In 2007, Fauquier entered the Valley League and limped home their inaugural season with a 14-30 record, failing to make the playoffs. Just a year later, Fauquier took off, finishing the regular season with a 27-17 record before falling in first round of the playoffs to Covington.
One of the reasons for this turnaround was Ryan Gauck, the #9 hitter in the league. Ryan, a junior at Marist, was recognized as a second-team All-League outfielder after his 326/420/459 season. He chipped in 8 doubles, 2 triples, 2 home runs, and a 19/26 BB/K ratio. His .326 average was good for 10th in the league.
At Marist, Gauck hit 283/346/370 in 138 at-bats in his freshman year, with 7 doubles and a 13/25 BB/K ratio. In his sophomore year, he hit 280/376/447 with 15 doubles, 4 home runs, and a 23/31 BB/K ratio in 161 at-bats.
So while Fauquier's fortunes most likely did not turn on one player, Gauck certainly did his part to help change the Gators from missing the playoffs to one of the best teams in the league.
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