Chris Ripple recently completed his second season as an assistant coach for the Grand Valley State baseball team. Ripple will focus on developing the Laker pitchers.
Ripple joins the coaching staff after a three-year career at GVSU. Â After redshirting in 2012 and spending much of 2013 as a utility player, Ripple assumed the role of closer in 2014. As a senior, he appeared in 23 games, all as a reliever, and posted a 1.93 earned run average, 12 saves and 20 strikeouts in 23.1 innings of work. His 12 saves were the third-most by a Laker in a single season. At season's end, Ripple was voted onto the All-GLIAC Second Team and American Baseball Coaches Association All-Midwest Region FIrst Team. He garnered a Daktronics, Inc. All-Midwest Region First Team laurel as well.
Prior to GVSU, Ripple spent one season at Oakton Community College, where he hit .401 with three home runs and 16 doubles. Those numbers earned him all-region and Rawlings Gold Glove all-region plaudits. He also helped Oakton win a sectional championship.Â
Ripple's junior college career also included one season at Augustana College in 2010.Â
A native of Morton Grove, Illinois, Ripple prepped at Maine East High School. In his four years at Maine East, he garnered two all-conference and all-area accolades, team most valuable pitcher and team most valuable player awards.
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