Reed Rainey will take the field as new baseball coach

Reed Rainey will take over as the new head coach for the Outlaws baseball team, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge, both as a player and as a coach.

Rainey has big plans for the Outlaws and the future of the Outlaws baseball program. Pitching and defense are at the top of his list, and he told The Nugget that the Outlaws will be very good in terms of pitching and defense. One of the hallmarks of Rainey's teams has been that they throw strikes, pitch aggressively, and play good solid defense.

Rainey shared with The Nugget what the Outlaws will be like next season.

"Offensively, we will be aggressive at the plate, and we will put pressure on the opponents by being highly skilled at base-running, playing the short game, and taking advantage of situational opportunities," said Rainey. "We will play with confidence, which comes from practicing hard, and being well-versed in the fundamentals of the game. We will hustle, play hard, never quit, and play the game with passion. Baseball will be fun."

The Outlaws have a group of returning players, and Rainey is excited about the season ahead.

"I'm optimistic that our pitching and defense will be able to lead us into the playoffs," said Rainey. "I don't know enough about our team overall to make any predictions about success, but we will play the game the right way, compete as hard as we can, and have a lot of fun along the way, and will continue the rich tradition of Outlaws baseball."

Rainey also plans to work with staff and players to further youth baseball in the community. Rainey told The Nugget that he feels it's imperative to be involved in the community, so that younger players will feel connected to Outlaws baseball, and aspire to play as they get older. Reed added that increasing participation numbers is important to him, as well as building an exciting summer program that encompasses all levels of play.

The coach brings a wealth of experience with him.

Rainey was a standout athlete at West Albany High School, and was a three-year letter-winner in baseball. He was an all-league player as a senior, and played in the State-Metro All Star Series, where he went 6-2 as a pitcher. He batted .400 and knocked in 31 RBIs. In 1980, he was voted West Albany's High School Athlete of the Year.

Reed was also a three-year letter-winner in football, and started for the team all three years. In basketball, he was a two-year letter-winner.

After high school, Rainey attended Washington State University, and was the Buck Bailey Award winner, an award given to the most outstanding pitcher. He earned this award in both 1983 and 1984. Reed set 12 single season/career pitching records, some of which still stand 32 years later. Rainey was a member of the Pac-10 All Star team that traveled to Haarlem, The Netherlands, for International Honkbalweek in

1984.

After an impressive high school and collegiate career, Rainey began his coaching career, and has coached at both the high school and college levels. Reed's coaching experience included: assistant coach/pitching coach at the University of Nevada, head baseball coach at Reno High School, and head baseball coach at Western Oregon University. He was also the assistant coach, pitching coach, and associate athletic director at Portland State University, the head baseball coach at Lewis and Clark College, and recently head baseball coach at Central High School.

Reed and his wife, Martha, come to Sisters as a blended family, which includes six children that range in age from 18 to 30. The Raineys are familiar with Sisters, realize it's rich in baseball tradition, and want to continue that trend.

"Coach Steve Hodges has done a tremendous job building the program, and the success he has had here is a testament to him, his staff, and all of the players who have participated," said Rainey. "I want to continue to build on the tradition that Coach Hodges, and those before him, have established.

"The Sisters community loves their baseball, and is very supportive of all of the sports and activities we have," added Rainey. "I love the small-town atmosphere, and have a passion for Central Oregon. I want to make Outlaw baseball games an event that people in the community want to come watch and be a part of. Our new baseball field will be one of the best playing fields in Central Oregon. The setting is absolutely beautiful, and I am excited to have an abundance of home games this year to open our new facility."