Coke Helps Firefighters

Sugar Pine, CA - World Series pitcher Phil Coke is helping out firefighters in the Mother Lode.

Coke, a Tuolumne County native, will be greeting fans at the Mi Wuk/Sugar Pine fire station today (Saturday) and signing around 50 World Series baseballs, with proceeds going to the fire department.

Coke was a part of last year's World Series Champion New York Yankees, and was traded to the Detroit Tigers this offseason.

"The trade was definitely a shock because I grew up in the Yankees system," says Coke. "At the same time, it is more than likely a blessing in disguise."

The Tigers are considering moving Coke from the bullpen to the starting rotation next season.

"When I go back there I'm going to make sure I give it everything I got and see if I can lock down that job," adds Coke. "If not I can always go back to the bullpen and contribute there."

"I'm not really worried about it, as long as I have someone give me a ball and tell me to ‘go get em,'" says Coke.

Coke will be at the Mi Wuk fire station between 11am-3pm. The cost for one of the World Series autographed baseballs will be $25. Other items can be signed for $15. Those who donate will also have a chance to get a picture taken with Coke.

Written by bjhansen@mlode.com.