Wingate University Athletics

Grout was named to the NJCAA All-American baseball team following his sophomore season for head coach and fellow WU Hall of Fame member Steve Poston. Grout hit .485 with 21 home runs and 67 RBI his second Wingate season. He was named the Eastern District MVP and Big Stick Award winner his sophomore year, helping the Bulldogs compile a 31-11 overall record in 1978.

"I had a fantastic experience during my time at Wingate," Grout says. "The University was wonderful and exactly what I needed at that point in my life. Coach Poston did a great job with the baseball team. We were very competitive and I made several lifelong friends from that team. Great memories!"

Grout was named All-District and All-Conference two years each for the Bulldogs. He was drafted by the L.A. Dodgers in the sixth round of the 1977 MLB January draft prior to his freshman season. Following his sophomore campaign, Grout was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 13th round of the 1978 MLB June draft.

Grout played five years in the minor leagues (1978-82), logging three years with the Twins and two years with the Braves. He combined for 44 home runs and 187 RBI his final two seasons for the Double AA Savannah Braves in 1981 and 1982. Following his professional baseball career, Grout was an executive with RJ Reynolds.