November 8, 2005

Except for teaching an on-line Philosophy of Education course, eight-year faculty member and former baseball coach Paul Gale will be leaving Corban College at the end of the semester.

He recently signed a contract with the Houston Astros baseball team; he will be a scout for them in the northwestern U.S., Alaska and western Canada.

“I really hate leaving Corban,” Gale said. “I’ve really enjoyed my time here. I can’t think of a better place to work. If I was to give a reason, it’s more of a comfort zone for me to be in the game.”

Gale has a long history with baseball.

“I just never remember not playing baseball,” Gale said. “I’ve played ever since I’ve had memory. Anything that had to do with a ball I played it.” He was a catcher and first baseman in high school and college.

He started coaching at the high school level in 1981. Over two stints at Yoncalla (Ore.) High School, his varsity teams won two state championships, in 1984 and 1997, and three players were signed to pro teams.

Gale first started coaching at Corban in the spring of 1999. With an overall record of 106-154-1, he led the team for the first time in Warrior Baseball history to regional championships. That was in 2000. They did the same in 2002 and 2003.

“His leadership on our baseball team in helping us reach a new level of competitiveness is recognized by all,” said Dr. Reno Hoff, Corban president. “I know that he will be a great asset to the Astros.”

Gale became a part-time scout for the Astros last January – he was offered the scouting slot too late in the term to be able honorably to relinquish his spring semester teaching duties, Gale said. But because of his travel schedule, he had to relinquish his coaching duties to Larry Casian and Nate Mayben. Casian had been an assistant coach; Mayben played for Gale from 2001-04.

“Paul has been an important part of the Education Department at Corban College,” said Dr. Linda Samek, chairman of the teacher education department. “We and our students will miss his dedication to preparing excellent teachers.”

For spring semester, Gale will continue to teach an online Philosophy of Education course for the department.

As a scout for the Astros, Gale will travel Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Alaska, British Columbia and Alberta.

“I find players for the Astros’ minor league system,” Gale said. “Some high school, most college; 18- to 23-year-olds. You’re looking for players you think could eventually play in the major leagues.”

He grades players on five tools, Gale said: speed, arm strength, raw power, hitting ability and fielding.

“You’re looking for players who have the type of make-up to persevere and play well in professional baseball, and who can overcome adversity along the way,” Gale said.

Players are chosen in an amateur draft in June each year. Gale’s job with the Astros to find people who want to try out for the draft; if they are selected, Gale gets to sign them up with a minor league contract. Players chosen in the first draft might receive a $2 million to $2.5 million signing bonus.

“It’s a heady experience for someone who never played pro ball himself,” Gale said. He said he plans to keep an eye out for potential Corban ballplayers, and for Corban ballplayers with major league potential.

“We wish Paul well,” Dr. Samek said, “and expect the Astros to do just a little better next year!”

This year the Astros went from way down the charts to a place in the World Series and a disappointing loss to the Chicago White Sox. Picked by most to finish no higher than fourth in the division, the Astros outlasted every other team in the National League, and advanced further than any club in franchise history. Their 2005 record: 89 wins to 73 losses, National League Champions.

"Paul will take the same passion and commitment to his new career as he did with his teaching and coaching at Corban,” said John Nelson, director of athletics. “I'm confident of his success and excited for him in this new position and ministry."

-- By Karen L. Willoughby