Catcher Rocky Gale beginning his pro baseball career with the Emeralds
EUGENE — Warming up Monday at PK Park before Eugene's game against Salem-Keizer, Rocky Gale acknowledged that he has been fortunate to begin his professional baseball career so close to home.
Gale grew up in Yoncalla, moved to Keizer in junior high and graduated from North Salem. Then it was off to the University of Portland, where he spent the past four years playing catcher for the Pilots.
"I was hoping I could go straight to Triple-A and play for the Portland Beavers," Gale said with a smile.
The Beavers will be leaving Portland after the 2010 season, so that's not an option. Besides, Gale doesn't really expect to climb from the shortseason Class A Northwest League to the San Diego Padres' Triple-A affiliate in one season.
But Gale has played well for the Emeralds. In 25 games, he's hitting .253 with 11 RBIs. He also has been solid behind the plate.
"He's got tremendous makeup," said Eugene manager Greg Riddoch, who managed the Padres from 1990-92. "He's a guy that when the career ever ends, someone's going to want him in their business because he's responsible."
Gale returns to Volcanoes Stadium today for the opening of a three-game series with the Volcanoes. In won't be Gale's first appearance at the ballpark.
Three years ago as a member of the Corvallis Knights in American Legion, Gale had the opportunity to play against the Volcanoes in a preseason game.
"Growing up I went to a lot more Emeralds games," said Gale, 22, a 6-foot, 180-pounder. "But I had my fair share of time over in Volcanoes Stadium."
After hitting .347 with two homers and 16 RBIs and being named first-team all-West Coast Conference his senior year at Portland, the Padres selected Gale in the 24th round of the 2010 draft.
Gale also was drafted out of high school by the Kansas City Royals in the 49th round and could have signed with the team after one season of junior college ball, but he elected to attend a four-year school.
So far, so good for Gale. He splits time with catcher Emmanuel Quiles, a third-year prospect from Puerto Rico.
"I've had some success hitting. It can be a struggle at times," Gale said. "It's always a work in progress. A lot of it for me is learning how to be a professional in a little bit different of a game than I'm used to in high school and college."
The transition from the aluminum bats used in college to wooden bats in pro baseball can be difficult, not to mention the grind of a NWL schedule that includes 76 games in 80 days.
When it comes to Gales' work behind the plate, Riddoch has been impressed.
"If you measure his arm strength, it's below average," Riddoch said. "But his accuracy and getting rid of the ball is above average, and that's why he's been successful."
Said Emeralds pitcher Dexter Carter: "I definitely like working with Rocky. When I'm out there on the mound he knows exactly what's going on."
It should come as no surprise that Gale became a student of the game. His dad, Paul, was the former baseball coach at Western Baptist College, now Corban University.
Paul Gale is a major league scout for the Houston Astros.
"Baseball has always been a big part of our lives," Paul Gale said. "I am very proud of him that he's done so well and worked so hard."
Nine credits short of an organizational communications degree, Rocky Gale plans to finish his undergraduate work after the season unless he's asked to play in the fall instructional league in Peoria, Ariz.
As a young married man — Gale and his wife, Leah, began dating in high school and married in December — Gale is more grounded than many ballplayers his age. The marriage has helped with long-term goals.
"I would definitely like to play in the big leagues, and it might take me more than four years," Gale said. "I have a loving, supportive wife who's in it with me so that kind of journey is gonna unfold as we go."
The journey continues today at Volcanoes Stadium in a homecoming of sorts for Gale, whose parents live in Keizer. And it's only an hours drive for the folks to see him in Eugene.
"It's pretty special getting to be close (to home) and see my family," Gale said.
