Joey Gallo: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know

(Getty)

(Getty)

They say everything is bigger in Texas. Apparently that includes MLB debuts too.

Texas Rangers third baseman Joey Gallo, finally, made his debut in the big leagues on Tuesday night, after more than 300 games in the minors, and he certainly made it memorable. Gallo finished a triple short of the cycle and connected on a second-deck home run shot in his second-ever MLB at-bat.

He finished the game 3-for-4, with a walk, as the Rangers cruised to a 15-2 victory over the Chicago White Sox.

Here’s what you need to know about the left-hander:


1. He Connected on His Very First MLB Hit in His Very First MLB At-Bat

Gallo got off to a fast start in his Rangers debut, putting bat on ball in his very first pro at-bat. The hit came on the third pitch of the at-bat, a slider, he drove into deep right field. The hit drove in a pair of runs for Texas and Gallo later scored, in the bottom of the first, on a single by Leonys Martin.

His second at bat? Even better. Gallo connected on a second-deck bomb in the bottom of the third inning for his first professional home run.


2. He Was Called Up to the Majors on Monday Evening

Gallo officially got the call up to the Rangers on Monday night, bypassing the opening of the Triple-A season entirely. He was brought up to the big club after Adrian Beltre was put on the DL with a dislocated shoulder.

Although Beltre’s move to the DL may be upsetting for the Rangers faithful, they should take some comfort in knowing the power behind Gallo’s bat. In other words, this debut is nothing new. In fact, Gallo had already hit nine home runs in the minors this season and knocked one out of the park a whopping 42 times across two minor league levels last season.


3. He Was Drafted 39th Overall By the Rangers in the 1st Round of the 2012 MLB Draft

The Texas Rangers agree to terms with five selections in 2012 MLB  draft (L-R) John Daniels general manager, Lewis Brinson, Joey Gallo, Collin Wiles, Jamie Jarmon, Nick Willams and team president Nolan Ryan. (Getty)

The Texas Rangers agree to terms with five selections in 2012 MLB draft (L-R) John Daniels general manager, Lewis Brinson, Joey Gallo, Collin Wiles, Jamie Jarmon, Nick Willams and team president Nolan Ryan. (Getty)

Even before he was drafted, scouts were raving about Gallo’s power-hitting ability, many rating him as one of the most pure hitters in the entire draft class. He was widely considered a steal at 39th overall in the draft and the Rangers were thrilled to, still, see his name on the board when it came time for them to pick.

Gallo, who was drafted straight out of high school, signed a $2.25 million contract, according to Jim Callis of Baseball America, which was $900,000 over the MLB’s recommended slot signing bonus.


4. He Played 330 Games in the Minors Before Being Called Up

(Getty)

(Getty)

After being drafted in 2012, Gallo, and his powerful swing, stalled a bit in the minors. He had racked up high school records and national attention, even connecting on a 442-foot home run in Petco Park when he was 17, but, quite suddenly, the pace of the game shifted and Gallo struggled to progress.

He played a whopping 330 games in the minor leagues since 2012, moving from the Rangers rookie league up to AA Frisco this season. Before getting the call-up on Monday, Gallo played 34 games with Frisco and built up a reputation as an all-or-nothing hitter. In 121 at bats this spring Gallo recorded nine home runs, 11 extra base hits and 49 strikeouts.


5. He Grew Up In Las Vegas – With Bryce Harper

Long before he made his MLB debut, Joey Gallo gifted the social media gods and fans alike with a glimpse into his past; and Bryce Harper’s as well.

The two grew up together in Las Vegas, Nevada and have been playing baseball since they were eight and nine years old. Also part of the group of potential MLB all-stars? Cubs’ standout Kris Bryant. Of course.

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