Late Bloomer Gallaher 'Not Close' To His Ceiling

Vinny Gallaher RHP / SS / Oregon Clay, OH / 2024

OREGON - With a father who was drafted and played rookie ball in the Braves’ organization, baseball has been something Vinny Gallaher has enjoyed being a part of with the idea of playing it for as long as possible.

“I’ve always been around the game,” the Clay High School incoming senior said. “I have two sisters that play softball at a high level and my dad was drafted. I’ve always known I wanted to play college baseball and beyond since I was a young age.

“Around eighth grade/freshman year I was able to keep up with the other great players and sophomore year I got my first phone call. After that I knew it could take off.”

That has been happening with visits already made to Toledo, Seton Hill, Findlay and Lake Erie, a trip to Central Alabama Community College ahead and ongoing talks with Eastern Illinois, Ohio University and Mount St. Marys.

“The recruiting has been a little stressful,” the 29th-ranked 2024 right-handed pitcher in the state said. “Me and my high school coach Jim Phillips have been talking with other coaches, Cory Valentine (summer coach with Bo Jackson) has put us in big tournaments, Jordan Cheiro (PBR Ohio Director of Scouting) put coaches in the stands at the Top Prospect Games and Alex Stefanelli (PBR Ohio Director of Social Media) has done a lot of tweeting and getting things out there for me.

“I’d like the recruiting process to go a little faster but I feel I’m in a good spot. I just wish more would come out, but that doesn’t always happen.”

With his game improving, additional interest is a strong possibility.

“I’ve always been considered a late bloomer,” Gallaher said. “Two summers ago I was 81 with my velo, last summer I was 85 and now I’m up to 89 in-game. My dad always reminds me it’s not where you’re at, it’s where you end up. I’m not sure of my ceiling, but I know I’m not close to reaching it.

“The biggest thing for me is my pitchability is improving. I’m taking advice from college coaches with my offspeed and working on getting it harder. I have one slider that’s 81 and another that’s 73. My fastball is very good. I have a four-seam that’s straight, a two-seam that runs and I also have a cutter. All are 86 to 89. My changeup, when it’s on, is probably my most elite pitch.”

The 14th-rated uncommitted 2024 right-handed pitcher in Ohio also has the potential to play in the field.

“With Division I it’s mainly pitching, but with D-II coaches I’m talking two-way,” Gallaher related. “My main thing is I want to pitch. I am a pitcher.”

PBR Ohio Director of Scouting Jordan Chiero sees a big future for Gallaher.

“I’m a big fan of Vinny,” Chiero said. “I think whatever school lands him is going to get a guy who can get the ball to start games on the weekend. One of my favorite types of prospects is an arm that develops velocity late because they’ve had to get outs their whole life without overpowering hitters. Now you’re seeing the velo jump to mid-to upper-80s, with more to come, and a high spin arsenal. Hitters have a tough time dealing with him.

Gallaher is hoping that adds up to a college commitment in the near future.

“I just need to trust the process, stay the course, hit the weight room and become more efficient,” Gallaher said. “I need to work on my flexibility along with my strength.”

There is no time table on making a decision for the 62nd-rated 2024 in Ohio, who has a visit with Central Alabama coming up at the end of the month.

“I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know I’m working hard on reaching my goal,” concluded Gallaher, who plans to major in business or education. “I’m ready, whenever the right fit comes.”