Gaines Returning for Seventh Season
January 8, 2013 - North American League (NAmL)
San Angelo Colts News Release
San Angelo, Texas --- Co-Captain and fan-favorite Ronnie Gaines is coming back for his eighth professional season, and seventh with the Colts, this summer.
The Colts announced Tuesday they have exercised Gaines's option for 2013. Last season Gaines batted .339 with nine home runs, 36 RBIs and 24 stolen bases in 71 games. His .339 average was the second highest on the team, and the sixth best in the United League.
"I feel like I can still play, and that is why I made the decision to come back," Gaines said. "If I ever feel like I can't contribute then I will stop, but for now I know I can be a leader and contribute in a positive way."
The 29-year-old has spent all but one of his eight seasons in San Angelo. Gaines broke in with the Colts in 2006 after attending Angelo State University.
He played just seven games that year, but then went on to win the United League Rookie of the Year Award in 2007. Gaines batted .334, hit 19 homers, drove in 53 runs, and recorded 29 steals in 94 games. He also had a career-high 135 hits.
Gaines's accomplishments were recognized beyond the hardware, as he was signed by the Chicago White Sox the following year. He split the 2008 season between the Class A Kannapolis Intimidators of the South Atlantic League, and the Class A-Advanced Winston-Salem Warthogs of the Carolina League.
Gaines returned to the Colts in 2009, and has been with the club ever since.
"Ronnie is always one of the people we can count on to help us win ball games," Manager Doc Edwards said. "It's hard to get a player as good as he is on the field and in the locker room. We are very fortunate to have him."
Gaines has been dependable his entire career. He enters 2013 with a lifetime .322 batting average, 74 home runs, 295 RBIs, and 114 stolen bases in 449 games.
The Colts are a member of United League Baseball who will play their 14th season this year. For more information, contact the Colts' front office at 94-COLTS.
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North American League Stories from January 8, 2013
- Gaines Returning for Seventh Season - San Angelo Colts
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