D-backs to face off against Wildcats, Chip Hale’s former college team

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Chip Hale finds himself in a unique position Tuesday, when he manages against the school he starred for as a player — the University of Arizona.

“It’s going to be fun,” the D-backs manager said Monday of the 3:10 p.m. game at Salt River Fields. “I still have a lot of great memories from there. It’s special and I’m excited for it.”

Hale played infield for the Wildcats from 1984-87 and was a member of the College World Series national title team in 1986. Hale is hailed as one of the best players to come out of UA, having started every game of his college career (255). He credits his teammates and former Wildcats coach Jerry Kindall for his success now.

“Without them, I wouldn’t have gotten here. No chance.”

One of Hale’s favorite memories from his time at Arizona was winning the national championship.

“In 1986 walking off with the crown against Florida State in Omaha was the pinnacle of it all,” he said.

The other was earning his degree in finance and real estate from UA.

“I was able to get my degree in four years and that was really important for myself, my parents and my family,” Hale said, “It helped me relax and be able to play pro ball without worrying about my future.”

Former Sun Devils Tuffy Gosewisch and Jake Barrett meet up with their old rivals from Tucson.

Gosewisch played four seasons for the Sun Devils from 2002-05 and was recruited by Arizona out of high school, but decided to play for Arizona State.

Barrett played three seasons for ASU, leaving after his junior year to enter the MLB Draft.

“They’re college guys, yeah, but we’re still going to go out there and play our best,” Barrett said. “But hopefully we can beat up on them pretty good.”