(CINCINNATI, OH) Another former Northwoods League player has made his Major League debut. Former St. Cloud River Bats pitcher John Gaub appeared last night for the Chicago Cubs in their 12-8 victory against the Reds at Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati. The 6-foot-2 left-hander entered the game to start the seventh inning. His first batter was former Battle Creek Bombers outfielder Dave Sappelt, and Gaub struck him out swinging on five pitches. A Joey Votto ground out and a Jay Bruce fly out ended the 1-2-3 inning. Gaub returned for the eighth and had a tougher time. The 26-year-old faced three batters, retiring one, before leaving. Both base runners scored on reliever Ramon Ortiz giving Gaub a final line of 1 1/3 innings, one hit, two runs, one walk and one strikeout.
Gaub made eight relief appearances for the St. Cloud River Bats in the Northwoods League in 2004. He was 0-2 with a 2.53 ERA in 10 2/3 innings where he struck out 17 and walked five. His stint in the NWL was prior to his sophomore season at the University of Minnesota. The St. Paul native was selected in the 21st round of the 2006 MLB Draft by the Cleveland Indians. He was acquired by the Cubs prior to the 2009 season.
Gaub has spent most of three seasons at the Triple-A level for the Cubs, finally breaking through as a September call up this year. In 106 career appearances in Triple-A, Gaub is 8-9 with a 3.73 ERA. He’s struck out 153 and walked 81 in 115 2/3 innings.
Gaub is the 86th former Northwoods Leaguer to reach the Major Leagues and the 50th this season. He became the 14th former St. Cloud River Bats player to reach the big leagues, which is the most for any NWL franchise. Other former River Bats currently in the Majors include: Tom Gorzelanny (Nationals), Casey McGehee (Brewers), Chris Jakubauskas (Orioles), Jason Jaramillo (Pirates), and Steve Edlefsen (Giants).
The Northwoods League has more teams, plays more games, and draws more fans than any other Summer Collegiate Baseball League in North America.