Sullivan County Community College baseball

Fallsburg standout Gates signs with SCCC

Stellar athlete’s signing furthers team’s composition of local talent

By RICHARD A. ROSS

LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY - With the signing of Fallsburg’s standout athlete Chris Gates, Sullivan County Community College Generals baseball coach/athletic director Mike Marra may have made his best recruiting acquisition to date.

Intent on keeping the area’s best talent in Sullivan County and building a team with local appeal, Marra has now signed Liberty’s Casey Pazzalia and Mike Cook, and Eldred-ace Mike Prunka.

Gates earned a .333 batting average, .419 on-base percentage, had 18 hits, 13 runs, 12 RBI, three steals and four home runs this spring. After an introduction by athletic director Chris DePew, Marra described Gates as “the county’s best athlete.” Gates led Fallsburg in goals scored in soccer, most points in basketball and had the best offensive stats in baseball. He led Sullivan County in his track and field endeavors.

But baseball is his first love.

Marra further described Gates as a great kid with an engaging personality who is a hard worker. Add to that the fact that Gates is a fine pitcher who can add depth to the Generals’ staff and you can see why Marra referred to Gates’ decision to attend SCCC as a “landmark signing.”

His parents, Deborah and Harry, joined Gates for the signing. DePew, Marra, Gates and his father, and Sullivan County Community College President Dr. Mamie Howard Golladay signed the letter that commits Gates to play for The Generals.

This summer, Gates will play in a summer league with the Rondout Royals. The 40-plus game schedule will keep him sharp for his stint on the college level. Gates will play center field, pitch and handle the hot corner at third base.

Gates received a baseball scholarship from Sullivan County Community College’s Start of Something Great Foundation.

Visit www.riverreportersports.com for additional pictures of the signing ceremony.