Frank Gailey is a Philadelphia native. He attended Archbishop John Carroll High School, and then went on to star at West Chester University. Gailey, a two-time Pitcher of the Year winner, is now coming home.

On Monday, the Phillies traded OF Ben Francisco to the Toronto Blue Jays for Gailey, a LHP, who split the 2011 season between Dunedin (A) and New Hampshire (AA). Gailey posted a 5-6 mark with a 3.41 ERA in 45 appearances last season.

Promoted to Double-A New Hampshire in May of last season, Gailey went 1-4 with a 5.70 ERA in 19 games for the ‘Cats. He appeared in one game against the R-Phils last season, and allowed a run on two hits over one inning on July 28 in Manchester, NH. The Philadelphia native posted his first career Double-A win on August 17 in Altoona.

The 5’9″ left-hander began the 2011 season with Single-A Dunedin, and excelled on the hill. He compiled an impressive 4-2 mark with a 1.84 ERA and two saves in 26 games.

For his career, Gailey is 23-15 with a solid 2.45 ERA in 175 appearances. He was originally selected by the Blue Jays in the 23rd round of the 2007 First-Year Player Draft.

Gailey, 26, pitched for West Chester from 2004-2007, and helped the Golden Rams earn their first bid to the Division II national semifinals in 2006. He was 24-9 in 59 appearances for West Chester and holds the school record in strikeouts with 242.

It will be interesting to see where Gailey starts the 2012 season. Wherever it is, I’m sure he’ll be able to have family and friends cheer him on.

The trade of Francisco opens up a spot on the Phillies 40-man roster (they are currently now at 39).