Lee University baseball coach Mark Brew has announced that Richie Goodenow has agreed to become the new pitching coach for his Flames. Goodenow replaces coach Drew French who recently accepted a position with the Houston Astros organization.
 
Goodenow is a former left-handed pitcher for the powerful Vanderbilt University baseball program and also spent one season at Lipscomb University. He received a degree in Sociology at Vandy and a Master's Degree in Conflict Management/Negotiation from Lipscomb.
 
During the 2010 NCAA Regional, Goodenow was named the MVP after hurling a 2-hit shutout against the University of Louisville. Also in 2010, he paced the Commodores in appearances (31) and in 44.1 innings, he recorded 47 strikeouts and only issued 12 walks.
 
 "We are really excited for coach French and this new opportunity with the Astros organization," said coach Brew. "He did an excellent job with our staff over the last 2 ½ years.  We wish him the best as he and wife Kate enter this new challenge in their lives."
 
With the Lee baseball season opening the first week in February, the Lee coach wasted no time in hiring Goodenow, who had spent the fall coaching at the University of Dubuque (Iowa).
 
"We are very pleased to have found a pitching coach of Richie's caliber in the middle of the year," noted Brew. "He came very highly recommended from coaches I respect immensely. His knowledge-base is excellent and he is a well-respected young coach.  His blue-collar work ethic and how much he has improved as a pitching coach in a short period of time are some of the things that attracted me most."
 
Brew added, "Coach Goodenow fits well into the culture of excellence in our program and university. I look forward to working alongside him as he and wife Lesley join the Lee University family and Cleveland community."
 
Goodenow said he the opportunity to become a Lee coach was "unbelievable. "I grew up in the southeast (Nashville) and played baseball in this region. I look forward to working with coach Brew and (Justin) Dedman. They have a great set-up here and I feel like we are ready to win championships.


Goodenow said his wife had family in the Chattanooga. "I really like Cleveland," he added. "I have actually played in this park (Olympic Field) a few times. When coach Brew contacted me, I didn't waste any time throwing my hat into the ring."
 
The new pitching coach has already began working with his crop of Lee pitchers. "I've shown them a few different things and they have shown a willingness to learn. I feel like I learned under the best at Vandy. I'm excited to be working with this group. They want to be a part of a winning team. We have some good arms and I feel like they already know they will have to bring it every day."
 
The Flames will officially open the 2016 season when they host Albany State (Ga.) on Feb. 6 at Olympic Field.