



BACKSTRETCH



*AS
OF AUGUST
The Boise Hawks Sports Career Academy is a paid program for local Treasure Valley area college students in need of school credit. Members will receive a hands-on experience in the inner workings of a professional sports organization and will receive a season-long roatational experience of the different departments.
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After initially not securing a spot on the team’s starting roster in the spring, Hawks LHP Gavin Gorrell’s story took an inspiring turn. His relentless efforts and unyielding dedication to improving his skills earned him a place on the team by the start of the season. His story serves as a reminder of the power of perseverance and the impact of consistent hard work.
Gorrell’s performance on the field reflects his progress and growth. He’s appeared in 12 games, with 1 start to his name. His record of 4 wins and 0 losses demonstrates his effectiveness and his ability to contribute to the team’s success. As a reliever, his presence in the bullpen has provided a reliable option for critical moments.
Comparing this season’s stats to the previous year, it’s clear that Gorrell has made significant strides in various aspects of his game. His hits allowed, earned runs, walks, home runs allowed, and ERA have all seen marked improvements. These advancements underscore his commitment to refining his skills and becoming a more effective pitcher.
Gorrell’s collegiate journey, prior to joining the Boise Hawks, is equally noteworthy. As a member of the Boise State baseball team in 2020, he faced challenges when the program was cut after just three game appearances. Despite this setback, he continued to pursue his passion for the sport by taking his talents to Willmar and Wenatchee, demonstrating his resilience and his ability to adapt.
On the mound, Gorrell’s pitching style is marked by determination and focus. His impressive strikeout rate of 9.78 strikeouts per nine innings showcases his ability to generate swings and misses, making him a force to be reckoned with on the mound.
Gavin Gorrell’s journey from overcoming setbacks to earning his place on the team exemplifies the importance of never giving up on one’s dreams. His growth from season to season reflects his commitment to continuous Improvement, making him an asset to the Boise Hawks.
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Field Staff
#14 Gary Van Tol, Manager
#13 Michiel van Kampen, Pitching Coach
#18 Aaron Sutton, Hitting Coach
# 8 Ryan Bobo, Bench Coach
Jimmy Johnson, Director of Scouting
Shane Nelson, Athletic Trainer
Kailey Warren, Assistant Athletic Trainer
Coleman Evans, Mental Skills Coach
For the most up to date Boise Hawks roster, please scan the QR code.
Van Tol returns for his third season managing the Boise Hawks as an independent, his second stint after managing the Hawks in 2013 and 2014 as an affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Van Tol spent 10 years with the Chicago Cubs in player development as a minor league coach and was part of the organization’s historic 2016 World Series Championship. After coming within one game of winning the 2021 Pioneer League championship, six of his players signed with major league organizations prior to the 2022 season. With only one returning starter in the field and two starting pitchers from the 2021 Southern Division championship team, Van Tol patiently rebuilt the roster while enduring a 30-67 overall record last season. With 15 players returning for the 2023 season, Van Tol is excited to have a strong, experienced core back in the starting lineup to go along with high expectations of making it back to the Pioneer League championship series.
Baseball has also taken Van Tol around the world, a native of Pincher Creek, Alberta, he started his playing career at Treasure Valley Community College in Ontario, Oregon, earning Region-18 Second Team honors and finished his college career at Gonzaga University where he was All Pac-10 first team and third-team Academic All-America. Van Tol was a member of the Canadian National Team, competing in the 1991 Pan American Games in Cuba, the 1990 Goodwill Games in Seattle, the World Championships in Edmonton, Alberta and the 1989 Presidential Cup in Taipei, Taiwan. He finished his playing career with Levis Neptunus in Rotterdam, Netherlands, the 1993 Dutch and European Cup champions. He also worked for Major League Baseball as an envoy coach and assisted the Great Britain National Team in 1996.
Van Tol earned his bachelor and master of arts degrees from Gonzaga University. Gary and his wife, Christina, live in Boise and have four children; Gehrig, Amaia, Peyton and Gibson.
Michiel begins his third season as the pitching and strength coach of the Boise Hawks. Prior to the Hawks, Michiel was on Van Tol’s staff at Boise State University. Michiel’s connection to Van Tol started 27 years ago when Van Tol recruited Michiel to pitch for him at Treasure Valley Community College. The Haarlem, Netherlands native finished his college career at the College of Idaho were he earned his bachelor’s degree in international business and business administration.
Michiel returned home to start his professional career in the Dutch Professional League from 1998-2010. During that time he was a member of the Netherlands National Team, was part of six European Cups, four World Cups, three Intercontinental Cups, two World Baseball Classics and the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Michiel and his wife, Renae, who he met at Treasure Valley Community College, moved to Boise in 2010. They have two daughters, Skyler and Morgan.
Sutton returns for his second season with the Boise Hawks. His most recent coaching position was with the Minnesota Twins organization from 2020-2021 were he managed the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels, the Twins High A affiliate.
Before joining the professional ranks, Sutton was the head coach at Montana State University Billings, an NCAA DII program. There he set the school record for wins, and took the program to their first ever West Region tournament. He was named conference coach of the year twice and during his three-year tenure his teams broke over 100 conference and program records.
Sutton began his coaching career at Treasure Valley Community College in Ontario, Oregon. The Fruitland, Idaho native led the program to three East Region titles and was named region coach of the year three times.
Aaron and his wife, Kristin, live in Fruitland. They have two boys, Seager and Decker.
Ryan joins Van Tol’s staff for the 2023 season, his first in professional baseball. Bobo is currently in his 19th year as the head baseball coach at Skyview High School in Nampa, where he also teaches U.S. Government and A.P. Psychology.
Prior to Skyview, Ryan coached at Buhl High School in Buhl, Idaho winning the 3A Idaho State championship as an assistant in 2001. Ryan was the head coach at Buhl for three seasons. He has also assisted at Highland and Century High Schools in Pocatello.
Ryan graduated from Pocatello High School and played football at Idaho State University. Ryan has a 722-437 record as a head coach during his 23 years and has been awarded S.I.C coach of the year 6 times during his tenure at Skyview. Skyview has won six district championships and finished second at the state tournament twice under Ryan’s leadership.
He has two daughters, Aivry and Sydney.
Gary Van Tol MANAGER Michiel van Kampen PITCHING/STRENGTH COACH Aaron Sutton HITTING COACH Ryan Bobo BENCH COACHJimmy Johnson joins Van Tol’s staff for the 2023 season, as the director of scouting. Johnson brings over 50 years of professional experience to the Boise Hawks. Most recently, Johnson managed the Grand Junction Rockies during the 2021 season and played an intrigue part in helping the front office and coaching staff build the Rockies 2022 roster that won the Pioneer League championship.
Johnson signed his first professional contract with the Houston Astro’s in 1969 out of the University of New Mexico. A former infielder, Johnson played seven years in the Astro’s organization, compiling a .252 batting average in 577 minor league games. After his playing career, Johnson started his coaching career with the Astros. He was minor league manager for seven years and spent nine years as a coordinator. After 23 years with the Astros organization Johnson also worked in player development for the New York Yankees, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Colorado Rockies.
Johnson also has international experience coaching national teams in Prague, Czech and Beijing, China. He was the hitting coach for China in the 2017 World Baseball Classic.
Jimmy and his wife, Joanne, live in Phoenix, Arizona. They have been married for 52 years and have two sons, Jace and Josh.
Nelson returns for his third season as the Head Athletic Trainer with the Boise Hawks. Prior to joining the Hawks, Nelson came to Boise to help Van Tol build the baseball program at Boise State University as an assistant athletic trainer. Nelson began his professional career with the Chicago Cubs organization. He spent seven years with the Cubs, including two seasons with the Iowa Cubs at the AAA level.
He graduated from Central College in Pella, Iowa and is currently pursuing his graduate degree at Boise State. Shane resides in Boise with his wife Jackie. They have two dogs, Ollie and Oakleigh.
Kailey Warren is an Athletic Trainer with St. Luke’s Health System in Boise, ID. She functions as the Assistant Athletic Trainer for the Boise Hawks and oversees the Sports Medicine program for Boise State University Campus Recreation and club sports.
Warren is a graduate of Boise State University with a BS in Kinesiology and Exercise Science, and a MA in Athletic Training. She will be entering her second season with the Hawks where she assists in the day to day medical operations.
Coleman returns to the Boise Hawks coaching staff for his second season and will oversee the mental skills program. Prior to joining the Hawks, Coleman has served many roles at University of Kansas, Boise State University and Boise High School.
Coleman, a Nebraska native, is working towards an Educational Doctorate in Sport and Performance Psychology. He is currently working with the Idaho Steelheads during the off season.
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Hawks infielder, Trevor Minder, has become a cornerstone of the Boise Hawks roster as he enters his second year with the team. Primarily occupying the shortstop position, Minder’s skill set and dedication have earned him a respected spot in the lineup.
In his second year with the Boise Hawks, Minder has continued to impress both defensively and offensively. As a s hortstop, he is the anchor of the infield, exhibiting quick reflexes, a strong arm, and remarkable fielding abilities.
Offensively, Minder’s contribution is equally noteworthy. Through 67 games, he has amassed an impressive 65 hits, including 10 doubles, 1 triple, and 6 home runs. His ability to hit for power and find gaps in the defense highlights his well-rounded approach at the plate. With 39 RBIs to his name, he has shown the capability to deliver when the team needs it most.
Trevor Minder’s offensive capabilities extend beyond just power hitting. His speed on the basepaths, as indicated by his 3 stolen bases, adds a layer of versatility to his game. His ability to both hit for extra bases and create opportunities on the bases make him a potent asset in various offensive situations.
Before joining the Boise Hawks, Minder honed his skills at Tulane University, where he played college baseball for three years. This experience laid the groundwork for his transition to the professional level and equipped him with the tools to thrive in high-pressure situations.
With a batting average of .280, Minder consistently puts the ball in play and makes a significant impact in the Hawks’ lineup. His dedication to refining his skills and contributing to the team’s success is evident in both his offensive and defensive performances.
As Trevor Minder continues to build on his success with the Boise Hawks, his skill set, experience, and leadership on the field make him a player to watch. Whether he’s making highlight-reel plays from his shortstop position or driving in runs with his bat, Minder’s contributions are invaluable to the team’s aspirations. With a promising future ahead, he remains a vital asset to the Hawks’ roster.
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How long have you been working for the Hawks? This is my first season working here.
What is your favorite part of working here?
I really enjoy working with the other employees in the Box Office, they are all good quality people. All of the other Hawks employees are great, too.
What is your favorite food item here?
The french fries here are fantastic!
Best memory of working here?
For the past three years, I have been retired. So, coming here and getting back to work again will be a memory I won’t forget.
When you’re not here working, what do you like to do?
I love to travel! I also like to play with my dogs - I have four of them, so they keep me busy. I have my first grandchild on the way as well so family time is very important.
What is your favorite movie?
Anything Starwars!
Dream vacation spot?
Finland and Sweden. That’s where my relatives are from.
Keeping players on the field and inspiring all of us.
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Raymond Gil, a seasoned infielder, has become a vital component of the Boise Hawks lineup as he embarks on his second year with the team. Gil’s dedication to the game and his versatility on the field have earned him a prominent role, primarily at second base.
In his second year with the Boise Hawks, Gil has continued to exhibit remarkable performance both offensively and defensively. His consistency in the lineup and his unwavering commitment to his craft have solidified his reputation as a valuable asset to the team.
Offensively, Gil’s prowess is evident in his impressive statistics. With 76 hits, including 18 doubles and an astonishing 12 home runs, he has consistently shown his ability to hit for both power and extra bases. This season, he has driven in 45 runs, highlighting his ability to deliver in crucial moments and contribute to the team’s scoring efforts.
Gil’s role as a power hitter was established in his first year with the team when he led in home runs with 17. Remarkably, he continues to lead the team in home runs, showcasing his consistency in generating offensive firepower. His leadership in this category speaks volumes about his ability to consistently produce runs for the team.
Beyond his prowess in power hitting, Gil’s presence is also evident in his ability to create scoring opportunities. Leading the team in runs and doubles, he possesses the combination of hitting ability and base-running intelligence necessary to make a significant impact.
Raymond Gil’s journey to the Boise Hawks was preceded by his impressive performances in his home state of Florida. His collegiate experience, which included playing for the Miami Hurricanes and the Jacksonville Dolphins, provided him with a strong foundation and the skills needed to transition into the professional ranks seamlessly.
Defensively, Gil’s skill set at second base is equally noteworthy. His quick reflexes, reliable fielding, and strong arm contribute to the team’s solid defense up the middle. His consistency in making plays and turning crucial double plays makes him an essential component of the Hawks’ infield.
As Raymond Gil continues to make his mark with the Boise Hawks, his combination of power hitting, base-running finesse, and defensive stability make him a cornerstone of the team’s success. His experience and leadership on and off the field bode well for the Hawks as they pursue their goals in the minor league. With his consistent performance, Gil is undoubtedly a player to watch and a driving force behind the team’s achievements.
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Best baseball memory? The Oregon All-Star Series that I played in while I was in high school.
Spotify or Apple Music? Spotify.
What is your last liked song on Spotify? JETSKI by Internet Money, Lil Tecca, and Lil Mosey.
Describe yourself in three words: Quiet, humble, and creative.
Fun fact? I have a twin brother.
What advice would you give to a kid wanting to play professional baseball? I’d say just keep going no matter how it goes. You have to take the risk of giving it your all. #22
The communities we serve are the foundation on which Les Schwab built his business. That’s why we support our community by sponsoring sport activities. We believe it’s a great way for people to grow and develop the same sense of hard work and integrity that make our town, and Les Schwab, strong.
Where do you go to school and what year are you?
I’m going into my senior year at Boise State Univeristy.
What are you studying?
I am double majoring in Integrated Media and Strategic Communications and Spanish.
What made you choose the Boise Hawks Sports Career Academy?
I have always wanted to work in sports so I thought this would be a great opportunity to work and connect in the Boise sports community.
How has your experience been this season working with the Hawks?
It’s been really fun! I have loved getting to know the staff members here and being a part of game days.
What’s been your favorite part?
I’d have to say my favorite part has been having fun with my fellow interns and being able to learn along side them. I enjoy game days because they are very fast-paced and there is always something to do or learn.
What do you do outside of working with the Hawks?
I really love being outdoors and backpacking. Staying active is someting I like to do, so I go running and do CrossFit as well. Along with working for the Hawks, I also work in Boise Sate Athletics which has been a lot of fun.
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Favorite baseball memory? Playing in the College World Series.
Describe yourself in three words: Competitive, outgoing, goofy.
Pre-game rituals? Two scoops of pre-workout before the game.
Favorite vacation spot? Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Last show you binge watched? Suits.
Who on the team would you want to be stranded on a deserted island with? Kenny Oyama.
#6 EVAN KOWALSKI
RHP | Guthrie, OK