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Ex-Navy pitcher lives baseball dream

It was a summer job, but one Luke Gillingham wanted to do well.

One of the most-decorated pitchers in the history of the Naval Academy, Gillingham was drafted in the 37th round by the Toronto Blue Jays in June.

Knowing duty would call, the left-hander signed quickly and appeared in four games for Short Season-A Bluefield of the Appalachian League.

The Coronado High alum was 1-0 with a save and a 2.79 ERA. In 92/3 innings, he allowed eight hits, walked three and struck out 11.

But he left the team in late July to fulfill his military obligation.