PCL: Isotopes outfielder to play for Team USA in Olympics
Related
Advertisement
7/16/2008 - 7/17/08
ALBUQUERQUE — John Gall's great year only gets better.
As he prepared to play in the Triple-A All-Star baseball game Wednesday, Gall also learned that he'll be leaving the Albuquerque Isotopes in order to join the U.S. Olympic Baseball team.
"It's obviously an unbelievable honor and I'm really excited to get a chance to play for Team USA," Gall said. "Any time you have the opportunity to represent your country, it's an honor and a thrill."
Gall, who is hitting .321 with 46 runs scored for the Isotopes, was one of 23 players named to the team. He was one of 11 players representing the Pacific Coast League. Blaine Neal, a former Isotope pitcher, was also named to the team. He currently is with Toledo of the International League.
"I had no idea about the selection process, and the last couple of weeks I've definitely thought about it a lot," the outfielder said. "The Olympics are the Olympics. You grow up watching it on TV, and you always think about how neat it would be and how much of an honor it would be to participate with a USA on your chest."
After returning to the Isotopes from the Triple-A All-Star game in Louisville, Ky., Gall will report to Team USA on July 28 in Durham, N.C. The team will play four exhibition games against Team Canada before departing for Beijing, China. The 2008 Summer Olympics begin Aug. 8, and Team USA faces Korea on Aug. 13.
Gall has hit 11 home runs, 27 doubles and has 71 RBIs this season with Albuquerque, and has hit in a league-high 25 straight home games.
Contact Tommy Trujillo
at 986-3060 or
ttrujillo@sfnewmexican.com.