The 26-year-old rookie has had a rough journey to the big leagues.
Back in 2004, Gattis graduated from Dallas' Bishop Lynch High School and signed a letter of intent to play at Texas A&M. As we all know, more often than not, life doesn't go according to plans.
Evan Gattis didn't make it to college. He ended up in drug rehab and went through a long period of counselling for depression.
He made a decision to walk away from baseball.
He worked as a cook, valet, housekeeper and a ski-lift operator.
After 4 years away from the game, Gattis returned to Texas to play at the University of Texas-Permian Basin. He caught Atlanta's attention and the Braves selected him in the 23rd round of the 2010 First-Year Player Draft.
His journey took him to Class A Rome, Class A Advanced Lynchburg and Double-A Mississippi. Playing in the Venezuelan Winter League, the 6-foot-4, 240-pound catcher became a fan favorite and gained the nickname 'El Oso Blanco,' which translates to "The White Bear."
Gattis was summoned to The Show to fill in for catcher Brian McCann who missed the Braves’ first 30 games due to shoulder surgery.
'El Oso Blanco' has 10 home runs in his first 37 major league games! He’s homered 3 times in the last 4 games - twice as a pinch-hitter. On Wednesday, against the Twins, he cranked a grand slam!!
Behold “The Legend of El Oso Blanco” courtesy of Rob Jenners, a production director at 680 The Fan, the Braves’ flagship radio station:
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