Restoring dominance

Matt Rock / Culpeper Star Exponent
Published: August 4, 2007

Back in 2002, mere days before graduation, Culpeper County High School senior Bryan Coffey had just been drafted by the then Montreal Expos. Here's an excerpt on Coffey from the Star-Exponent June 6, 2002:

"Coffey, who will be graduating from Culpeper County High School on Saturday, throws in the 90 mile-per-hour range. Along with his fastball, Coffey also possesses … several good off-speed pitches which will continue to give opposing batters trouble."

Selected in the 40th round, 1187th overall, the right-handed pitcher chose to attend Louisburg College, a private two-year school, before going straight to the minor leagues. To put it in perspective, Coffey was drafted 21 spots ahead of current Boston Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon.

"Just the way it works, I guess," Coffey said. "I had a couple downfalls with surgery, but you never know, I'm 23, I've still got a little bit of time."

Before he started his college career, though, Coffey had surgery on his pitching arm right after high school.

"Pre-injury Bryan was clearly the best pitcher in this (Apple Valley) League," Red Devils manager Jim Rutkowski said.

"Despite his injury, Bryan never stopped being a part of this team, which speaks more of his character than anything else."

After his two years at Louisburg, he had another surgery on his arm and went to Christopher Newport University, where he spent one year.

"My arm just wasn't right," Coffey said. "So I didn't go back."
Now with the Red Devils, Coffey has been playing mainly in left field, while pitching where he can.

"If I had nine Bryan Coffeys we'd have an incredible team," Rutkowski said. "He's always prepared to play, will do anything that's asked and gives you 100 percent every time.

On July 15 he made his first start since his last surgery, pitching four innings and getting a win against Berryville.

"It's great to see him on the mound again," Rutkowski said. "I hope we'll see him out there again before the season ends."

Despite his prior surgeries, Coffey has been doing well with the Red Devils.

"Bryan's had a decent year so far, although he does seem to be battling a few arm problems," Rutkowski said. "He's been hitting well, sometimes for power. When he's pitched he's been impressive, his outfield play is always very consistent."

Coffey has been working to get his arm back into shape.

"Pretty much just throwing right now," Coffey said. If I'm going to get serious about it I need to start working more."

As far as Coffey's baseball future is concerned, don't be surprised what may come next.

"Now I'm working, hoping to get my arm back in shape, maybe go back," Coffey said. "It's a lot better."

His manager wouldn't be surprised at all.

"Never count out Bryan Coffey," Rutkowski said. "His heart and determination are great assets. I hope somebody will give him that opportunity."

Matt Rock can be reached at .