Garlic-grown ball player battling the odds, proving worth on
Phillies’ farm club
BATAVIA, N.Y. – There’s just something about Gilroy athletes that separates them from the rest of the pack. Some may say it’s only the garlic – but there’s a whole lot more to it when it comes to the gutsy, gritty and gung-ho stars who rise to fame out of the local community,
Jack Headley is no different.
There are striking similarities to that of hometown hero Jeff Garcia – three-time Pro Bowler for the San Francisco 49ers who went undrafted after his senior season at San Jose State – via Gavilan College via Gilroy High. His long road to glory went through the CFL before he got his chance to prove himself in the big-time, the NFL.
After three All-American seasons at Santa Clara University, the steady swinging outfielder – born and raised in the garlic capital of the world – was recently signed as a free agent by the Philadelphia Phillies. Headley is now a rookie in Single ‘A’ ball on the Batavia Muckdogs, trying to prove himself since he was not a highly-touted draft pick.
“It was funny when I first got here I asked coach what position should I play? He looks at me and says, ‘where do you want to play? I said second base and outfield,'” said Headley, who has already made his presence felt as a utility man for the Muckdogs.
“The day of draft was really hard my junior and senior year,” he added. “I’d talked to a lot of clubs before the draft. I really was expecting to get drafted. I had no monetary demand. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, teams past me up.”
So the sharp young man shifted his gears to pursue his other passion in firefighter school when he was got a call the next day at his apartment in Santa Clara from the Phillies, offering him a minor league contract.
“It was kinda like a dream come true. All I really wanted was a chance to see what I can do and just give it my best shot. If I can do that, I would be able to live out the rest of my life,” said Headley, who immediately jumped on the opportunity and committed that night.
And with the patented Gilroy trademark, Headley has already won over his coaches with his all-out effort and the positive attitude he brings every day to the ball park in upstate New York.
“Me and my coaches relationship is pretty amazing. They’ve told me before they were rooting for me,” Headley said. “It’s like the Rudy Ruettiger story (at Notre Dame) a little bit. They see the effort I’m putting forward. There’s a lot of respect between me and my coaches. All three of them are really good men. I’m honored to work with them.”
Shortly after his arrival, Headley – who has 30 family members living in Gilroy – got a welcoming visit from his mother, grandmother and girlfriend for five days. It was not long ago that his family could watch him play at nearby Santa Clara University.
“I was really spoiled at Santa Clara. They would all come to my games and when I had a day off, I would go and see them. The hardest part is not having that support that I’m used to,” Headley said. “It’s different out here. People are really nice, but it’s hard to be away from my family.”
It hasn’t effected Headley’s production.
Through games up to August 3 in the New York-Penn League, Headley holds a .264 batting average in 31 games played with 121 at-bats, 15 runs scored, 32 hits, four doubles, one triple, one homer, 12 RBIs, 10 walks, only six strikeouts, nine stolen bases, a .339 slugging percentage, a .346 on-base percentage, and no fielding errors. The Muckdogs are third in the Pinckney Division with a 19-26 record.
“I feel confident at this level,” Headley said. “My biggest thing is my bat control. I’ve only struck out four times in 120 at-bats. I’m the guy who puts the ball in play and runs hard 90 feet to first… I think it’s my ability to put the ball in play and put in it play with consistency.”
Headley is grounded about his chances to make the major leagues. He’s just happy to have the chance to play ball and live out his dream. But the 72-game minor league schedule – upped from 56 in college – does wear on him.
“It becomes a grind. I’d like to have a day off a week, but that’s not the way it is so I’ve got to live with it and make the best of it,” Headley said. “It’s not so much the travel. We ride on a decent bus. It’s playing every single day. In college, I’d have a day off a week. Now, I get a day off every three weeks. It’s a lot different in that aspect.
Headley played 10 games at second base until a top prospect took over the job, so he has shown his durability in the outfield – starting at all three positions and also getting a one-day slot as designated hitter.
“Centerfield is my favorite position. I think I can play out there pretty well. It’s where I played my last three years of college,” Headley said. “I’ve got to check the line-up… If I play well, I’m in the line-up the next day. If I’m not playing well, I’ll sit out one day. That’s how it goes out here except for the high draft picks.”
But Headley believes in his abilities even if he’s not the protypical ball player. Afterall, neither was Garcia.
“Things are going great so far. My team is playing pretty well. The guys on the team and the coaches are all outstanding guys. I think I’ve been able to help the team in a number of ways,” said the 23-year-old right-hander who played scholastically at Bellarmine. “I’ve seen pitchers who throw this hard in college. I feel prepared. It wasn’t that big of an adjustment.”
Headley started playing baseball when he was four-years old in the Gilroy Little League. He said he was able to get on a team at a younger age because the league director lived across the street from him.
“When I was a kid, I wanted to be first baseman for the Giants,” said Headley, relaxing on his rare day off before embarking on another road trip.
