An original Bogey, Gregory Simmons returns for a fourth season
West End native Gregory Simmons is looking forward to his fourth season with the Bogeys. While he is currently focusing on his junior season at Brevard College, his excitement for another Bogeys season is on the rise.
“I’m excited to continue to play with friends that I have lived around and played with most of my life,” said Simmons.
Simmons is the only player that has been with the Bogeys since the beginning. “I find it exciting that I am the last one from the 2022 Inaugural season, the championship team,” he said . Simmons, a left handed pitcher, was a workhorse in 2022 and has been a staple on the Bogeys pitching staff since.
Simmons goal is to help the team make a third championship series appearance and win their second in the four years the club has existed. “Playing with the Bogeys is about having a good time and enjoying ourselves while still having the goal of winning another championship,” said Simmons.
Coach Andy Fox is in his second year coaching the Bogeys. Simmons earned the trust of Fox last season and looks forward to continuing to be mentored by him. “ Coach Fox is supportive of my craft. He mentored me and taught me how to handle certain situations on the mound,” said Simmons “That’s one thing I love about playing for the Bogeys, I can learn and work on things for my school team.”
“I’m excited to have Greg back this summer,” said Fox. “Smart young man. He was a big part of our pitching staff last summer, and we look forward to Greg adding both veteran depth to our staff and mentoring younger pitchers".
There are a lot of exciting changes coming this summer and every night is going to be fun for the whole family. Simmons is ready for opening day on May 29th. “Families always have a fun time at our games. It can get loud.” said Simmons. “You don’t even have to enjoy baseball to enjoy a night out at the park. Watching the Bogeys brings the best out of everyone. Our fanbase, especially the kids, make every night special”
Simmons is one of 13 players from last year's team returning for the 2025 season. "Having Gregory coming back for this season is special. Old Man Bogey Simmons" laughed Bogey's General Manager, Jay Francis. "We have more returners than any team in the Old North State League. All our returners gave the same reasons: a raucous, fun game day atmosphere, Coach Fox's managerial style and the special bond that is formed with their host families."
Simmons is eligible to play for the Bogeys a fifth season next year. “We have to focus on this year first, but I would like to come back and finish my baseball career where I started playing here, in front of family and friends in Moore County,” said Simmons “I would love to play all five seasons. Maybe they'll give me a parade!" joked Simmons "Have a big ceremony and retire my Bogeys number 29 jersey.”
Simmons and the Sandhills Bogeys open their season at Dempsey Diamond at Bogey Ballpark on the campus of Sandhills Community College on May 29th, versus the Coastal Coconuts.
For more information contact Jay Francis, General Manager jay@sandhillsbogeys.com
contributed.
