2009 Recruit: Kale Gaden

Kale Gaden, C/OF; Stillwater, OK (Stillwater HS); L/R; 6'1", 180 lb

I learned today from a reliable source that Kale Gaden has made a verbal commitment to Mizzou and will be signing a letter of intent in November.

2008 Offense: .375 BA, 6 HR, 10 SB, 33 RBI, 9 2B

Gaden is a DB on the Stillwater HS Football team

According to the Stillwater Press, Gaden competed in the Area Code Games this past summer:

In addition, Gaden has been competing for the Midwest Nationals, a summer-league baseball team out of Springfield, Mo., which has visited several college campuses including the University of Louisville, Cincinnati, Arkansas, Missouri State and Kansas State.

“It’s probably one of the busiest summers I’ve ever had,” Gaden said. “It’s been great. I really didn’t think I was good enough to make (the Area Code Games). When I was younger, I never thought it could happen.

“To have pro scouts talking to you and inviting you to things like this, it’s a completely different world for me. It’s like a dream come true, and I don’t want to wake up.”

Perfect Game reports that Gaden made his Perfect Game debut based on the recommendation of Oklahoma State Head Coach Frank Anderson, whose son was Gaden's battery mate at Stillwater high.

Gaden’s arm strength wasn’t as strong as Rowan’s, but few display that kind of cannon. Gaden did show a nice, quick stroke from the left side of the plate, and definitely made an impression on those in attendance. He’s another name to look forward to in 2009.

The Stillwater News Press had a great profile of Gaden back in April, 2008: Pleased . . . not surprised

“It’s very rare to see a catcher that runs like he does,” Gardner said. “He’s a kid that I think at the next level will have a chance to play in the outfield if not catching. It just so happens that he’s our best catcher. We felt like because of our depth and things we needed him behind the plate.”

Gaden is batting .419 with .733 slugging percentage, a .519 on-base percentage, nine doubles, three triples, a team-high six home runs, 33 RBIs and a team-best 45 runs scored in 105 at-bats. He also leads his team in stolen bases (10) and has only been caught stealing twice.

The junior with only three passed balls for the year admits he has exceeded his own expectations.

. . .

“He is an exceptional athlete,” Gardner said. “He has great foot speed. He has had a good junior year and probably will have an even better senior year as he gets bigger and stronger. He has a chance to be a very good baseball player.”