Willie Gabay of Mahopac Drafted by Tampa Bay Rays

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HERKIMER, NY (06/08/2012)(readMedia)-- Herkimer County Community College pitcher Willie Gabay, Mahopac, NY became the first Herkimer player ever selected in the Major League Baseball draft when he was chosen by the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday June 5. Gabay had a stellar career at Herkimer and was selected by the Rays in the 15th round of the draft. He graduated from HCCC in May with an A.A.S. degree in Business: Sports & Recreation Management.

Gabay was a two-year starter for the Generals. He earned Mountain Valley Conference Player of the Year honors as a sophomore and was also named the Generals MVP. Right-hander Gabay is 6' 1" and 180 lbs. His fastball is in the low 90s and can reach 94 mph.

Gabay set the Herkimer record for strikeouts this season with 91 in 58.1 innings. He allowed only 37 walks and 28 hits. His earned run average was 2.62 and his record was 6-1, with four saves. As a freshman in the 2011 season, Gabay was 5-2 with 3.34 ERA with 50 strikeouts over 37.2 innings. "Willie was the most dominant strikeout pitcher we have ever had here at Herkimer," said Head Coach Jason Rathbun.

Tampa Bay is known for having one of the best systems in baseball for developing young players. Last year Tampa used six starting pitchers, and all six were drafted and developed in the Tampa organization. With the success of pitchers like David Price, Matt Moore and James Shields, Gabay will have a pathway that has been proven by All Star-caliber players.

"Baseball is my life and I am grateful for the opportunity to play for the Rays organization," said Gabay. He added, "Herkimer baseball was the first step that helped me accomplish this dream. I want to thank God, my family, my Herk family and all of my friends who have supported me through it all."

Coach Rathbun said, "Willie is a special person, and his drive and motivation to be the best is what will lead him through this process. I have all the confidence in the world that Willie will make an impact in the Rays organization. I am thankful they have given him this opportunity. Willie has opened the door for so many more players that will come through our program in the future."

HCCC Director of Athletics Donald Dutcher added, "For the last two years Willie has been a role model for other student athletes to follow. His hard work, determination and respect for the program and College has been tremendous. We are very happy for Willie and the opportunity he has ahead of him. He is truly a class act athlete."

Herkimer County Community College is a unit of the State University of New York, located in Herkimer, NY about 20 miles east of Utica, NY. With an enrollment of approximately 3,600 students, Herkimer offers more than 40 associate degree and certificate programs, on-campus housing, an active co-curricular activities schedule and a national championship athletic program. Herkimer is a Division III member of the National Junior College Athletic Association and has amassed 35 national, 89 regional and 131 conference championships. Herkimer placed second in the 2010-11 National Alliance of Two-Year College Athletic Administrators (NATYCAA) Cup competition.