Gordy Dillard

When he was called up by the Baltimore Orioles in the 1988 season, Alisal High graduate Gordy Dillard became only the third ball player in the history of the Salinas Valley to reach the major leagues. He made three appearances with the Orioles – two in relief and a start against AL champion Oakland Athletics. Dillard was later part of a package deal and traded to Philadelphia where he made two relief appearances for the Phillies in 1989. Overall, he had a six-year professional baseball career.

Dillard’s climb to the majors started with a strong high school career that culminated by being named to the California State All-Star game. He pitched for one year at Hartnell College going 9-1 and recording a no-hitter. Dillard eventually earned a full-ride scholarship
to Oklahoma State and pitched in the College World Series. He was drafted four times by MLB teams. He was selected by the Texas Rangers and Pittsburg Pirates in 1984, the New York Mets in 1985 and the Orioles in the 14th round in 1986. After going 7-5 with a 2.49 ERA with AA Charlotte and a 2.45 ERA with AAA Rochester, Dillard was called up by the Orioles at the age of 24.