Jerry Gatto

Title

Former Baseball Head Coach

A Portland native, Jerry Gatto is a graduate of Central Catholic High School and the University of Portland, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in physical/health education (1961). He then obtained his master’s degree in counseling and guidance from Portland State University (1962). Gatto has worked on several committees for the Portland Interscholastic League (PIL), in public service and has devoted uncountable hours to preserving youth baseball. His belief in the youth of today as leaders for tomorrow is basis for his deduction.

Coach Gatto has committed 33 years to coaching young athletes in high school and at the collegiate level. In addition, he has spent many years working with American Legion, raising money to help athletic programs and giving back in so many ways. Jerry and his wife Carol continue to live in Portland. They have three children and six grandchildren.

A true Pio, Coach Gatto has accomplished the following over 45 years:

Head Baseball Coaching Timeline

Head Baseball Coach, Counselor and Athletic Director – Cleveland High School, Portland, Oregon - 1969-1980
Head Baseball Coach Lewis & Clark College, Portland Oregon - 1980-2002

Baseball Coaching Highlights

1979 Portland Interscholastic League title (PIL Baseball); State Semi-finalist
Four Area II American Legion Championships
L&C Coaching Record of 395-381-3
Three Northwest Conference titles – 1981, 1983, 1987
Five NAIA District II championships – 1981, 1982, 1984, 1987, 1990
1990 NAIA Area I Baseball World Series
Coached 57 All-Conference players

Recognition Coach Gatto Has Received

Northwest Conference Coach of the Year Awards - 1981, 1983, 1987-1990
Area (West Coast) Coach of the Year - 1990
Induction into the NAIA District II Hall of Fame - 1994
Milo Mesko Merit Award - 1994
Induction into the Cleveland High School Hall of Fame - 1995
AOBA Merit Award - 1994
Induction into the Lewis & Clark College Hall of Fame (and as a member of 1981 and 1990 Team Inductions) - 2002
NWC Meritorious Service Awards - 2002
Nike Sports Award – NW Star Academy Team - 2008
Oregon State High School Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame - 2011
PIL Athletic Hall of Fame - 2012

Other Roles Coach Gatto Has Held To Better Help Student Athletes

Organized and fund raised for team trips to Hawaii, Japan and Italy
President of PIL Coaches Association - 1976
President of Oregon High School Baseball Coaches Association - 1979
L&C Athletics Director - 1989-1991
L&C Athletics Development Director - 1992-2002
Member of NWC Coaches Executive Board - 1984-1992
Member of West Linn, Oregon Planning Task Force - 1999
Present – Member of L&C PAC Executive Board - 2000
Member of PIL Executive Board - 2004
Golf events – both local and regional
NWBC Baseball Coaches Convention
Baseball seminars; league sponsorship
Lecturer – Sport Motivation Seminars and student advising counseling resource consultant
Continues to come back to L&C each year to speak to the L&C Baseball team