Peters Native Strives for MLB Opening Day Spot

graduate Jim Gallagher is making a push to earn a roster spot with the Chicago White Sox.

He attended Duke University and has been with the organization through its minor league system for his entire professional career.

The 6-foot-1 athlete has worked hard in the offseason and has added some muscle—now weighing in at 208 pounds (previously 195). He's a left-handed throwing first baseman.

Gallagher has had the opportunity to play in almost every spring training game this year. His best game was against the L.A. Dodgers on March 5, where he scored two of the team's four runs.

He’s competing to make a roster spot with two other players—Dan Johnson and Dallas McPherson, all of which are left-handed hitters and have experience playing first base.

In a March 5 interview with ESPN, White Sox manager Robin Ventura said,"You want everyone to do well at the plate, but there’s a lot that goes in to those last spots—like who plays defense, being able to move around to different positions, steal a base,” he said. “There are different positions, a lot of things they can bring to a team and lineup on any given day that you have to have some flexibility with them.”

During the same interview, Gallagher commented. 

“I feel I’m capable of being a part of this team,” he said. “I feel like I can play at this level and this is my opportunity to go out and prove it to them, and if I prove it to them and they feel like they’re ready to have me on the team then I’ll be pretty excited." 

If he indeed makes the team, the White Sox open its season against the defending American League champion Texas Rangers on Friday, April 6.

J.W. Stehle contributed to this report.