Like a curved ball that mystifies a hitter, Quebec pitcher David Gauthier has followed a particular trajectory and the next step for him will be independent baseball.
Gauthier, 23, recently signed an agreement with the Trois-Rivières Eagles in the Frontier League. He should therefore make his debut on a professional circuit this summer, without abandoning his desire to eventually join a minor league organization affiliated with a major baseball club.
“As long as I have a left arm attached to my body, I will continue to play baseball, dreaming of reaching the highest level possible,” illustrated the one who, you guessed it, is a left-handed pitcher.
Originally from Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Gauthier attended Webber International University in Florida barely a year ago. The Quebec gunner, however, was unable to show off in the prestigious NAIA division, within the NCAA, when it was determined that he was not eligible to play. He would have had to complete two additional sessions at Cégep.
“Of course, it was not easy, agreed Gauthier, about this dismissal. I had trained hard to play at the university level. ”
Late development
The Quebec pitcher previously made his mark with the Trojans at Trinidad State College, Colo., Where he maintained a 9-0 record and a 2.09 earned-run average in his second and final season there, in 2017-2018.
It was also in Colorado, with coach Matthew Torrez, that Gauthier realized his real potential. By his own admission, the Quebecer may not have had the best work ethic before that either.
“I developed late,” summarized the one who also wore the colors of the Guerriers de Granby, in the Quebec elite junior baseball league, for five seasons. When I started out in junior, I weighed 150 pounds with rocks in my pockets. I have grown and I have put on weight. Today I weigh 190 pounds and for sure I have more power. I feel stronger. ”
In the eye of Matthew Rusch
After Torrez, Gauthier will play under the orders of another Matthew for the Eagles.
“David is a left-handed pitcher with great potential,” said manager Matthew Rusch in the Eagles’ press release announcing the hiring of Gauthier. He has a fast ball that reaches 88 miles per hour and a large repertoire of shots. “
Strangely, Rusch got to know Gauthier a little better last summer when the two met in the Quebec Major League Baseball. Rusch, then player-coach for the Shawinigan club, notably faced Gauthier and the Acton Vale Castors in the semifinals of the playoffs. The Castors then lost the series, but Gauthier took the opportunity to showcase himself by signing a victory and increasing strikeouts.
“It must have done no harm, admitted Gauthier. When I went to do my test for the Eagles on December 29 in Trois-Rivières, Matthew (Rusch) told me that he liked what he saw of me. Honestly, I think I have the “stuff” to do well with the Eagles. I have four or five shots that I can use anytime without worrying about missing the mark. ”
Rusch intends to use Gauthier as a starting pitcher for the Eagles, but it is not impossible that the left-hander is sometimes sent into the scrum in relief and even to first cushion on defense or as a hitter.
“Wherever I am going to be asked to play, I will do it”, Gauthier promised.
– In addition to David Gauthier, the Trois-Rivières Aigles have two other Quebecers so far in their lineup for the next season, outfielder Raphaël Gladu and right-handed pitcher Sam Belisle-Springer.
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