2025 Program layout - Flipbook - Page 6
Each homestand, the Isotopes will publish a Q & A with one of its players or coaches, hosted by Isotopes
broadcaster Josh Suchon. In this week’s edition, Suchon talks to 2022 First-Round draft pick Gabriel
Hughes, who made his Isotopes and Triple-A debut May 31 vs. Sugar Land.
Josh Suchon: You were born in Alaska and went to high
school in Idaho. When and why did your family move?
Gabriel Hughes: I was born on Elmendorf Air Force Base
in Anchorage, Alaska. And we moved to Idaho because my
dad was stationed at Mountain Home Air Force Base in
Mountain Home, Idaho. I moved to Idaho when I was about
two and have lived there my whole life.
Suchon: You went to college at Gonzaga. What were your
other options and why did you pick Gonzaga?
Hughes: Gonzaga was the 昀椀rst school I visited my
sophomore year of high school. I loved the academics,
the small school feel, staying in the Paci昀椀c Northwest.
I also loved the program and the coaching sta昀昀 and the
opportunity that I was going to get to play freshman year.
Suchon: If baseball had not worked out, what was plan B?
Hughes: Plan B was Medical school. Both of my parents are doctors. I have a degree in Biology and I
graduated with that in 2022.
Suchon: You were a two-way player for part of your college career. What led you to focus on pitching?
Hughes: I was a two-way my 昀椀rst two years of college, I played 昀椀rst base, DH’ed and pitched. I injured
myself hitting and sat down with my coaches after my sophomore year and we mutually agreed focusing on
pitching was the best course for my career, and obviously it worked out.
Suchon: You made your debut last Saturday, how did you evaluate your debut?
Hughes: I go back after each outing and look at how well I executed pitches. I executed a lot of pitches,
made a couple mistakes and paid for them. I’m going to learn from them in the future. It was a solid debut
but I’m excited to get back out there and improve.
Suchon: The scouting report Jesse Stender gave me was that you’re the nicest guy o昀昀 the 昀椀eld but an
intense competitor when its your turn to pitch. When does that competitor side turn on?
Hughes: That competitor part of me is just how I’ve always pitched. I’d say about two hours before the
game when I put the uniform on. That’s when the switch 昀氀ips on.
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2025 ALBUQUERQUE ISOTOPES SOUVENIR PROGRAM
