By Amy Chastain

Staff Writer

The value and worth of an athlete is more often than not measured based on their athletic performance alone. However, the best athletes in all sports are those who are able to reinforce their athletic prowess with their intelligence in the sport they play and in the vision they hold for their athletic and personal lives.

Cal State San Marcos baseball player L.A. Gamo is one of those admirable athletes who holds an incredible understanding for the game he loves and the role he plays for his team. Gamo pointed out that not only does he like to be an offensive and defensive threat to opposing teams but also a mental threat.

Gamo said that he takes pride in his ability to be the “guy to pick signs, read the pitcher and find the flaws in the other team,” which results in wins for the CSUSM baseball team.

In using his intelligence, Gamo has become a valuable asset for CSUSM in his role as leadoff batter, and he is currently tied with Stefan Miladinovich and Dylan Costello as the team’s highest scorers with 16 runs.

Gamo’s ability to thrive in his position on the team has resulted in the expansion of his playing time and his role. At the beginning of the season, he started off as a designated hitter and second baseman, but is now getting more time in the outfield as his ability to understand the game and his contributions are being recognized.

Perhaps Gamo’s most admirable trait is reflected in his desire to be someone that his teammates and coaches can put their faith in.

“I want to be known as the guy to be trusted to [be] put in certain situations like getting on [base], hitting, stealing and winning the game,” Gamo said.

L.A. Gamo and his ability to apply his intelligence to his love for baseball is a great representation of the athletes who thrive here at CSUSM. Not only is Gamo confident in his ability as a player, but as a Communication major, he seems to have a definite plan for his life. Whether he chooses to pursue a career in the major leagues, own his own team or coach baseball, it seems inevitable that his love for baseball will continue to guide his choices for some time.

Be sure to make note of CSUSM’s very own #9, L.A. Gamo, as one of our most talented athletes to definitely watch out for.