GARY — Three-time All-Star Carlos Zambrano was one of the Chicago Cubs pitchers that Robbie Coursel admired the most while growing up.
So you can imagine Coursel's excitement when he took the same field as "Big Z."
Coursel, who is from Michigan City, and his Gary SouthShore Railcats opened the American Association season at the Chicago Dogs, the team Zambrano recently joined in his comeback attempt at age 37.
While he didn't pitch in a game that Zambrano played in, Coursel described the experience as "extremely cool."
He hopes to go up against Zambrano when the two teams meet again June 3 to 6 in Gary.
"It was kind of surreal seeing him out there on the field," Coursel said before Tuesday's home opener against the Sioux City Explorers.
Coursel, 25, was a junior at Michigan City High School and throwing at an indoor facility in Valparaiso when he caught the attention of Ralph Bufano.
Bufano, a longtime scout and hitting coach who worked in the past with the likes of Derek Jeter and Albert Pujols, offered him a chance to play at a higher level in Florida during his senior year.
Coursel, who had not been recruited up until then, jumped at the opportunity.
"He told me I have what it takes to play at the next level in college and professional so I kind of just took his lead," Coursel said.
Coursel graduated from Northeast High School in St. Petersburg, Florida, before playing baseball at St. Petersburg junior college and then Florida Atlantic, where he held opposing hitters to a .234 average and struck out 54 batters in 60 career innings.
He was drafted out of college by the Pittsburgh Pirates and spent one season in the organization. In 2018 he signed with the RailCats.
RailCats pitching coach Alain Quijano said Coursel has a very active mid-90s fastball and a devastating curve.
Quijano said for Coursel to move up the baseball ladder he will need to be more consistent with hitting his spots.
"We're just trying to make sure he's the best guy he can be while he's here," Quijano.
Just like any professional baseball player, Coursel would love to reach the big leagues. However, that is not one of his immediate priorities.
"My main three goals this season are to win games, to get better and to stay healthy and I think that will take care of the rest," Coursel said.
Gimenez grew up with Altuve
RailCats starting catcher Wilfredo Gimenez practically spent his entire childhood in Venezuela playing baseball with Houston Astros standout second baseman Jose Altuve.
The two still keep in touch during and after the season.
"Every time he sees me he’s like, 'Hey man, how are you doing? How long are you going to keep playing?' That kind of stuff," Gimenez said.
Gimenez, who was late to arrive for the RailCats' preseason due to issues obtaining a visa, also grew up with Milwaukee Brewers all-star first basemen Jesus Aguilar.
Since coming to the U.S to play professionally in 2009, Gimenez has caught several current major leaguers like Jose Urena of the Miami Marlins.
The RailCats' Edgar Corcino

The RailCats' Edgar Corcino
The RailCats' Robbie Coursel

The RailCats' Robbie Coursel
The RailCats' Edgar Corcino

The RailCats' Edgar Corcino
The RailCats' Evan Marzilli

The RailCats' Evan Marzilli, who is pictured on Tuesday, has drawn six walks in nine games and has a .371 on-base percentage after being released by the Cubs on March 23.
The RailCats' Randy Santiesteban

The RailCats' Randy Santiesteban
The RailCats' Edgar Corcino

The RailCats' Edgar Corcino
The RailCats' Wilfredo Gimenez

The RailCats' Wilfredo Gimenez
The RailCats' Wilfredo Gimenez

The RailCats' Wilfredo Gimenez
The RailCats' Randy Santiesteban

The RailCats' Randy Santiesteban
The RailCats' manager Greg Tagert

The RailCats' manager Greg Tagert
Gallery: RailCats vs Explorers

Gallery: RailCats vs Explorers

Gallery: RailCats vs Explorers

Gallery: RailCats vs Explorers

Gallery: RailCats vs Explorers

Gallery: RailCats vs Explorers

Gallery: RailCats vs Explorers

Gallery: RailCats vs Explorers

Gallery: RailCats vs Explorers

Gallery: RailCats vs Explorers

Gallery: RailCats vs Explorers

Gallery: RailCats vs Explorers

Gallery: RailCats vs Explorers

Gallery: RailCats vs Explorers

Gallery: RailCats vs Explorers

Gallery: RailCats vs Explorers

Gallery: RailCats vs Explorers

Gallery: RailCats vs Explorers

Gallery: RailCats vs Explorers

Gallery: RailCats vs Explorers

Gallery: RailCats vs Explorers

Gallery: RailCats vs Explorers

Gallery: RailCats vs Explorers

Gallery: RailCats vs Explorers

RailCats vs. Explorers

Lars Liguori pitches for the RailCats' Tuesday May 21, 2019 at the RailCats' home opening game against the Sioux City Explorers.
RailCats vs Explorers

The Explorers' Dean Green, right, walks back to the dugout after the RailCats' Randy Santiesteban gets an unassisted double play Tuesday May 21, 2019 at the RailCats' home opening game against the Sioux City Explorers.
RailCats vs Explorers

Lars Liguori pitches for the RailCats' Tuesday May 21, 2019 at the RailCats' home opening game against the Sioux City Explorers.
RailCats vs Explorers

The RailCats' Marcus Mooney trots into home for a run Tuesday May 21, 2019 at the RailCats' home opening game against the Sioux City Explorers.
RailCats vs Explorers

Lars Liguori pitches for the RailCats' Tuesday May 21, 2019 at the RailCats' home opening game against the Sioux City Explorers.
RailCats vs Explorers

The RailCats' Marcus Mooney tries a bunt Tuesday May 21, 2019 at the RailCats' home opening game against the Sioux City Explorers.
RailCats vs Explorers

The RailCats' Andy De Jesus breaks a bat Tuesday May 21, 2019 at the RailCats' home opening game against the Sioux City Explorers.
RailCats vs Explorers

Lars Liguori pitches for the RailCats' Tuesday May 21, 2019 at the RailCats' home opening game against the Sioux City Explorers.
RailCats vs Explorers

The RailCats' Colin Willis pulls in the ball for an out Tuesday May 21, 2019 at the RailCats' home opening game against the Sioux City Explorers.
RailCats vs Explorers

The RailCats' Marcus Mooney trots home for a run during the team's home opener Tuesday against the Sioux City Explorers.Â
RailCats vs Explorers

The RailCats' Marcus Mooney dives back to first to beat the tag by the Explorers' Dexture McCall Tuesday May 21, 2019 at the RailCats' home opening game against the Sioux City Explorers.