/OF Kyle Richards has been signed by the Gateway Grizzlies of the Frontier League. Richards (24), was a late addition to the AWL this past season, after stints in the USPBL and the Kansas City T-Bones of the American Association. Although he joined mid-season, he arrived with a purpose, to focus instead pitching. After spending the previous couple of seasons solely focusing on improving as a hitter and outfielder, Kyle decided to make a change. Prior to the AWL, Richards hadn't pitched since Little League, but thought it was worth a shot.

During his time at the AWL, Kyle went 1-0 with a 3.21 ERA in 14 innings pitched. Many of the coaches were impressed with what Kyle brought to the table, despite the recent switch to the mound.

Following the AWL, Kyle was signed by the Pacers of the Thoroughbred League where he went 5-0 with 4 saves and was named an All-Star for his efforts. After coming in at around 85 mph during the AWL, Richards was now slinging it at a cool 92 mph only months later. With his hard work and the improvements he was able to make in such a short period of time, Kyle finally got the call he had been waiting for. The Gateway Grizzlies of the Frontier League were ready to sign him.

Richards is truly one of the more inspiring stories of the AWL given the amount of improvement he has made over the last six months and is proof that it never hurts to try new things.

We wish Kyle the best of luck with the Grizzlies!