2016

In preparation for the 2016 season, the AirHogs franchise has inked 1B Austin Gallagher, formerly of the Joplin Blasters and Windy City ThunderBolts of the Frontier League. Gallagher batted .338 with a .435 OPB, 16 HR, and 63 RBI over 79 games with Windy City last season. A native of Lancaster, PA, Gallagher graduated from Manheim Township High and was selected in the 3rd round of the 2007 MLB Draft by the LA Dodgers. After playing for Dodger affiliates in the Pioneer, Midwest and California leagues, Gallagher made the transition to independent ball in 2013. He has spent time in Amarillo, Sioux City and Joplin in the American Association and has also been a part of the Atlantic League. He has hit .285 with over 300 RBI in his 9-season professional career.

Prior to 2016

Austin Gallagher begins his first season with the ThunderBolts in 2015. It is his ninth year professionally. He signed with the team on June 5, 2015. Gallagher's pro career began in 2007, when the Los Angeles Dodgers made him a third round selection in the Amateur Draft. He spent six years with the Dodgers, rising to high-A in four seasons. He appeared in 520 games in their system and hit .285 with 46 home runs and 302 RBIs. He had a .360 on-base percentage and slugged .430. Austin spent the next two seasons playing in three different independent leagues, including a brief stint in the Frontier League with Rockford. He attended Manheim Township High School in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.