Athletes of the week: Eric Gutshall and Tommy Kidwell

Eric Gutshall

Many college athletes hold the dream of being able to continue their sport at the professional level after graduation, but normally, few ever receive the opportunity to actually achieve such a fantasy. When the St. Louis Cardinals drafted Eric Gutshall, TD '99, and Thomas Kidwel, CC '98, in the 30th and 33rd rounds of last June's baseball draft, the two former Yale baseball standouts joined a small number of Yale athletes who have become an exception to that rule. While their classmates were beginning Investment banking jobs or shipping off for the Peace Corps around the country, Gutshall and Kidwell began their own quests in the New York/Penn Baseball League as members of the New Jersey Cardinal squad.

Gutshall finished his college pitching career last Spring as the all-time Yale leader in saves (10), complete games (26), and games pitched (64). Although it is too early to predict whether Gutshall will replicate his successful Yale career as a professional player, he has already proven his willingness to work hard and pitch whenever he is needed. In fact, he led the Cardinals in appearances for the first three quarters of the season. Although Gutshall does not have an exceptionally fast fastball, Yale coach John Stuper believes that this work ethic, his ability to locate his pitches, and his slider offer him the possibility of professional success.

Tommy Kidwell

Kidwell served as last year's captain and second baseman. He became a starter after during his first year on the squad. While at Yale he was a member of the middle infield that fielded a school record 40 double plays in one year. Stuper believes Kidwell will most benefit as a professional from his understanding of the game. Stuper stated, "What sets him apart was his knowledge of the game. He was a step ahead of everybody; he knows how the game is to be played." Many Yale players have the goal to play professional baseball. As this year's baseball captain Mike Finnegan remarked, "I think for most college players who are playing at the division one level it's always a dream and a goal to make it." Gutshall and Kidwell were able to use their college careers to become just the 11th and 12th Yale players in the last six years to be drafted and earn the opportunity to achieve that goal. Of the two Bulldogs, Finnegan observed, "I think they both have the potential to go all the way, but there are a lot of things that would have to happen in their favor. A lot of that is out of their control."

--Deirdre Brill

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