Gary Bolin played El Dorado summer league ball in Pee Wee, Midget, Junior and Senior Leagues. He played his first year as a shortstop but moved to 3rd base and remained there through senior league. His teams finished first or second each year in both league and tournament play. Gary was selected on the Skelly All-Star traveling team for three consecutive years (10-11-12 years of age).

Gary was the team captain his senior year in high school leading the team in defensive statistics. He played for El Dorado High School three years as a third baseman.

He played three years of American Legion baseball, 1959-1961 and was selected to play with the All-State American Legion team in 1961. Gary was selected as the Most Inspirational Player by his teammates and coach Dan O'Brien in 1961 an awarded a trophy for this accomplishment. He also coached a little league team that year.

In 1962, Gary was the third baseman for the El Dorado unite Cementers, a semi-pro team that advanced to the NBC tournament in Wichita, Kansas.