FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Ever since he first picked up a baseball,
Gavin Wallace knew he had his older brother Mike by his side. It was a sport that the two shared. Mike, an aspiring pitcher himself, would encourage his younger brother every step of the way. From their days in little league coached by their dad, to their years in Madison High School, to making the big jump with both earning a Division I scholarship to Fairfield University, the duo has seen the sport as a family tradition. That tradition will continue as Gavin has signed a professional contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates, and will forego his senior season to be in the same farm system as his older brother.
"I've always loved baseball because it's been a sort of family event at every game,"
Gavin Wallace said. "It was a place to hang out with my friends and brothers and just forget abut everything. Spending time on the diamond with friends and family is what made me fall in love with the game."
That love of the game has been evident throughout every one of his 35 starts in his Fairfield career, as the 6-5 right handed pitcher displayed the same bulldog and intense demeanor his brother demonstrated throughout his three-year career with the Stags. Gavin's individual success on the mound has been gradual as he will leave the program in the top-10 in wins with 16 after tying the program record in each of the last two seasons with eight victories apiece.
Going into junior season, a year where MLB scouts will now be vigorously looking at the right hander, Gavin had one of the best seasons in Fairfield history. He was the first Stag to be named the New England Pitcher of the Year and was one of the top pitchers in the conference, being selected to the All-MAAC First Team.
It had been two years since Gavin had the chance to play with his brother. Mike was drafted in the 30th round by the Pirates and elected to sign after his junior season and Gavin's rookie year with Fairfield. After watching his brother go through the process to begin his dream of his pursuit of the big leagues, it was Gavin's turn. And on draft day, he knew that he would be drafted by some team, but the way it happened made for an unforgettable experience.
"When I saw the Pirates calling I was in shock," Wallace said. "There were a lot of things going through my head during that 15 second phone call. But I knew this is where I belonged and I couldn't be happier to be here. I thought my playing days with Mike were over, but that might not be the case anymore."
The Pirates chose Gavin in the 15th round, becoming the highest Fairfield draft pick since Keefe Cato was chosen by the Cincinnati Reds in the second round in 1979.
"To be in the same MLB organization is rare and I'm soaking up every minute of it," Gavin said. "There's a reason why the Pirates drafted the second Wallace – and that has nothing to do with me, that has everything to do with Mike. His work ethic, baseball talent, and character is what convinced the Pirates to draft me. I have some big shoes to fill."
His first step in filling those shoes will be with the West Virginia Black Bears, the Short Season Single A affiliate of the Pirates in the New York – Penn League. His older brother Mike is currently a member of the West Virginia Power, the Single A club for Pittsburgh in the South Atlantic League.
Gavin now has the opportunity to accomplish more than just one dream. Obviously, his ultimate dream is to advance through the rankings in the farm system, but now he has the chance to do so with his brother by his side, just like he's been his whole life.
