2008 FALL: Batted .600 (3-for-5) in exhibition series against Long Beach State with a double, triple, three RBI and a run scored ... Also pitched one inning vs. the Dirtbags, surrendering an unearned run on three walks ... His triple to right center in game 1 (11/1) off starter Andrew Gagnon plated two runs and gave the Waves an early 3-0 lead ... Entered game 2 of series (11/9) as a pinch hitter for Cody Yount and produced two hits in three at bats ... Doubled and scored on Colin Rooney’s 3-run home run in the eighth ... Ripped an RBI single in the ninth ... Roughed up in two appearances by his teammates at the Blue and Orange World Series ... Suffered the loss in game 3 (11/15) for Blue after allowing four runs in two innings ... In game 1 outing (11/12), struck out four batters in three innings alllowed two earned runs ... At the plate, scored two runs and collected and RBI on three walks and a hit by pitch.
HIGH SCHOOL: Graduated from Orange Lutheran High School in 2008 ... Four-year varsity letterwinner ... Played centerfield and pitched for head coach Mike Grahovac ... Helped lead team to a Trinity League Championship in 2008, batting .390 with nine doubles, two triples and 24 RBI ... Posted a 0.71 ERA as a sophomore ... Played 97 consecutive games without an error ... Honor Roll student.
PERSONAL: Given name is Aaron Lorison Gates ... Nickname is ‘Gator’ ... Son of Randy and Amy Gates ... Has two brothers, James and Duncan, and two sisters, Emily and Megan ... Major is undecided ... Career goal is to become a professional baseball player ... Drafted in the 33rd round of the 2008 MLB draft by the Colorado Rockies.