Brent Gates


Brent Robert Gates is a former Major League Baseball second and third baseman.

Playing career

Amateur

Gates attended Grandville High School in Grandville, Michigan, and the University of Minnesota, where he played for the Minnesota Golden Gophers baseball team. In 1991, Gates was named the Big Ten Conference Baseball Player of the Year, and was a member of the College Baseball All-America Team. After the 1991 season, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Hyannis Mets of the Cape Cod Baseball League.

Professional

Drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the first round of the 1991 Major League Baseball Draft, Gates made his major league debut with Oakland on May 5, 1993, and appeared in his final game on October 3, 1999.

Coaching and scouting career

Gates was head coach of the Grand Rapids Christian High School baseball team, leading them to two State Championships. and was a coach for the Class-A West Michigan Whitecaps during the 2001 season. He was the varsity baseball coach at Byron Center High School in Byron Center, Michigan through the 2018 season. Gates is based in Grand Rapids and is a professional scout for the Tampa Bay Rays.

Personal

Gates is married to Tiffany Gates and has 5 children: Taylor, Brent Gates Jr, Madison, Jordyn, and Brady. Brent Gates Jr. played hockey at the University of Minnesota and was drafted by the Anaheim Ducks. Gates' two younger daughters, Madison and Jordyn both committed to play Division 1 volleyball.