Where Are They Now....Gary Cates
Cates first stepped on the diamond at Perdue Stadium as an 18-year old back in 2000. In 107 games, Cates hit .251 in helping the Shorebirds to their second SAL Championship in franchise history.
Cates' best season with the Shorebirds may have been the 2001 campaign. In 101 games that season, he hit .292 with 33 RBIs.
The Tampa, Florida native might be best remember for his defensive prowess. In 2000, he played in 31 games at second base, 57 games at shortstop, 19 games at third and three games in the outfield. He committed just 16 errors. The following season, he made only 15 defensive miscues.
Recently, Gary Cates took time out of his schedule to chat with theshorebirds.com about his time with the 'Birds and what he is doing today...
Shorebirds: What do you remember about the 2000 season with the Delmarva Shorebirds? You guys won the league title.
Gary Cates: First, I remember opening night at the stadium. I was 18 years old straight out of high school and I was stunned at the sold out crowd under the lights. It was amazing to play in front of that many people. The 2000 season was my first full season. It was an unbelievable experience going through my first professional season with such a special group of guys. The fan club and season ticket holders did so much for the team with housing and providing the team meals. I was very appreciative for everything they did that season. It couldn't have ended better than with a South Atlantic League championship in front of our home crowd.
Shorebirds: I have to ask you about the July 24th game in 2000. You guys played a 19 inning game that lasted six hours and 13 minutes. Tell us about what you remember from that night.
Gary Cates: Willie Harris was so excited because he had the game off and it was his first in a long time because he was a starter and everyday player. I played second base that night in his spot. I played the first 9 innings and in the 10th Willie pinched hit for me and still ended up playing 9 innings. After the game, Willie made the comment "Wow....so much for my off day. Thanks guys!" That was the longest game to date that I have ever played in.
SB: How about the 2001 season? You started the season in Frederick before playing 101 games for the Shorebirds.
GC: I started in Frederick for the first month and then played the rest of the season in Delmarva. When coming back to Delmarva, I knew kind of what to expect. I had a better mind frame because of this. I was so excited to play back in front of the Delmarva crowds again. There was a larger fan support in Delmarva compared to Frederick.
SB: 4) 2002 might have been one of your finest seasons with the 'Birds. You led the club with a .284 average. How about that season?
GC: I finally began to understand things better from a baseball point of view. This was my third professional season. My game started to improve and come together from the previous two seasons.
SB: You played in 372 total games with the Delmarva Shorebirds. Give us your top five Shorebirds memories.
GC:
1- Winning the 2000 South Atlantic League Championship!
2- Playing the middle infield with Mike Bordick when he was on a rehab assignment.
3- Squirming around at second base because Willie Harris put Icy Hot in my socks as a prank.
4- Hitting a walk off grand slam in the 11th inning to win the game and being carried off the field by the team.
5- Overwhelming support of the fans and season ticket holders.
SB: You played at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium during parts of five seasons. What do you remember about Perdue Stadium? What did you like about the stadium?
GC: The players' facilities including the clubhouse and batting cages were excellent.
SB: Give us the top five Shorebirds players that you played with over the five years? (based on what you saw everyday - not necessarily stats)
GC: 1- Willie Harris
2- Eric Bedard
3- Jake Duncan
4- Napoleon Calzado
5- Corey Morris
SB: Do you still keep in touch with a lot of the guys from your years with the Shorebirds? Any in particular?
GC: Yes, I keep in touch with several of the guys I have played with over the years. I talk to a lot of the guys on a regular basis (Mamon Tucker, BJ Littleton, Charlie Dees, Corey Morris, and Pete Sheir). Charlie Dees was a groomsman in my wedding.
SB: What are some of the things that have changed since you first entered Minor League Baseball back in 1999 as a young 17 year old?
GC: When I entered Minor League Baseball, I had very high hopes. It had always been my dream to play professional ball. After playing so many years, I now understand all the hardwork and determination that goes into playing season after season in professional ball. I have had the opportunity to play in four different organizations. Every organization is operated in a different way. What may be one organizations strong suit might be an area of opportunity for another organization. It is never a perfect situation. I just learned you have to make the best of the situation you are in. Also as I've gotten older, I've had to change the way I prepare for the season. The experience has really made me appreciate my family and all the fans that have supported me along the way.
SB: Have you changed at all as a player since your days in Delmarva? I know fans here loved you for your heart and hustle.
GC: Even before Minor League Baseball, I have always been the underdog due to my size. This has always been stacked against me beginning back in Little League. I developed my heart, hustle and love for the game because of facing that challenge. I would always hear that I would never make it because of my size. I was and am determined to show everyone that my size doesn't influence my ability to play the game.
SB: What has life been like since your time in Delmarva? Catch us up.
GC: After Delmarva, I've had the opportunity to play in Frederick and Bowie. I then became a free agent and was picked up by the Chicago Cubs for two years. In that time, I met a lot of great people and made a lot of great friends. From there I spent a little time with the Philadelphia Phillies and the Colorado Rockies. With those two organizations, it was a blur because I didn't have time to get settled in like I did with the Orioles and Cubs.
SB: You ended the 2009 season with the Tulsa Drillers (AA, Rockies). What is the plan for the 2010 season?
GC: My plan is hopefully to have the opportunity to still play. If not, I am very interested in coaching opportunities in the Minor Leagues. I love the game and want to be a part of it in whatever way that I can.
SB: What are you up to during this offseason? Jobs?
GC: This offseason, I am working with a fire protection company. We contract out to large commercial buildings and install their fire sprinkler protection systems. It is an interesting job and keeps me in shape.
Other than work, I am spending time with my family and enjoying college football. GO GATORS!
SB: You're now 28 years old, what is life for you like outside of baseball?
GC: Things are going great. I recently got married to my wife Amber in January, 2009. My son, Cadien, is now 4 years old and the joy of my life. Every moment with him is amazing because he is so smart and full of life. I am living back in Florida. I spend most of my time just relaxing at home with my family and our new pug, Monty.
SB: Quick Hitters...
Favorite restaurant in Salisbury? The Old Mill
Best minor league stadium? Canal Park, Akron Aeros
Best minor league city? Jacksonville, Florida
Favorite MLB team? New York Yankees
Favorite Current/All-time MLB player? Derek Jeter, Don Mattingly
The Shorebirds would like to thank Gary Cates for spending time to update us on his career and life since the Shorebirds. We wish Gary the best of luck in 2010!