Evan Gattis

I got my first look at Evan Gattis on Monday night. The Braves power-hitting rookie was a vital part of Atlanta's game-turning rally in the top of the 9th inning -- singling and scoring the first run -- as the Braves snatched a 2-1 win at Citi Field.
You might have heard his unusual story. A promising high school talent, he dropped out of college, and wandered the western US seeking spiritual guidance and a direction in life. It took four years for him to get it together, before he returned to school with a renewed interest in baseball. Drafted in the 23rd round by the Braves, he spent two years in Atlanta's farm system before catching everyone's eye this March in spring training. With catcher Brian McCann's slow recovery from surgery, Gattis opened the regular season in the Braves starting lineup -- and once McCann returned, he adapted well to playing in the outfield. The National League's Rookie of the Month in both April and June 2013, Gattis is taking his place in the Braves' core of home-grown stars alongside teammates Freddy Freeman, Jason Hayward and McCann.

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