BEFORE PURDUE
• Pitcher and outfielder at Amarillo College, focusing solely on the mound in 2024 after slashing .283/.374/.576 with 15 XBH as a freshman
• Racked up 55 strikeouts vs. 24 hits allowed in 30 1/3 innings (16.3 K/9) as a sophomore
• Struck out 11 of the 20 batters he faced over four innings of one-hit ball in his most dominant performance for Amarillo
• Junior College All-Star Game selection
• Lettered for coach Eddie Cornblum, the father of alum Couper Cornblum (2023-24), at Midway High School in Waco
• Batted cleanup as a senior
PERSONAL
• Major: Selling & Sales Management
• Full name is Gabriel Diego Watson
• Born in Waco, Texas
• Parents are Gabriel & Irene Watson
• Family also includes older sisters Amanda and Ana
• Sister Ana played softball at Baylor
Purdue Personal Preferences
Favorite Pro Team: Atlanta Braves
Traditionally Roots Against: Los Angeles Dodgers
Favorite Athlete: Conor McGregor
Had the Biggest Impact on His Athletic Career: Ana Watson, Sister
Favorite Playoff Format: World Series
Favorite Pro Stadium: Chase Field
Favorite Field He’s Played at (Besides Alexander): Hodgetown Stadium, Amarillo, TX
Toughest Hitter for Him to Face Among Teammates: CJ Richmond
Current MLB Hitter/Pitcher He’d Like to Face: Jose Altuve
Funniest Teammate: Gavin Beuter
Current Teammate with the Best Baseball Instincts: Eli Anderson
Purdue Staff Member He Enjoys Strongest Connection With: Josh Newman
In His Favorite Playlist: Turnpike Troubadours
Would Love to See Them Play Purdue: Metallica
Favorite Multi-Media App: Youtube TV
Favorite Super-Hero Film: Iron Man
Show He Can’t Stop Watching: The Office
Favorite Video Game or System: Playstation
Favorite Month: September
Favorite Holiday: Christmas
Pick One – Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner: Dinner
Favorite Food: Tacos
Favorite Dessert: Oreos
Favorite Outdoor Activity: Fishing
Another Sport He Enjoys Playing: Boxing
Favorite Purdue Building: WALC
Favorite Big City: Dallas
Unique Travel Locale: Dominican Republic
Country He’d Like to Visit: Italy
Pick One for a Vacation – Beach, Mountains or Road Trip: Beach
Favorite Costume at the Alexander Halloween Bash: Eli Anderson as Forrest Gump
Favorite Thing About Alexander Field: Game Mound
Top Sports Moment Prior to Purdue: Opening Day at Hodgetown Stadium
Enjoyed this Professor’s Class: Kevin So, Hospitality and Tourism Management
Furry Friend: Husky
• Pitcher and outfielder at Amarillo College, focusing solely on the mound in 2024 after slashing .283/.374/.576 with 15 XBH as a freshman
• Racked up 55 strikeouts vs. 24 hits allowed in 30 1/3 innings (16.3 K/9) as a sophomore
• Struck out 11 of the 20 batters he faced over four innings of one-hit ball in his most dominant performance for Amarillo
• Junior College All-Star Game selection
• Lettered for coach Eddie Cornblum, the father of alum Couper Cornblum (2023-24), at Midway High School in Waco
• Batted cleanup as a senior
PERSONAL
• Major: Selling & Sales Management
• Full name is Gabriel Diego Watson
• Born in Waco, Texas
• Parents are Gabriel & Irene Watson
• Family also includes older sisters Amanda and Ana
• Sister Ana played softball at Baylor
Purdue Personal Preferences
Favorite Pro Team: Atlanta Braves
Traditionally Roots Against: Los Angeles Dodgers
Favorite Athlete: Conor McGregor
Had the Biggest Impact on His Athletic Career: Ana Watson, Sister
Favorite Playoff Format: World Series
Favorite Pro Stadium: Chase Field
Favorite Field He’s Played at (Besides Alexander): Hodgetown Stadium, Amarillo, TX
Toughest Hitter for Him to Face Among Teammates: CJ Richmond
Current MLB Hitter/Pitcher He’d Like to Face: Jose Altuve
Funniest Teammate: Gavin Beuter
Current Teammate with the Best Baseball Instincts: Eli Anderson
Purdue Staff Member He Enjoys Strongest Connection With: Josh Newman
In His Favorite Playlist: Turnpike Troubadours
Would Love to See Them Play Purdue: Metallica
Favorite Multi-Media App: Youtube TV
Favorite Super-Hero Film: Iron Man
Show He Can’t Stop Watching: The Office
Favorite Video Game or System: Playstation
Favorite Month: September
Favorite Holiday: Christmas
Pick One – Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner: Dinner
Favorite Food: Tacos
Favorite Dessert: Oreos
Favorite Outdoor Activity: Fishing
Another Sport He Enjoys Playing: Boxing
Favorite Purdue Building: WALC
Favorite Big City: Dallas
Unique Travel Locale: Dominican Republic
Country He’d Like to Visit: Italy
Pick One for a Vacation – Beach, Mountains or Road Trip: Beach
Favorite Costume at the Alexander Halloween Bash: Eli Anderson as Forrest Gump
Favorite Thing About Alexander Field: Game Mound
Top Sports Moment Prior to Purdue: Opening Day at Hodgetown Stadium
Enjoyed this Professor’s Class: Kevin So, Hospitality and Tourism Management
Furry Friend: Husky