Riverdale, NY (August 9, 2004)- First Baseman
Chris Gaskin signed a professional contract with the Chicago Cubs organization recently, and has reported to the Cubs' Arizona Rookie League affiliate, the Mesa Cubs. Gaskin completed his junior season at Manhattan before being drafted.
Gaskin, who was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 23rd Round (696 Overall), led Manhattan with a .351 batting average and a .448 on base percentage this past season, connected in four home runs and driving in 34 runs while helping the Jaspers advance to the MAAC Championship Game for the first time in program history. Gaskin was named MAAC Player of the Week on May 17, after batting .667 and tallying two doubles, two homers, one triple, and knocking in nine runs, while scoring eight. He totaled 18 total bases for the week, with a 1.500 slugging percentage and a .706 on base percentage. Included in those stellar numbers was the fact that he hit for the cycle against Canisius on May 15.
For his career, Gaskin batted .314 with 12 homers and 88 RBI over three seasons.
Gaskin was a late signee after breaking his hand while playing for the Gastonia Grizzlies of the Coastal Plains League. He played just five games for the Grizzlies before getting injured, posting a .438 batting average, with one homer and 10 RBI.
Gaskin's signing took place after going through two months of rehabilitation on the hand and after being medically cleared. He will continue his rehab for another two-to-three weeks before beginning play for the Mesa Cubs.
