The Los Angeles Dodgers have been busy so far this offseason, adding a top-end piece to their roster with the signing of Blake Snell and announcing a contract extension with Tommy Edman as they prepare to defend the 2024 World Series title.
Meanwhile, a number of players have made the rounds on podcasts and late-night shows, while others have attended sporting events in the Los Angeles area. Most notably, the World Series trophy made its way to SoFi stadium for the Rams and Chargers games, with players and coaches among those in attendance.
On Friday, Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior returned to his alma mater in support of the USC women’s volleyball team for senior night at the Galen Center.
Prior’s ties to volleyball are through his daughters, Amanda and Caitlin, both of whom are in their respective journeys in the sport.
Prior attended the University of Southern California from 2000-2001. He went 15-1 with a 1.69 ERA and an NCAA-best 202 strikeouts over 138.2 innings in his final collegiate season, which garnered significant interest for the MLB Draft.
The right-hander was selected by the Chicago Cubs with the second overall pick in 2001 and, following his playing career, was inducted into the USC Athletics Hall of Fame in 2015.
Prior joined the Dodgers in 2018 as their bullpen coach, and has since risen to a prominent spot among the best pitching coaches in baseball, consistently producing eye-popping stats as a complete unit.
Mark Prior accolades during USC career
Due to his performance in 2001, Prior earned the Golden Spikes Award after a campaign that led USC to the College World Series. He became the first player in USC history to receive the honor.
Prior was tabbed with seven national player of the year awards because of his 2001 season, including the Baseball America College Player of the Year Award and the Dick Howser Trophy, presented to the top college player.
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