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Aug. 8, 2007

Thoughts and Prayers for Richie Gargel | Click here to submit your message

PHILADELPHIA - Temple University mourns the tragic death of sophomore baseball player Richie Gargel, who passed away on Wednesday afternoon after injuries sustained in a swimming accident while playing for the St. Cloud (MN) River Bats of the NCAA-sanctioned Northwoods League. He was 19 years old.

"The entire Temple University community is saddened by this tragedy," Temple Director of Athletics Bill Bradshaw said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Gargel family during this very difficult time."

A native of Brigantine, N.J. (Holy Spirit), Gargel appeared in 20 games as a freshman pitcher for the Owls in 2007. He struck out 26 batters in 30.2 innings.

"Richie was an outstanding baseball player and big part of the Temple baseball family," head coach Rob Valli said. "He will be sorely missed by everyone that came in contact with him."

"We were fortunate to have had him as a teammate and friend for this past year," Valli continued. "My thoughts and prayers are with Richie's family and we will continue to support them in any way we can."

Gargel was 1-0 in 8.1 innings pitched for the River Bats after joining the team on July 21. He won his final appearance on the mound on August 4, pitching five innings and allowing one earned run in an 8-4 victory over the Brainerd (MN) Blue Thunder.

"The St. Cloud River Bats family is deeply saddened by the death of Richie," River Bats Owner and General Manager Joel Sutherland stated. "He joined the team two weeks ago as an aspiring young pitcher with great skill and personal warmth for his teammates and fans. He will be missed by all."

Gargel was a three-year letterwinner at Holy Spirit and a three-time all-league and two-time South Jersey Non-Public selection by the Courier Post. He is survived by his parents Richard and Sherry, three sisters (Hannah, Breana, and Monica) and a brother (Harrison).

Funeral services are set for Tuesday, August 14 at St. Thomas Roman Catholic Church (331 8th Street South) in Brigantine, NJ beginning at 8 AM.