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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (June 7, 2017)
Wednesday, June 7, 2017 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon 7 Outlaw signs to play baseball — and music — at DSU By Rongi Yost Correspondent Alec Gannon, four-year varsity starter for the Outlaws baseball team, recently signed with Dakota State University, and will play for the Trojans next year. Alec is versatile, and has played every position on the field except for catcher and first base. His main position has always been second base, but when the Outlaws needed speed in the outfield, Gannon was there. Alec was a second- team all-league selection and finished with a .356 bat- ting average this year for the Outlaws. Sisters High School head baseball coach Steve Hodges said, “Alec is left-handed, which makes him an excel- lent drag bunter. He can really place the ball down the third-base line, which will add to his offensive capabili- ties. He’s a smart base runner, gets good jumps speed-wise, and is a stealing threat every time he gets on base. Being left-handed is to his advan- tage and will utilize his speed as a line-drive hitter. He’s also a very good defensive player. He can play in the outfield or the infield, but I see him playing second base. I wish him the best of luck at the next level.” Gannon has played base- ball since he was three, from T-ball through high school. It wasn’t his favorite sport until eighth grade when he noticed he was honing his skills, get- ting better, and having fun at the same time. “I was so sad when the season was over that I joined a club team, Oregon Select, out of Central Oregon,” said Gannon. “I kept playing club through my junior year. The thing I love about baseball is how different it is compared to other sports. It’s smooth and has its own style.” Alec told The Nugget he’s always wanted to play col- lege baseball, but he didn’t want to sit on the bench. He heard from DSU through a recruiting website, and was contacted by their assistant head coach in early April. The Trojans were interested in what he had to offer, and asked for an update on his season, current stats, and a skills video. In just over a month, Alec had commit- ted, and officially signed his papers on May 15. In addition to being a stel- lar baseball player, Alec is a musician, singer/songwriter, and plays soul/alternative music. He’s been involved in the Americana Project since he was in middle school, and has performed at numerous gigs at various locations in Sisters and Bend. Over the summer, Alec plans to do a live recording of eight to 10 of his original songs. Alec told The Nugget he loves the game of baseball and is excited he’ll be play- ing at the collegiate level, but baseball wasn’t the big draw for him in choosing DSU. His main reason was because he can earn a degree in audio production, and can branch off into music production, digital media, and work on a crew that scores movies. “When I found out I could play baseball and also be involved in a music back- ground I got really excited,” said Gannon. “I knew that’s where I should go, even though it’s going to be cold with winters down to -20 degrees. Personally, I like music more than baseball, but I do love baseball. I want to play while I’m young and able and see how good I can get at it.” Gannon shared what his dream job would be. PHOTO BY JERRY BALDOCK Alec Gannon is a versatile ballplayer. “If I could have the per- fect job, I would love to be a music producer that works with the artists and musicians and make awesome music,” said Gannon. Launching our brand-new FULL DINNER MENU Tues.-Sat. 5 pm to close Thai-Style Chicken, Beef Tenderloin Carppacio Style, Prawn Pasta & much more! Tasty Thursday K & M Wines 5 to 7 pm Live Music - Sat., June 10 7 to 9 pm Jazz on Rodeo Weekend. Yup, we’re doing it! Open Tuesday-Saturday 12-8 pm 391 W. Cascade Ave. | 541-549-2675 corkcellarswinebistro.com