The Region's Team Of Northwest Indiana

WHITING, Ind. -- Rory Gard, junior pitcher at Saint Joseph's College, from Schererville, Ind. has been grateful for all the opportunities he has got in his life.

"Coach [O'Dette] gave me a chance, I do not know why but he gave me a chance," Gard said.

Gard will join the Oilmen this summer very excited and ready to get some innings in.

"Coach [Rick O'Dette] reached out to me and told me to play for the Oilmen," Gard said. "I wanted to stay close to home and stay in a competitive league."

Gard said he has some goals he would like to accomplish this summer.

"Get some innings in, face some good hitting, throw my curveball more effective and getting better," Gard said. 

Ever since the age of three, Gard has been playing the game of baseball and still plays it now. 

"I started playing baseball at the age of three and played T-Ball, my dad was able to get me on the team," Gard said. 

Gard did not play high school baseball for Lake Central High School, instead he played for a travel ball team during his high school years with the Indiana Rippers.

Saint Joseph's College is closing its doors after this semester but good thing for Gard he has a back up plan.

"I am looking at IUSB, my sister goes there, it is a nice place and I get to play baseball," Gard said. "Best part about IUSB, all my credits will transfer over and I will still graduate in time."

Gard will look to bring more than experience with him to the Oilmen.

"I want to carry my positive attitude and show them a different approach," Gard said.