All Summer Long: Kevin George

Posted: Aug 07, 2014

Note: Summer and baseball have always seemed to fit together perfectly. For fans of the game, summer is a time to enjoy the sights, sounds and atmosphere of America's pastime, but for college baseball players, it is a time for development. College players across the country, including members of the Santa Clara baseball squad, have already left for their summer experiences just weeks after finals as they begin preparation for the 2015 season.

After a much-improved 2014 campaign on the Mission Campus, Bronco ball players now occupy rosters throughout the nation in summer leagues that are helping them grow as players. Santa Clara is represented in twelve different leagues from the Bay Area to New England, while others play for independent teams. The "All Summer Long" series, in its fourth season, will chronicle the Broncos as they play in various summer leagues nationwide.

By Dylan Lynch '16

Athens, Ohio – After making 16 appearances on the mound for Santa Clara as a freshman, Kevin George is spending the summer playing in the Great Lakes League for the Southern Ohio Copperheads. As the summer season winds down, George discusses improving his consistency, dealing with Ohio weather and more.

After his first collegiate season pitching relief for the Broncos, George has made his mark on the Great Lakes League this summer, allowing three runs in 12 appearances for the Copperheads.

"I've been trying to improve on executing all of my pitches no matter the count," George continued "I'm also working to lower my walks and pitching to soft contact."

The rising sophomore from Casa Grande High School in Petaluma, California says that the adjustment to life in Ohio hasn't been all that difficult.

"Thunderstorms are a regular thing here so dealing with rain delays and lightning warnings is new for me. Thankfully, Athens turned out to be a great time with a lot of great memories."

George is thankful to have Bronco teammate, rising senior TJ Braff alongside him on the Copperheads and he also emphasized the importance of the fan support.

"My favorite part about Athens is how friendly the people are. They really love and support the Copperheads, which makes playing here great."

While playing for Southern Ohio, George and the Copperheads have been staying in an Ohio University sorority house on their own, which he says has been a blast but not too different from living on campus.

George has become well acquainted with the town, even finding a new favorite eating spot that could rival an old favorite, "one restaurant that I love is Sweeney's. A good friend of mine turned me on to it and I must say it's up there with In N Out."

With teammates spread out all over the country, George explains that the Broncos have had little difficulty staying in contact over the summer.

When asked if he's been keeping in touch with his teammates over the summer, George replied, "Of course I have been keeping up with my teammates, they're my family! We have a very focused group of young men on the field this year and we are constantly talking about being better and more focused than ever before."