Kirk Kittle Biography 

For the last two seasons, Kirk Kittle stood at the plate in a GateWay jersey, ready to face his opponent on the mound.  His goal?  Get that base hit, that walk, that sac fly or that RBI—anything to help his team in attaining the all-mighty win.  This season, the 23-year-old Gecko alum has a different objective in mind—to help influence and lead his former colleagues to success.

GateWay’s newly appointed assistant coach takes on a role that combines his 15 years of experience on the field with his passion for being a mentor.  The aspiring teacher is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education from ASU, and also foresees a calling as a baseball head coach.

“I enjoy working with kids and helping them progress. I like seeing them learn.  It’s rewarding,” Kittle says.  “Plus, I wanted to continue with baseball and be somewhere around baseball even after playing, especially in helping the program that helped me.”

Kittle suffered from a herniated disk in the fall of his sophomore year.  The back injury forced the Gecko catcher to sit out during the first half of the spring 2007 season.  He returned as the designated hitter upon recovery, and proceeded to bat .319 with 15 hits, 6 doubles and 10 RBIs. 

Head coach Victor Solis recognized Kittle’s talent and knowledge of the game, and asked him to join the coaching staff by the end of the season.  “He’s a hard worker, he’s a student of the game, he asks questions and knows there’s always more to learn.  And, his loyalty is something that is very important,” Solis says.