Former Bomber Signs with San Diego Padres

Bryan Gaal '99, a four-year letter winner with Ithaca's baseball team, has signed a contract with the San Diego Padres. Gaal, who pitched during all four years as a Bomber, signed as a minor-league free agent with the National League team. He had spent the past two years with the Allentown Ambassadors of the Northern League.

Gaal was a two-time selection to the American Baseball Coaches Association all-region team. Ithaca's closer for three seasons, he finished his career with a 7-5 record and 12 saves. He struck out 119 batters in 106.1 innings. As a senior he was 1-1 with 5 saves and a 2.89 earned run average. He ranks second on Ithaca's single-season and career lists, with 5 saves in 1999 and 12 in his four years.

The 83rd Ithaca baseball player to sign a professional contract, Gaal has re-ported to the Padres' minor-league camp in Peoria, Arizona, where he will be assigned a spot in the San Diego organization.