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Milwaukee Brewers’ Gindl Inspires Young Baseball Players

There’s nothing like the crack of a wooden bat on a sunny North Escambia afternoon. Not just any old wooden bat, but a good Louisville Slugger. A custom made Genuine Made C271 Pro Stock, American made from Carolina ash.

One after another, after another, the baseballs sailed to the outfield fence in Bratt for Northview High School Chief outfielders to catch. And sometimes they were over the fence, the bases loaded, bottom of the ninth home run feeling with every one.

Baseball, wooden bats and home runs…the all American stuff that young boys dream of…young boys like Caleb Gindl as he grew up around Molino and went on to play high school ball for the Pace Patriots.

In 2007, Milwaukee selected Gindl in the fifth round of the Major League Baseball draft.  He paid his dues year after year in the minors, until he was called up to the Brewers on June 15. A week later, he made history for the Milwaukee Brewers as he became the first in franchise history to hit a walk-off for his first MLB homer. It was his very first major league home run.

“It was awesome; it was nice to know that all the hard work finally paid off,” Gindl said Saturday. “After seven years in the minors and to finally catch a break, it was really nice.”

Saturday, the Milwaukee Brewer’s Gindl was the star attraction — and instructor — at a Northview High School baseball clinic for players ages 9-17. As the clinic wrapped up, he stepped up to home plate and pounded hit after hit to the outfield fence.

“Wow, did you see that?”, a young boy said as a homer topped the fence.

Then it happened. The traditional crack of the bat was replaced with a much more powerful sound, echoing off the nearby Northview football stadium bleachers, as the Louisville Slugger splintered in two.

“I want it, I want it,” the boys cried out. “I want him to sign it!”

Without a doubt, Major League homers and his career are important Gindl. But coming back home and working with the boys and teens and the Northview Chiefs were also a highlight for Gindl.

“It’s always nice to come back where you are from and work with these guys,” he said. “There are some good players out here and hopefully this will help to get them better.”

For 125 NHS Baseball Clinic photos, click here.

And as spring approaches, Gindl will turn his attention to the upcoming season with hopes of returning to the Brewers.

“It is what it is. I have no control  over that,” he said. “I’ve just got to go into spring training, be ready to go and try to win a job.”

Pictured: The Milwaukee Brewer’s Caleb Gindl hits during a baseball clinic Saturday at Northview High School in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.