Appearing in 14 games to date this season, freshman Sonny Gray has become a vital part of the Commodores' pitching rotation from the start and our Vanderbilt men's Freshman of the Year. Gray recorded his first career win in game two of doubleheader action against Ole Miss in the middle of March, holding the Rebels to one run throughout three and two-thirds innings of work, consequently securing a 7-6 win for Vanderbilt.
Despite earning his first loss of the season in a tough outing against Southeastern Conference foe Alabama on Friday night, Gray has shown a promising maturity and confidence while on the mound. While the Smyrna native (3-1) notched impressive wins against Florida and Middle Tennessee this season, Gray has made the most impact while in the relief role.
Transitioning from high school ball to collegiate and conference play is often an overwhelming process for pitchers. However, Gray has found success in working with Commodores' pitching coach Derek Johnson to pinpoint the location of his fastball, changeup and curve.
While Gray's physical strength and arm speed has played a vital role in his successes, his mental game sets the freshman apart. Gray's determination, knowledge of the sport and desire to win has made the right-handed pitcher a volatile threat to opposing lineups.
In fact, winning is nothing new to Gray. In high school baseball play, the four-year starter and varsity letter winner helped the Smyrna Bulldogs to a No. 3 Tennessee state ranking during the 2007 season.
In the end, it was the combination of Gray's physical talent and intangible assets that got the pitcher noticed by major league scouts. Ranked as the 52nd draft prospect by Baseball America, the freshman was drafted in the 27th round of the 2008 First-Year Draft by the Chicago Cubs organization. However, Gray chose to attend and play for Vanderbilt over signing with the Chicago Cubs at the end of his senior year of high school.
With impressive pitching form, mental savvy and a competitive drive, Gray will be a crucial asset in the Commodores' pitching staff over the course of his collegiate career.
Honorable Mentions:
Jeff Taylor, Brad Tinsley, Lance Goulbourne and Steve Tchiengang, men's basketball
Best-ever recruiting class, Taylor and Tinsley were two of the team's top scorers, Goulbourne and Tchiengang had major roles off the bench, despite being nation's eighth least-experienced team, Commodores finished 19-12 and overcame 1-5 start to conference play to finish 8-8
Alex DiValerio, men's tennis
Bright spot in difficult year for tennis team, 5-3 dual mark and 3-2 record in SEC play, earned victories at singles against No. 4 Tennessee and No. 5 Georgia, at doubles against Kentucky
Casey Hayward, football
Talented cornerback saw limited, albeit significant action during the season and made the most of it, forced critical fumble in victory against Ole Miss, played outstanding defense in relief of D.J. Moore in Music City Bowl win
