Gilbert Signs Deal With Red Sox

By Mike Rosenberg
Staff Writer

Cal State East Bay baseball player Archie Gilbert signed a free
agent contract with the World Champion Boston Red Sox on
June 14.

Gilbert, who broke numerous school records, including runs, hits,
doubles, triples, and RBI, is currently playing for the Gulf Coast
Red Sox in Fort Myers, Fla., where the 2004 World Series champs
host their spring training.

“It’s a new stage to go through in my career; it feels all right,”
Gilbert said. “I can’t say it feels all that great because it is just
another step along the way, a new beginning. But it definitely feels
good to play at the next level.”

The right-handed centerfielder will have numerous stages to play
through before he gets to Fenway Park, where he could hear his
name pronounced in a more Boston-friendly “Ahchie Gilbaht.”
“I got a lot of stages to go through before I get to that level.

There’s a lot of work to go through … rookie ball, single “A” ball, high “A” ball. I haven’t really even thought about playing for a World Champion team yet,” Gilbert said.

Gilbert received numerous accolades after the Pioneers finished their season in May. The 5-
foot-7-inch, 165-pounder was selected as a second team Division III All-West Region member, and was named CSUEB Male Athlete of the Year on June 3, joining the women’s winner, volleyball player Nicole Brandt-Young.

Gilbert said that there is a lot of hard work and practice that needs to be done before he reaches
the highest level, starting with this summer’s league.

“I know how much work I have to put in before I can move up,” he assured. “You always have to work harder than the next person to succeed, because you know he is going to be working
hard, too.”

It should come as no surprise if Gilbert succeeds as a professional. During his four-year collegiate career at CSUEB, Gilbert was consistently sensational. He broke yet another school record as a junior when he recorded a 36-game hitting streak, and batted .386 as a senior.

His goal is to make it to the majors in four years, but he hopes to reach the big leagues as soon as possible.

“As long as you work hard, there’s no load too big to carry,” Gilbert advised. “As long as you put the effort in that you need, your dreams will come true.”