The Quad

Issue date: 9/4/07 Section: Sports

After West Chester's run at the Division II baseball World Series ended, former left-handed pitcher Frank Gailey stood on the 18th tee of a golf course near his house. When he knocked in his final shot, he was a Toronto Blue Jay.

"I got the phone call from the area scout saying they picked me up in the 23rd round," Gailey explained. "I was shocked. It was my life dream to become a professional baseball player. How many people can say their life dream came true?"

West Chester head coach Greg Mamula believed it wasn't that much of a shock. Mamula estimated he would be drafted between the 20th and 25th rounds of the annual First Year Player Draft.

Gailey and the Blue Jays agreed to a contract within five days and the organization assigned him to the Gulf Coast League Blue Jays.

Gailey made his debut pitching two scoreless innings of relief in the second game of the Blue Jays season. Gailey struck out two while allowing one hit and a walk.

A week later, Gailey picked up another first in achieving his first pro-baseball victory after tossing 3.1 innings, allowing no runs and striking out three.

"For being my life goal, I worked so hard to make it a possibility," Gailey said. "I am ready to start all over again and learn everything there is at the next level to have a successful career as a pro baseball player."

"The scout has told me that the organization likes Frank and is happy with the way he has thrown this summer," Mamula said. "Frank certainly has the ability and competitiveness to advance through the Blue Jays minor league system. The Blue Jays think that he has a chance to someday pitch out of their bullpen."

So far Gailey has pitched in 18 games, compiling a 4-2 record and one save in 33 innings pitched, striking out 28 while walking six. He's also only allowed two long balls, one of the reasons his ERA stands at a meager 2.45.

"The biggest difference to me was that hitting your spots and having a downward angle on the ball means everything," he said. "You can't get away with your mistakes at this level. They make you pay."

Gailey's success in the Gulf Coast League can launch him through five more minor league affiliates in Auburn, N.Y, Lansing, Mich., Dunedin, Fla., Manchester, N.H., and Syracuse N.Y., before potentially reaching Toronto.

"This is a good start to his professional career," Mamula said of his initial performance. "The grind of professional baseball is about the survival of the strongest and the consistent. Those who can remain strong throughout a long season and can be consistent throughout the season work their way up the minor league system."

However, many including former teammates, saw his pro baseball debut as a long time coming.

"I thought he should have been drafted the year before and seeing how talented he was as a freshman, it was surprising that he hadn't been drafted after high school," said former West Chester first baseman Mark Gilliford. "It's nice to be able to say you played with a guy for four years who is now playing professional ball."

However, whether or not it was the right call, Gailey is showing the confidence and prowess of a seasoned veteran.

"I just have a thought process that I am better then [the batter I am facing]," Gailey said after recording three wins in three consecutive appearances. "Just make the pitches and [batters] have no chance."

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