Tyler Graham Explained

Tyler Graham
Current Title:Assistant head coach
Current Team:Michigan
Current Conference:Big Ten
Player Positions:Outfielder
Birth Date:25 January 1984
Birth Place:Great Falls, Montana, U.S.
Alma Mater:Oregon State University
Player Years1:2012
Player Team1:Arizona Diamondbacks
Coach Years1:2023–present
Coach Team1:Michigan (asst.)

Tyler Lewis Graham (born January 25, 1984) is an American former professional baseball outfielder and current assistant head coach for the Michigan Wolverines. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Career

Graham went to Charles M. Russell High School in Great Falls, Montana.[1] He attended Oregon State University, where he played college baseball for the Oregon State Beavers baseball team, competing in the Pacific-10 Conference. Graham was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 14th round (430th overall) of the 2005 Major League Baseball Draft following his junior season at Oregon State, but he opted not to sign, returning to Oregon State for his senior season.

In 2006, Oregon State won the College World Series, and Graham made the final out in center field on a fly ball to close out the deciding game three. The Giants drafted Graham in the 19th round (566th overall) of the 2006 Major League Baseball Draft following his senior season, and he signed.

With the Fresno Grizzlies of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League, Graham set a team record with 60 stolen bases in 2011. The Giants added him to the 40 man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft after the 2011 season.[2]

He was designated for assignment by the Giants on May 1, 2012, and he signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks on May 14.[3] He made his major league debut with the Diamondbacks on September 7, 2012.[4]

On November 3, Graham was released by the Diamondbacks. He had shoulder surgery at the end of the month, but came back in time to start the season with the York Revolution of the Atlantic League.[5]

In 2013, Graham played for York, the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks and the Winnipeg Goldeyes of the American Association, and the Rojos del Águila de Veracruz of the Mexican League. Graham spent the final season of his playing career in the San Francisco Giants organization.[6]

Coaching career

Graham spent the 2015 and 2016 seasons as an undergrad assistant for the Oregon State Beaver baseball team.[7] He spent 2017 through 2019 as the director of player development for Oregon State. Graham also coached in the Western Canadian Baseball League for the Okotoks Dawgs and in the Golden State Collegiate Baseball League for the Medford Rogues.[8]

Graham was hired by the Texas Rangers organization to serve as a coach for the Nashville Sounds in 2020.[9]

On July 26, 2023, Graham was named assistant head coach for Michigan.[10]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: CMR's Gustafson among new inductees to MHSA Athletes' Hall of Fame. April 25, 2018. Great Falls Tribune. December 10, 2019.
  2. Web site: Six Former SJ Giants Added To 40-Man Roster. MiLB.com. November 21, 2011. December 10, 2019.
  3. Web site: Arizona Diamondbacks activate Willie Bloomquist and Josh Collmenter in list of moves. September 1, 2012. Arizona Sports 98.7 FM. December 10, 2019.
  4. Web site: Tyler Graham's promotion brings Beavers' MLB total to 26. December 10, 2019. September 10, 2012. John Hunt. The Oregonian.
  5. Web site: York Revolution outfielder Tyler Graham in need of a fresh start. York Daily Record. Jim Seip. April 8, 2013. dead. https://archive.today/20130707092500/http://www.ydr.com/sports/ci_22982149/york-revolution-outfielder-tyler-graham-need-fresh-start. July 7, 2013.
  6. Web site: Down on the Farm: Tyler Graham glad to be back with Giants. Scott Mansch. Great Falls Tribune. April 19, 2014. December 10, 2019.
  7. Web site: Tyler Graham coaching bio. Oregon State Beavers baseball. December 9, 2019.
  8. Web site: Tyler Graham named new Medford Rogues head coach. KTVL. October 20, 2017. News 10. December 10, 2019.
  9. Web site: Former Ranger Bobby Wilson hired as manager at Double-A Frisco, Matt Hagen promoted to field coordinator. MLB.com. December 9, 2019. December 9, 2019.
  10. Web site: Michigan Elevates Graham to Assistant Baseball Coach . . MGoBlue.com . Conor . Stemme . July 26, 2023 . July 26, 2023.