Vanderbilt transfer Richie Goodenow’s opportunity to show his prowess on the pitching mound for the Bisons this year has the baseball team optimistic.
“I’m excited to have him on the staff,” said junior pitcher Josh Cotham. “I know he is going to do a lot of great things for us.”
For the Commodores last season, Goodenow went 3-1 with a 2.23 ERA. He made 31 mound appearances for Vandy and was named MVP of the NCAA Louisville Regional All-Tournament team for his outstanding bullpen work.
Goodenow said he doesn’t know what his role will be on the Bisons hurling staff but that his main focus is doing what’s best for the team.
“I think all pitchers just want to get out there and do their best, wherever that may be,” Goodenow said.
After graduating from Vandy last year, he had one year of college eligibility remaining. Going to graduate school was important. But so was playing out his years as a baseball pitcher.
“I didn’t want to put myself and my family through the stress of tuition, but I still wanted to play,” Goodenow said.
Being from Nashville, Goodenow knew Lipscomb and said he was happy to have an opportunity to stay in town; he’ll be pursuing graduate work with the conflict management program.
As a courtesy to Goodenow, Lipscomb and Vanderbilt have taken each other off their schedules.
“I don’t really have any emotions about it,” Goodenow said. ”I respect both programs and both coaches. I appreciate the respect they both have for me.”
Junior Commodore hurler Navery Moore lists himself among those who respect the new Bisons pitcher.
“Everybody on the team loves him,” Moore said. “We were all so surprised when he decided to transfer.”