By:Patrick Hall Monday, 15 January, 2007

The Gateway Grizzlies, an independent baseball team in the Frontier League, and new field manager Phil Warren announced in November that former Pratt Community College and Southeast Missouri State baseball player, Chris Gibson, has signed a professional contract with the team.

Gibson is a 6-2, 210 pound left-handed hitter that played exclusively as a first-baseman for the Beavers, but played the outfield for SEMO, where he completed his NCAA eligibility this past Spring. In two seasons with PCC, Gibson hit .302 with 3 home runs and 32 RBI with 12 stolen bases. His shining moment came in the Region VI tournament in 2004, when he hit a three-run home run late in the semi-final game to give the Beavers a lead that they would later relinquish in the bottom of the ninth inning.

In two seasons with the Redhawks, Gibson hit .223 with 32 RBI and 15 stolen bases in 19 attempts, while posting a .975 fielding percentage.

Originally from Bellevue, Nebraska, Gibson worked out in front of the Grizzlies brass last season at their home field, GCS Ballpark, in Sauget, Illinois. He was originally drafted in the 47th round of the 2002 draft, but opted to attend Pratt Community College instead of signing a professional contract.

“This is a very exciting time for me,” Gibson said. “I had the opportunity to play pro ball for the Cardinals when I was drafted but I wasn’t sure I was ready. I think that I am now.”

Gibson, who is the son of Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Gibson, will join returning Grizzlies as well as other invitees in Spring Training, which will take place in May.