January 13, 2005

Gale resigns as Head Coach Former major leaguer Larry Casian takes position

Larry Casian

SALEM, Ore.– Western Baptist College's Director of Athletics has announced the resignation of head baseball coach Paul Gale. Former major league pitcher Larry Casian, the team's pitching coach the last five years, has been named by John Nelson to replace Gale.

Gale has accepted a position as the Northwest Area Scout for the Houston Astros, which initiated his decision to step down. He will continue as an assistant professor of education at Western Baptist.

In six seasons Gale’s teams advanced to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) playoffs three times – the only post-season appearances in program history. The Warriors have played in the four-team NAIA Region I Tournament two of the last three seasons.

Gale’s 2002 club posted a 29-23 win-loss record and became the first Western Baptist baseball team to earn votes in the NAIA top-25 rating. The Warriors were 117-154-1 overall during his tenure.

“Paul brought our baseball program to a new level and demonstrated a unique ability to integrate the game and the character development of his players,” Nelson said. “We’re excited, along with Paul, for his chance to pursue another avenue in his baseball career.”

Casian, 39, played nine seasons in the major leagues with Minnesota, Cleveland, Chicago Cubs, Kansas City and Chicago White Sox from 1990-98, earning a championship ring when the Twins won the World Series in 1991. Prior to joining Minnesota, Casian pitched two seasons for the Portland Beavers, then the Twins’ Triple-A affiliate.

Primarily a reliever, Casian pitched in more than 200 major league games and compiled a 4.56 earned run average. He played with hall of fame inductees Kirby Puckett and Dave Winfield (Twins), Ryne Sandberg (Cubs) and George Brett (Royals).

Casian was part of two historic major league highlights. He popped-up Ken Griffey Jr. to end the slugger's bid for his eighth home run in as many games. Casian was also with Winfield when he got his 3,000th hit.

"I’m pleased to have someone of Larry’s caliber already in the program,” Nelson said. “The transition should be very smooth and I’m confident the team will adjust quickly to the change.”