THOMASVILLE, Ga. – Thomas University’s Monte Reese made the next step in his baseball career this weekend signing as a free agent with the Atlanta Braves. The Stone, Mountain, Ga., native has been assigned to the Gulf Coast League in Orlando, Fla., where he will begin his journey to the majors.
“When I signed it truly felt like a dream come true,” stated Reese. “I’m extremely thankful for the time and investment my professors and coaches put into me at Thomas and for all the help and support they gave me along the way. Between balancing practices, games, grades, and studies, I believe the investment is now worth the effort I put in.”
Reese began his collegiate career at Chattahoochee Valley Community College before transferring to Georgia Perimeter College for his sophomore season. While at CVCC, Reese made six appearances, compiling a 2-1 record and 24 strikeouts in 19.2 innings of work. The right-hander had a career year for the GPC Jaguars going 7-0 during the 2012 season. He compiled a 1.98 ERA, striking out 65 of the 198 batters he faced. Opponents batted a mere .197 against the hurler during his sophomore campaign.
Monte then transferred to Thomas his junior season. During the 2015 campaign, Reese compiled a 5-7 record, striking out 68 of the 253 batters he faced in his 15 appearances. Reese’s highlight of the season came in the Night Hawks’ 3-0 victory over Montreat College. The right-hander threw a dominating, one-hit performance taking a no hitter into the top of the seventh. In his 6.2 innings of work, Reese struck out 10 of the 24 batters he faced. For this performance, Reese was named the Sun Conference Pitcher of the Week for Feb. 9-15.
“We are extremely proud of Monte and his signing with the Braves,” commented head baseball coach Mike Lee. “Our team grows each year, and this opportunity helps enhance the program along with our recruiting, success, and growth for years to come. I look forward to seeing Monte continue his progression in his career and movement to the big stage in the future.”
Reese now heads to Orlando where he will join the GCL Braves to begin the remainder of the GCL short season and the start to his post collegiate career.
***Thomas University Athletics
