Georgia Sports Communications
For Immediate Release
Oct. 6, 2009

ATHENS-----Former University of Georgia All-America pitcher Brian Powell passed away Monday at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. He was 35.

Powell, a native of Bainbridge, Ga., was a three-year letterman for the Bulldogs from 1993-95. In his Bulldog career, he appeared in 50 games with 48 starts, going 19-14 with a 3.80 ERA. He ranks second in school history with 17 complete games, 352 strikeouts and five shutouts. In 1995, he led the Southeastern Conference in strikeouts (138); innings pitched (147) and was second in complete games (7).

Powell was a second round pick (41st overall selection) of the Detroit Tigers in the 1995 MLB draft and reached the Major Leagues in 1998. He enjoyed a six-year career in the Majors, pitching for Detroit, Houston, San Francisco and Philadelphia.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 8 at the Bainbridge Church of God with pastor Dan Tomberlin officiating. Interment will follow at West Bainbridge Cemetery with Jason Andrews, Pete Arenas, Rodney Close, Stan Killough, Greg McDonald and Chris Bibby serving as active pallbearers.

Powell is survived by his wife, Glee Putnal Powell and their three children, Will, Chloe and Bree Powell; his mother, Brenda Powell; his sister, Leah Bibby and her husband Chris; his maternal grandmother, Jewel Addison Powell; three nieces; one nephew, his maternal uncle Charles Ingram; and several aunts and uncles. The family will receive friends Wednesday, Oct. 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Ivey Funeral Home.

Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.iveyfuneral.com.

Born Oct. 10, 1973, Brian was the son of Larry and Brenda Powell. He was a 1992 graduate of Bainbridge High School and was a third-round draft pick of the California Angels. He opted to attend Georgia and went on to earn Freshman All-America honors after going 6-2 with a 2.77 ERA in 1993. His other Bulldog career highlights included playing on the 1994 USA National Team, pitching a no-hitter his sophomore year, twice earning Mizuno/Collegiate Baseball National Player of the Week honors and was a 1995 First Team preseason All-America selection by Baseball America. As a junior in 1995, he earned All-Southeastern Conference Second Team honors, posting an 8-4 mark and 3.61 ERA and then signed with the Tigers.

After retiring from professional baseball in 2005, he owned and operated South Georgia Sports, attended Bainbridge Church of God and enjoyed spending time with his family.