Bill "Chief" Gayton

'15 Bill "Chief" Gayton

  • Nickname:
    Chief
  • Year:
    2015
  • Position:
    Infield
  • Team:
    Baseball
  • IHCC Years:
    1979-81
  • Career Highlights:
    NJCAA All-American • JUCO World Series All-Tournament • Drafted by Chicago White Sox • MLB Scouting Director, Padres, Diamondbacks

Gayton, known as "Chief" to almost everyone, produced two solid seasons for the IHCC baseball team, culminating in his being named to the all-tournament team at the JUCO World Series his sophomore season.  He was named a first-team All-American that year after batting .400 and setting new school records for homers (14) and RBIs (62).  One of a number of recruits who came to Indian Hills from Aberdeen, S.D., his hometown, Gayton was also chosen for the all-region and all-sub-regional teams after his sophomore campaign.  As a freshman, Chief hit .308 with 30 RBIs and was selected to the all sub-regional squad.  He was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 1981 MLB Draft and played three years of professional baseball.  Since ending his playing career, Gayton has had a long career in the professional ranks, including a stint as the scouting director of the San Diego Padres.  He is currently an advance scout for the Arizona Diamondbacks.