SOMERS, N.Y. - After a couple of years pitching JV for Kennedy Catholic, Gary Gill Hill did more than just make varsity in 2021.
“We didn’t lose very often when Gary pitched,” said his former coach, Bob Fletcher. While that has changed a bit since Gill Hill graduated, there’s still much more to the young man than just the numbers.
The Gael was drafted in the sixth round by the Tampa Bay Rays, and after posting an 8-3 record so far this year, he’s thrilled to accept a change of address. “Gary is happy because he’s much closer to home,” said Fletcher of the trade that brought him to the Mets’ Double-A affiliate in Binghamton.
Eight or nine years ago, Gill Hill lived in Middleton while his parents worked in White Plains. “A friend of mine recommended he come to Kennedy and play for me,” Fletcher recalled.
The coach already knew the freshman was a good athlete who pitched, played shortstop and roamed the outfield. A closer look, though, revealed even more.
“He had a very effortless and fluid pitching motion,” said Fletcher.
A calm disposition to go with his natural ability, Gill Hill still had to wait for a varsity spot.
“We already had a number of good players that later got drafted,” he said.
Gill-Hill didn’t sulk, either. A very mature young man, Fletcher said, “He always wanted to play different positions, so at JV he was able to do that. It worked out well.”
Circumstances got even better when Fletcher coached him that summer in travel baseball.
“At that point, I knew he was the real deal,” the coach recalled.
The rest of the team soon got the same feeling.
“We would get a run in the first, and say, ‘OK, this game is over,’” Fletcher joked.
The overall results said as much. In 2021, Kennedy won the New York City Archdiocese Championship. The 2022 postseason was canceled due to COVID, but Gill Hill still had an impressive outing against Brooklyn Poly Prep.
Ranked as one of the top schools in the country, Poly Prep was held to one run over seven innings by Gill Hill in a game that ultimately ended in a 14-inning, 1-1 tie.
“We were just hoping to be competitive, and we got more than we wished,” said Fletcher.
From there, Gill Hill had the opportunity to pitch for Fairleigh Dickinson, the University of San Francisco or Wake Forest, and his talents extended beyond the mound.
“He’s an excellent student and all-around great kid,” said Fletcher.
The coach wasn’t the only one taking notice.
“His work ethic, humility, and love for baseball set him apart,” said Kennedy Athletic Director Dominic Tassone. “His talent was obvious, but what impressed me was Gary’s character.”
That makeup beyond the talent played a part in Gill Hill’s decision to defer college.
“When they draft you, they want to know the individual,” said Fletcher.
Liking the whole package, Tampa Bay selected Gill Hill in the sixth round of the 2022 MLB Draft.
After three years with the Rays, the organization was very happy with him, but baseball is still a business. As such, Gill Hill currently brings a 95-mph fastball and an assortment of other pitches to the mound.
“Right now, he’s more of a strike thrower, pitching to contact,” said Fletcher.
Only 21, his old coach believes the major leagues are very possible.
“I think if he stays injury free, he’s got a good chance,” said Fletcher.
Still, the odds are long for anyone trying to reach the majors. Success, however, is another matter.
“He has determination and a work ethic, so he will be able to do whatever he wants,” said Fletcher.
But whatever the future holds, Gill Hill hasn’t forgotten where he came from, according to Tassone.
“He continues to come back and check in with our program and give back to the younger guys who are now on the same path,” the AD concluded.
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