By Katie Banning
Gavin Rider’s first love has always been baseball.
From the time he was 11, you’d be hard‑pressed to find him without a ball in one hand and a glove on the other.
Now, seven years later, that early passion has carried him to the next big step. Gavin Rider, Bonners Ferry High School class of 2026, has officially committed to playing America’s Pastime at the next level, turning that childhood dream into a reality.
Coach Wolfe approached Gavin with an offer he couldn’t refuse. With a resounding “yes!”, Gavin committed himself to the Grace Christian University Tigers baseball team in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
During the 2024/2025 season, Gavin led the Badgers in strikeouts and innings pitched.
He spent the summer of 2025 in Puerto Rico playing with the Puerto Rico Independent Baseball League and followed that up with joining the Spokane Most Wanted 18U baseball team in Spokane, Washington.
During the off seasons, he spent his time training with River City Athletics.
The Tiger’s have a strong season a head of them with 40 games on the schedule.
September 24, 2026, will be the season opener for freshman, Gavin Rider and the Tigers of Grace Christian University on their home field at 1011 Aldon Street SW, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49509.
