From Berry reports
— Recent Berry College graduate Stephen Gaylor signed a professional baseball contract with the Atlanta Braves on Monday, August 11.
“This is a dream come true,” Gaylor said. “I’m really happy to get to play pro ball. I grew up a Braves fan, so to sign with them is extra special.”
Gaylor was signed as an undrafted free agent after concluding his collegiate career in May. A centerfielder, he hit .373 for the Vikings with a teamleading 25 stolen bases. In his final game he went 4-4 with four stolen bases and set a new career benchmark for stolen bases (89). He was a first team Southern Athletic Association selection in 2013 and 2014.
“I’m happy to welcome Stephen to the Braves organization,” said Brian Bridges, the team’s area scout. “Stephen has many of the tools to be successful in baseball: he’s a ‘plus runner,’ can hit and has a strong arm. But more importantly, he’s a high character guy and the right fit for the Braves.”
Gaylor will drive to Florida tonight and report to the Braves Gulf Coast League immediately. Following administrative responsibilities tomorrow, he could be in the lineup as early as Wednesday when his rookie league team faces the GCL Tigers.
“I’m so happy I transferred to Berry as a sophomore,” said Gaylor. “I’ve known Coach (David) Beasley for most of my life and he runs one of the best programs in the nation. I also appreciate my teammates and the staff and people at Berry College for a great college experience.”
Gaylor is the 32nd Berry alumni to play professional baseball. He is, however, the first Viking to sign since Berry made the transition to NCAA Division III.
“I’m so proud of Stephen and this could not happen to a better kid,” Beasley said. “In addition to his natural talent, Stephen is one of the hardest working players I have coached. Hopefully he does well in the 16 remaining games, and sets himself up well for spring training next season.”
Gaylor is a native of Rome, Georgia and graduated from Rome High School. There’s a good chance he could eventually play for the hometown Rome Braves.
Carter to manage design, construction of new stadium
— Carter, one of the nation’s leading real estate investment, development and advisory firms, today announced it will serve as program manager for the development of Valhalla, Berry College’s new athletic stadium. As the latest addition to the world’s largest campus of 27,000 acres, the project will be located south of Maple Drive, adjacent to Berry’s main entrance.
Berry, a private, fouryear liberal arts college near Rome, Ga., launched its football program in 2013 and is currently a member of the NCAA Division III Southern Athletic Association. The new facility will host the school’s football, lacrosse, and track and field programs. Construction for Valhalla, which will feature a synthetic track encircling a synthetic turf field, is scheduled to begin in fall 2014 and be completed by mid-summer 2015.
“We are proud of our involvement in the design and development of Valhalla, which we believe will provide Berry College with an athletic facility befitting of the school’s rich heritage and tradition of excellence,” said Todd Bradford, Carter Vice President. “The addition of top-level intercollegiate athletic programs, including NCAA football, marks an exciting time of growth for the Viking community.”
Valhalla’s name is a tribute to Berry’s mascot, the Vikings. In Norse mythology, Valhalla is an enormous hall where Viking warriors spend eternity, often depicted with twin towers and massive arched doors. The stadium’s entrance plaza will offer visitors concessions and other amenities. Additionally, on-site locker rooms will accommodate men’s and women’s home and visiting teams.
Grandstands at Valhalla will seat approximately 1,800. Guests will have access to gameday parking in the existing lots at the Steven J. Cage Athletic and Recreation Center.