Gravdahl Makes Pro Debut For RedHawks

Article reprinted courtesy of Fargo Forum and reporter Andrew Haugland. Picture courtesy of Fargo Forum photographer Dave Samson.


FARGO — It was a memorable day for Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks outfielder Andy Gravdahl on Thursday afternoon at Newman Outdoor Field.

Gravdahl made his professional baseball debut, helping the RedHawks capture a 6-0 American Association win over the Gary SouthShore Railcats. The opportunity came out of the blue.

"I was actually at work this morning when I got the text," Gravdahl said. "So, I got like 40 minutes to rush into it."

Originally from West Fargo, Gravdahl said the quick turnaround prompted him to send a quick text to his parents about the game.

"I said invite whoever you want, but I can't get you tickets," Gravdahl said. "It's a little too late."

Gravdahl graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead and sits atop the Cobbers' all-time list with 197 career hits, surpassing his then-coach and now-manager Chris Coste as the program's all-time hits leader.

"I've been with (Coste) for the last five years and get to play for him a little bit longer," Gravdahl said. "It helped me relax a little better seeing him over at third again instead of someone else."

He said in addition to Coste, having RedHawks bench coach Anthony Renz in the dugout also made the transition to pro ball a little easier. Renz served as an assistant coach for Coste at Concordia and last month took the reins as the new head coach of the Cobbers.

Gravdahl finished 0 for 3 with a walk in his RedHawks debut and said the game moves a little bit faster at Newman Outdoor Field than at Bucky Burgau Field on Concordia's campus.

"There's going to be a lot of different adjustments made," Gravdahl said. "It's a different level. I've got to relax and take some of the weight off my shoulders."

Coste said pitching velocity is a key difference between Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play and the American Association. Gary SouthShore starter Joan Valdez threw in the mid-90s with a hard-breaking offspeed pitch and is a high-caliber player in the American Association.

Gravdahl and North Dakota State's Tristen Roehrich both signed deals with Fargo-Moorhead after completing their collegiate careers in the spring.

Gravdahl joins the RedHawks organization at a time when star players like Manny Boscan and John Silviano are dealing with injuries.

"We've kind of had our eye on a situation like this," Coste said of his former player joining the team. "Unfortunately, he hasn't played a lot recently and is coming off a little bit of an injury. It's pretty exciting anytime you see one of your guys out there. You really want them to do well."

Coste has made notice of the attributes that Gravdahl brings to the RedHawks.

"It's not that he's just a good player, he's got a certain skill-set that translates at this level," Coste said. "There's nothing in athletics that he hasn't dealt with, whether it be injury, adversity, stress or pressure. If you know (Gravdahl), there's nobody better in the brain in that regard. He can handle anything that comes his way."

Gravdahl said he looks forward to playing with his new teammates.

"It's great to be with these guys," Gravdahl said. "They're a great group and they have a great culture here. I know they've got my back no matter what happens."